Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Clerk · 🔐 security
Clerk vs Authgear
Authgear is a managed IAM platform handling authentication, SSO, and user management for B2C and B2B apps, with biometrics, MFA, and zero-trust support. Here is how Authgear ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Clerk ($6/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Authgear is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for Clerk. Switching from Clerk ($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 Clerk.
Authgear
$0.00/mo · Open Source
Clerk vs Authgear Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Clerk (Paid) | Authgear (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 | — | ★ 2.1k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Clerk to Authgear
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Clerk.
How to deploy Authgear
Clone https://github.com/authgear/authgear-server 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 Authgear instead of vibe-coding a Clerk clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Clerk or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 9 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Hanko.
Clerk vs Authgear FAQ
Is Authgear a good free alternative to Clerk?+
Yes. Authgear is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Clerk. Authgear is a managed IAM platform handling authentication, SSO, and user management for B2C and B2B apps, with biometrics, MFA, and zero-trust support.
What is the catch when switching from Clerk to Authgear?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Clerk.
How much do you save switching from Clerk to Authgear?+
Clerk costs $6/mo ($72/yr) per seat, whereas Authgear 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 Authgear instead of Clerk?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/authgear/authgear-server or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
