Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to AWS Cognito · 🔐 security
AWS Cognito vs Hanko
Open source authentication platform supporting passkeys, 2FA, SSO, and social login. Self-host or use Hanko Cloud, with full control over your data and no lock-in. Here is how Hanko ($0/mo open source) stacks up against AWS Cognito ($6/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Hanko is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for AWS Cognito. Switching from AWS Cognito ($6/mo) saves $72/yr per solo seat, or $360/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed AWS Cognito.
AWS Cognito vs Hanko Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | AWS Cognito (Paid) | Hanko (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $6 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $72 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $72) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $360 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $360) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $720 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $720) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 9.1k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from AWS Cognito to Hanko
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed AWS Cognito.
How to deploy Hanko
Clone https://github.com/teamhanko/hanko or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
Where your data lives
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
Why fork Hanko instead of vibe-coding a AWS Cognito clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for AWS Cognito or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 12 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Hanko.
AWS Cognito vs Hanko FAQ
Is Hanko a good free alternative to AWS Cognito?+
Yes. Hanko is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for AWS Cognito. Open source authentication platform supporting passkeys, 2FA, SSO, and social login. Self-host or use Hanko Cloud, with full control over your data and no lock-in.
What is the catch when switching from AWS Cognito to Hanko?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed AWS Cognito.
How much do you save switching from AWS Cognito to Hanko?+
AWS Cognito costs $6/mo ($72/yr) per seat, whereas Hanko is $0/mo. Switching saves $72/yr for a solo user, $360/yr for a 5-person team, and $720/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Hanko instead of AWS Cognito?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/teamhanko/hanko or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
