7 Open Source Alternatives to Clerk

A list of 7 carefully selected open-source alternatives to Clerk.

Adrian
Created by
Adrian
Mar 9, 2025Updated8 min read

The open-source alternatives are ranked based on our custom ranking system and score. This system takes into account various factors to determine the best alternatives.

If you’re looking for alternative features or workflows, here is a prepared detailed list of Clerk open-source alternatives — each with its own distinctive strengths and key features.

#1
BoxyHQ logo

BoxyHQ

1,970
170

BoxyHQ streamlines web application authentication with its enterprise-grade Single Sign-On (SSO) and Directory Sync solutions. Utilizing SAML, OpenID Connect, and SCIM 2.0 protocols, it enables rapid, secure, and compliant user management.

BoxyHQ screenshot

Key Features

  • Enterprise SSO with SAML and OpenID Connect support
  • Automated Directory Sync via SCIM 2.0
  • Rapid integration reducing development time
  • Customizable add-ons including branding and SIEM integration
  • Flexible deployment: SaaS and self-hosted options

BoxyHQ provides a comprehensive suite of security building blocks designed to accelerate time-to-market while ensuring robust protection. Its Jackson SSO tool supports SAML and OIDC protocols for seamless authentication, and its Directory Sync automates user and group provisioning using SCIM 2.0. The platform offers easy integration, customizable add-ons, and both SaaS and self-hosted deployment options to fit diverse enterprise needs.

#2
SuperTokens logo

SuperTokens

13,910
565

SuperTokens is an open source user authentication solution that provides a secure, scalable alternative to Auth0, Firebase Auth, and AWS Cognito. It empowers developers to integrate robust user authentication quickly with prebuilt UI components and flexible APIs.

SuperTokens screenshot

Key Features

  • Prebuilt and customizable UI for fast setup
  • Support for email-password, social, and passwordless authentication
  • Seamless integration with 25+ frameworks
  • Robust session and user management with RBAC support
  • Flexible deployment: open source self-hosted or cloud managed service
  • Easy migration from Auth0 and similar providers
  • Predictable pricing with free open source core

SuperTokens offers comprehensive authentication features with support for email-password, social logins, and passwordless login methods such as magic links and OTPs. Built for rapid integration, it works seamlessly with over 25 frameworks and provides robust session management, user management dashboards, and customizable flows. Its unique architecture ensures easy migration from existing auth providers and reduces overall costs while maintaining high security and reliability.

#3
Ory logo

Ory

11,587
977

Ory is a headless, cloud-native authentication and identity management platform written in Go that scales to support a billion+ users. It replaces traditional IAM solutions with a flexible, modern stack that enhances both user and developer experiences.

Ory screenshot

Key Features

  • Headless, cloud-native IAM solution built in Go
  • Supports passkeys, social sign-in, OIDC, Magic Link, MFA, SMS, SAML, TOTP, and more
  • Multiple deployment models: Self-hosted, Enterprise Support, Enterprise License, and Ory Network
  • Exceptional scalability built to handle billions of users
  • Enhanced customization and comprehensive visibility for tailored user experiences

Ory offers a modular approach to identity management with extensive support for standards like OIDC, SAML, TOTP, and more. Its platform enables various deployment models including self-hosted open source, enterprise support, enterprise licensing, and the Ory Network. Designed for high scalability and uninterrupted performance, Ory provides comprehensive customization and integration capabilities that meet evolving security and UX requirements.

#4
Authentik logo

Authentik

15,196
1,028

Authentik is a self-hosted, open source identity provider that empowers organizations to take control of their authentication processes. It offers flexible, scalable, and secure solutions for both internal and customer-facing applications.

Authentik screenshot

Key Features

  • Self-hosted and open source with complete control over identity data
  • Supports modern protocols: OAuth2, SAML2, LDAP, SCIM, RADIUS, and Kerberos
  • Customizable workflows and pre-built authentication templates
  • Robust APIs for automation and seamless integration
  • Facilitates secure SSO, MFA, and Zero Trust security implementations
  • Easily deployable on Docker, Kubernetes, and via Terraform

Authentik delivers a comprehensive identity solution by supporting a wide range of protocols including OAuth2, SAML2, LDAP, SCIM, RADIUS, and Kerberos. It simplifies implementation with pre-built workflows, customizable authentication templates, and robust APIs for seamless integration with modern infrastructures like Docker, Kubernetes, and Terraform. The tool enables secure Single Sign-On, Multi-factor Authentication, Conditional Access, and Zero Trust security, all managed through transparent, community-reviewed open source code.

#5
Hanko logo

Hanko

7,711
948

Hanko is an advanced open source authentication and user management solution built for the passkey era. It offers a robust, secure, and flexible framework that seamlessly integrates modern passkey technology along with traditional methods such as passwords and 2FA.

