Clerk vs JumpCloud — Pricing, Plans, and Verified Costs (2026)
Clerk starts at $25/mo. JumpCloud starts at $19/mo. JumpCloud is $6/mo cheaper on the entry tier than Clerk.
Modern authentication platform positioned as the alternative to Auth0 for React and Next.js developers. Distinctive for pre-built UI components (SignIn/SignUp forms) that install in one line — you don't build auth UI from scratch. Free tier bumped to 50K MAU in Feb 2026 (industry-leading). Pro $25/mo includes 1 SSO connection (WorkOS charges $125/mo for the same). Business $300/mo. Popular with Series A/B React startups.
Open directory platform combining identity management (SSO, MFA), device management (MDM for Mac/Windows/Linux), and password management in one tool. Positioned as the SMB-friendly alternative to running Okta + Jamf + LastPass separately. Distinctive for supporting Linux devices natively (rare among MDM tools) and offering a free tier for up to 10 users + 10 devices. Priced modularly ($11-$25/user/mo) or bundled in Platform ($19) or Platform Prime ($25). Popular with 20-500 person tech companies without dedicated IT ops. $2.56B valuation (2021 Series F).
All plans compared
| Tier role | Plan | Clerk monthly | Clerk annual | JumpCloud monthly | JumpCloud annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free / starter | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Entry paid | Pro / Device Management | $25 | $20 | $11 | $11 |
| Mid tier 1 | — / Core Directory | — | — | $15 | $15 |
| Mid tier 2 | — / Platform | — | — | $19 | $19 |
| Pro / power | — / Platform Prime | — | — | $25 | $25 |
| Teams | Business / — | $300 | $250 | — | — |
| Enterprise | Enterprise / — | Custom | Custom | — | — |
Tier names differ across vendors. Rows are aligned by tier role, not name. Full tier structures on each tool's page.
What each is best for
Clerk is worth it if… js / React apps who want user management + social login + billing + orgs shipped in an afternoon — not weeks. Free tier covers up to 10K MAUs; Pro adds SSO, advanced features, and higher limits.
JumpCloud is worth it if… growing tech companies (10-500 employees) that need identity + device + password management in one tool — particularly if you're running Mac + Linux + Windows without dedicated IT staff. Free covers up to 10 users + 10 devices (real free tier); Core Directory adds unified identity for larger teams; Platform ($19/user) bundles everything (identity + MDM + apps + patching + password manager); Platform Prime ($25) adds 24/7 support and cert management.
Bottom line: Similar positioning, closer to a preference call than a strategic one.
Choose Clerk over JumpCloud if…
Choose Clerk if…
- You're comfortable with Clerk's from $25/mo entry point.
- You match the profile Clerk is built for: the auth-as-a-service for developers building Next.
- You need a general-purpose developer & infrastructure option rather than a vertical-specific one.
Choose JumpCloud if…
- You're comfortable with JumpCloud's from $19/mo entry point.
- You match the profile JumpCloud is built for: growing tech companies (10-500 employees) that need identity + device + password management in one tool — particularly if you're running Mac + Linux + Windows without dedicated IT staff.
- You need a general-purpose developer & infrastructure option rather than a vertical-specific one.
At a glance
| Clerk | JumpCloud | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Entry price | $25/mo | $19/mo |
| Enterprise available | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | — | — |
| Verification | Verified July 28, 2026 | Pricing under review |
| Full pricing | View full pricing | View full pricing |
Pricing last verified September 26, 2026. Tracked daily.