When it comes to choosing an authentication provider, businesses have several options. This comparison of Auth0, Okta, Cognito, SuperTokens, and other tools will help you make an informed decision based on key features, pricing, limitations, and when to use each solution.
Table of Contents
SuperTokens
SuperTokens is an open-source authentication solution designed for developers who want flexibility and control over their authentication flow.
Key Features
- Open-source and self-hosted
- Easy integration with frontend and backend frameworks
- Support for various authentication methods including email/password, social login, and passwordless
- Granular control over sessions and JWTs
- Advanced security features like anti-CSRF and token theft detection
Pricing
SuperTokens offers a free open-source version. For managed services, pricing starts at $25 per month for the Pro plan, which includes features like managed hosting, priority support, and custom domain support. Enterprise pricing is available on request and includes additional features such as SLA, dedicated support, and custom SLAs.
Limitations
- Support for a limited number of backend languages and frameworks.
- Limited integrations compared to some commercial solutions
When to Use It
Use SuperTokens if you need a flexible, open-source solution with strong session management and advanced security features, and are comfortable managing your own infrastructure.
Okta
Okta is a comprehensive identity management solution designed for large enterprises needing advanced features and integrations.
Key Features
- Robust single sign-on (SSO) capabilities
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Lifecycle management for users
- API access management
- Extensive integration ecosystem
Pricing
Okta’s pricing is tiered:
- Workforce Identity: Starts at $2 per user per month for single sign-on. Advanced features like MFA and lifecycle management are available at higher tiers.
- Customer Identity: Starts at $23 per month for 1,000 MAUs. Advanced features like adaptive MFA and API access management are priced higher.
Limitations
- Can be expensive for small businesses
- Complex setup and configuration for advanced features
When to Use It
Use Okta if you are a large enterprise requiring extensive integrations, robust security features, and comprehensive identity management.
Keycloak
Keycloak is an open-source identity and access management solution aimed at developers who need customizability and control.
Key Features
- Open-source and self-hosted
- SSO and identity brokering
- Supports OAuth2, OpenID Connect, and SAML
- User federation and social login
- Admin console for user and role management
Pricing
Keycloak is free to use as it is open-source. Costs are associated with hosting and maintenance, which can vary depending on the infrastructure and scale.
Limitations
- Requires self-hosting and management
- Steeper learning curve for setup and configuration
When to Use It
Use Keycloak if you need a customizable, open-source solution with comprehensive SSO and identity brokering capabilities, and have the resources to manage it.
Cognito
Amazon Cognito is a cloud-based authentication service designed to integrate seamlessly with AWS services.
Key Features
- User sign-up, sign-in, and access control
- Social and enterprise identity federation
- Secure access to AWS resources
- Advanced security features like adaptive authentication
- Integration with AWS ecosystem
Pricing
Cognito offers a free tier with limited usage:
- Free Tier: 50,000 MAUs
- Beyond Free Tier: $0.0055 per MAU, plus additional charges for advanced security features and federation options
Limitations
- Tied closely to the AWS ecosystem
- Limited customization compared to some alternatives
When to Use It
Use Cognito if you are heavily invested in the AWS ecosystem and need a scalable authentication solution with strong integration with AWS services.
Overall comparison of authentication providers
| Feature | SuperTokens | Auth0 | AWS Cognito | Keycloak | Firebase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $$ / Free | $$$$$$ | Free | $$ | $$ |
| User Satisfaction | High | Medium | Low | Low | High |
| Ease of UI and backend customizability | Easy | Medium | High | High | High |
| Size of the company offering services | Startup | Enterprise | Enterprise | Enterprise | Enterprise |
| Company provided support for free tiers | High | Low | Low | None | Medium |
| Self hostable | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Open Source | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
| Managed Service | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Supported Cloud Providers | All | All | AWS | All | GCP |
| Compliance (SOC2, GDPR) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Self hosted | Yes |
| User management dashboard | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Passwordless login (email + phone no) | Yes | Yes | Partial | Yes | Yes |
| Social and Email Password login | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Open ID connector | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SAML Login | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Unified login | Partial | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| External Database | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| SLA guarantees | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Not Known |
| 2FA / MFA | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Partial |
| Roles and permissions | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Web3 login | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Machine to machine | Partial | Yes | Yes | Yes | Partial |
| Multi tenancy | Yes | Yes | Limit to 4 | Yes | Yes |
| Cookie based session management (Out of the box) | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Customize Emails and SMS | Yes | Yes | Partial | Partial | Partial |
For more details, you can visit the SuperTokens Pricing page.
What to Look for in an Auth0 Alternative?
When choosing an alternative to Auth0, consider the following factors:
Factor 1: Integration and Ecosystem Compatibility
Ensure the solution integrates well with your existing tech stack and supports the identity providers and protocols you need.
Factor 2: Customizability and Control
Evaluate the level of customization and control you require over the authentication process and user data.
Factor 3: Pricing and Scalability
Consider your budget and the solution’s ability to scale with your user base and feature requirements.
Conclusion
Choosing the right authentication solution depends on your specific needs, including integration requirements, control over authentication processes, and budget constraints. SuperTokens, Okta, Keycloak, and Cognito each offer unique strengths, so evaluate them based on your priorities to find the best fit for your organization.