Hanko screenshot

Key Features

  • Open source with no vendor lock-in
  • Supports modern passkeys, 2FA, and SSO
  • Embeddable, framework-agnostic web components
  • Customizable styling and integration options
  • Scalable solution with cost-effective plans for startups

Hanko provides embeddable components and APIs that enable developers to integrate secure user authentication quickly. Supporting a range of login methods—from passwordless with passkeys to optional passwords and social-only logins—Hanko adapts to your needs, delivering modern security with minimal integration effort. Its open source nature ensures you retain full control and flexibility, whether using the cloud or self-hosting.

#6
Logto logo

Logto

9,619
500

Logto is an open‐source identity and access management infrastructure that simplifies authentication and authorization for applications of all sizes. It provides features like multi-factor authentication, single sign-on, user management, and multi-tenancy with support for OAuth 2.0, OIDC, and SAML, making it ideal for both consumer apps and enterprise products.

Logto screenshot

Key Features

  • Comprehensive IAM covering both authentication and authorization
  • Supports OAuth 2.0, OIDC, and SAML with no framework restrictions
  • Includes password, passwordless, social sign-in, and MFA options
  • Offers enterprise SSO and multi-tenancy through organizations
  • Open-source, self-hostable, and community-driven with robust security

Logto empowers developers to integrate secure and flexible identity solutions in minutes. The tool offers a comprehensive suite that includes password and passwordless authentication, social sign-in, MFA, enterprise SSO, and organizational features for multi-tenant apps. With seamless integration into over 20 modern frameworks, Logto enables you to build scalable and secure authentication workflows while focusing on core business logic.

#7
UnKey logo

UnKey

4,553
546

UnKey is an open source API management platform that empowers developers to build better APIs faster. It simplifies API security, authentication, and analytics, providing robust tools to manage API keys, rate limiting, and usage tracking in a scalable and secure environment.

UnKey screenshot

Key Features

  • Quick API key integration with one-way hashing
  • Configurable and enforced rate limiting
  • Real-time usage analytics and dashboard
  • Comprehensive SDK support for multiple languages
  • Multi-cloud compatibility with global low latency
  • Role-based access control and proactive security features
  • Audit logs and IP whitelisting for enhanced compliance
  • Automatic key expiration and usage limits per key
  • Vercel integration for streamlined deployments

UnKey redefines API management by offering a streamlined solution to quickly add API keys, enforce rate limits, and monitor usage analytics. With support for various languages and frameworks, comprehensive SDKs, and an intuitive REST API, it ensures global low latency and strong security through features like one-way hashed keys, IP whitelisting, and audit logs. Designed for both API-first and UI-first approaches, UnKey offers multi-cloud compatibility and proactive protection measures.

Price comparison of Clerk open-source alternatives

ToolTier 1Tier 2Tier 3Details
BoxyHQ logo
BoxyHQ
$49
Single Sign-On (SSO)
$49
Directory Sync
-Learn more
SuperTokens logo
SuperTokens
$0
Self-hosted
$0.02
Cloud Managed Service
-Learn more
Authentik logo
Authentik
$0
Open Source
$5
Professional
$20000
Enterprise
Learn more
Hanko logo
Hanko
$29
Startup Plan
--Learn more
Logto logo
Logto
$0
Free
$16
Pro
-
Enterprise
Learn more

* Pricing shown is based on publicly available information and may not reflect current rates. Visit each tool's website for detailed pricing information and additional tiers.

About Clerk

Clerk is a brand that is proudly designed and engineered by developer tools enthusiasts. Their mission is to solve user management so that developers can focus on their core business without reinventing the wheel. With Clerk, you can easily add authentication to your application in minutes instead of months using their fully-featured UIs and simple APIs. Clerk believes in integrative solutions and ensures that their components work seamlessly in any stack, allowing you to build faster. They prioritize security and are SOC 2 type certified, GDPR & CCPA compliant, conducting regular third-party audits and pen testing. Funded by industry-leading investors such as Madrona, Andreessen Horowitz, and S28 Capital, Clerk has a strong backing and credibility. Their team consists of bold entrepreneurs and pioneers in the technology industry. You can start using Clerk now with no strings attached, as they offer a completely free plan for up to 5,000 monthly active users and 10 monthly active organizations. You can also explore their transparent per-user pricing to estimate potential cost savings for your company. Stay updated on the latest news and updates from Clerk by subscribing to their newsletter.
This comparison data was compiled with AI assistance.
Clerk logo

Clerk

The easiest way to add authentication and user management to your application. Purpose-built for React, Next.js, Remix, and “The Modern Web”.

Founded

2019

Employees

51

Location

San Francisco, United States

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