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Updated May 2, 2026Auth Comparison

WorkOS vs Clerk Comparison

A detailed comparison of WorkOS and Clerk.

W

WorkOS

Your app, Enterprise Ready.

Primary Task

B2B Auth

Pricing

Freemium

Key Features

  • SSO
  • Directory Sync
  • Audit Logs
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C

Clerk

The most comprehensive User Management Platform.

Primary Task

User Auth

Pricing

Freemium

Key Features

  • Embeddable UIs
  • Multi-session
  • Bot Protection
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At a Glance

FeatureWorkOSClerk
Primary TaskB2B AuthUser Auth
Pricing ModelFreemiumFreemium
Founded20202019
User LimitsN/AN/A
B2B/B2C FocusN/AN/A
MFAN/AN/A
Social LoginN/AN/A
SDK SupportN/AN/A

Pros & Cons

W

WorkOS

Strengths

  • Built for B2B
  • Enterprise SSO focus
  • Developer-friendly

Limitations

  • B2B focus may be overkill for B2C
  • Pricing can add up
  • Newer in market
C

Clerk

Strengths

  • Drop-in UI components
  • Great DX
  • Multi-session support

Limitations

  • Expensive at scale
  • Less customizable UI
  • Vendor lock-in
Final Decision

The Verdict

Both tools are excellent. Here's how to choose the right one for your project.

W

Choose WorkOS

Best for

  • Strong SSO capabilities
  • Freemium pricing model
  • B2B Auth workflows
C

Choose Clerk

Best for

  • Embeddable UIs focused projects
  • Freemium approach
  • User Auth use cases

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between WorkOS and Clerk?

WorkOS is primarily a B2B Auth, while Clerk is focused on User Auth. Your app, Enterprise Ready. The most comprehensive User Management Platform.

Is WorkOS open source?

No, WorkOS is a commercial product with a freemium model.

Is Clerk open source?

No, Clerk is a commercial product with a freemium model.

Which is better for Auth?

It depends on your specific needs. WorkOS is often chosen for its sso capabilities, while Clerk is popular for its embeddable uis features.