Authentication · Updated 2026
Quick Verdict
Choose Supabase Auth if you are building a general-purpose web or mobile app and want a free, open-source, and integrated auth backend. Choose WorkOS if you are a B2B SaaS company that needs to sell to large enterprises and requires compliant, enterprise-ready features like SSO and SCIM.
Supabase Auth is a free, open-source authentication system deeply integrated with a PostgreSQL database, ideal for general application development. WorkOS is a paid, API-first platform focused on providing enterprise-specific features like SAML/SSO, MFA, and directory sync for B2B SaaS. Their core difference is target audience: Supabase serves developers building applications, while WorkOS serves companies selling to other businesses that have strict IT and compliance requirements.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Supabase Auth | WorkOS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free tier with generous limits | Paid, starting at $99/month |
| Ease of Use | Simple for developers, integrated with Supabase suite | Developer-friendly APIs for complex enterprise workflows |
| Scalability | Scales with PostgreSQL, suitable for most applications | Built for scaling to meet enterprise security and compliance demands |
| Integrations | Social logins, email/password; part of larger Supabase ecosystem | SAML/OIDC IdPs, SCIM, HRIS systems, enterprise directories |
| Open Source | Yes | No |
| Best For | General web/mobile apps, startups, indie projects | B2B SaaS targeting enterprise customers |
Choose Supabase Auth if...
Supabase Auth is the better choice when you need a full-featured, free auth system for a new project and value open-source transparency and PostgreSQL integration. It's ideal for startups, indie developers, or internal tools where enterprise SSO is not a primary requirement.
Choose WorkOS if...
WorkOS is the better choice when your primary goal is to enable enterprise sales by integrating with corporate identity providers (like Okta, Azure AD) via SAML/SCIM. It's essential for B2B SaaS companies that need to meet enterprise security, compliance, and user provisioning demands.
Product Details
Supabase Auth
A complete, open-source authentication and user management system for web and mobile apps.
Pricing
Free
Best For
Developers and teams building modern web or mobile applications who want a powerful, PostgreSQL-native, and open-source authentication backend.
Key Features
Pros
- + Deeply integrated with PostgreSQL and Supabase's real-time/DB tools
- + Generous free tier and transparent, usage-based pricing
- + Open-source and can be self-hosted for full control
Cons
- - Primarily designed for the Supabase ecosystem, less ideal as a standalone service
- - Advanced configuration and self-hosting require deeper DevOps knowledge
- - Fewer built-in enterprise features (like SSO) on lower tiers compared to some competitors
WorkOS
Provides enterprise-ready infrastructure like Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and directory sync for B2B SaaS applications.
Pricing
$99/mo
Best For
B2B SaaS companies that need to sell to enterprise customers and require secure, compliant authentication and user provisioning integrations.
Key Features
Pros
- + Drastically reduces development time for enterprise integrations
- + Clean, well-documented API and developer experience
- + Handles the complexity of multiple identity provider protocols
Cons
- - Pricing can become significant at high user volumes
- - Primarily focused on B2B use cases, less ideal for B2C
- - Some advanced features require higher-tier plans