Clerk vs WorkOS — Pricing, Plans, and Verified Costs (2026)
Clerk starts at $25/mo. WorkOS starts at $125/mo. Clerk is $100/mo cheaper on the entry tier than WorkOS.
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.
Enterprise-ready authentication + user management, positioned as the alternative to building SSO/SCIM/directory sync from scratch. Distinctive per-connection pricing model — $125/mo per SSO connection (vs Clerk's bundled 1 free SSO on Pro). AuthKit free for first 1M users. Popular with B2B SaaS that need to close enterprise deals requiring SAML, SCIM, and audit logs — the "unlock enterprise revenue" tool.
All plans compared
| Tier role | Plan | Clerk monthly | Clerk annual | WorkOS monthly | WorkOS annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free / starter | Free / AuthKit Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Entry paid | Pro / SSO | $25 | $20 | $125 | $125 |
| Mid tier | — / Directory Sync | — | — | $125 | $125 |
| Pro / power | — / Audit Logs | — | — | $125 | $125 |
| Teams | Business / — | $300 | $250 | — | — |
| Enterprise | Enterprise / Custom Domains | Custom | Custom | $99 | $99 |
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.
WorkOS is worth it if… B2B SaaS companies (Series A-Series D) that need to add enterprise features (SSO, SCIM, audit logs, admin portal) to their product — particularly to close enterprise deals that require SAML/OIDC. Startup tier covers small SaaS; Enterprise for high-volume with custom pricing.
Bottom line: Similar positioning, closer to a preference call than a strategic one.
Choose Clerk over WorkOS 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 WorkOS if…
- You're comfortable with WorkOS's from $125/mo entry point.
- You match the profile WorkOS is built for: B2B SaaS companies (Series A-Series D) that need to add enterprise features (SSO, SCIM, audit logs, admin portal) to their product — particularly to close enterprise deals that require SAML/OIDC.
- You need a general-purpose developer & infrastructure option rather than a vertical-specific one.
At a glance
| Clerk | WorkOS | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Entry price | $25/mo | $125/mo |
| Enterprise available | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | — | — |
| Last verified | September 15, 2026 | September 15, 2026 |
| Full pricing | View full pricing | View full pricing |
Pricing last verified September 15, 2026. Tracked daily.