GitHub vs WorkOS — Pricing, Plans, and Verified Costs (2026)
GitHub starts at $4/mo. WorkOS starts at $125/mo. GitHub is $121/mo cheaper on the entry tier than WorkOS.
The dominant developer platform (source control + code review + CI/CD + package registry), owned by Microsoft ($7.5B acquisition, 2018). Positioned as the alternative to GitLab and Bitbucket for the vast majority of open-source and enterprise software teams. Distinctive for its Copilot AI product ($10-$39/user/mo) that became Microsoft's fastest-growing AI SKU. Priced free (unlimited public + private repos) up to $21/user/mo Enterprise. Real cost bloat: GitHub Actions minutes and Copilot seats scale with team activity.
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 | GitHub monthly | GitHub annual | WorkOS monthly | WorkOS annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free / starter | Free / AuthKit Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Entry paid | — / SSO | — | — | $125 | $125 |
| Mid tier | — / Directory Sync | — | — | $125 | $125 |
| Pro / power | — / Audit Logs | — | — | $125 | $125 |
| Teams | Team / — | $4 | $4 | — | — |
| Enterprise | Enterprise / Custom Domains | $21 | $21 | $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
GitHub is worth it if… GitHub is still the default Git host in 2026 for any team that wants industry-standard PR workflows, code review, CI/CD (Actions), and native Copilot AI. Free for public repos; Team is the entry paid tier, Enterprise for larger orgs.
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 GitHub over WorkOS if…
Choose GitHub if…
- You want fixed-price predictability (per seat, from $4/mo).
- You match the profile GitHub is built for: still the default Git host in 2026 for any team that wants industry-standard PR workflows, code review, CI/CD (Actions), and native Copilot AI.
- 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
| GitHub | WorkOS | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Entry price | $4/mo | $125/mo |
| Enterprise available | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Per Seat | — |
| Last verified | September 14, 2026 | September 15, 2026 |
| Full pricing | View full pricing | View full pricing |
Pricing last verified September 15, 2026. Tracked daily.