Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to WorkOS · 🔐 security
WorkOS vs SuperTokens
Open-source authentication solution offering flexible, self-hosted user management with advanced features and easy integration. Here is how SuperTokens ($0/mo open source) stacks up against WorkOS ($6/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
SuperTokens is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for WorkOS. Switching from WorkOS ($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 Okta.
SuperTokens
$0.00/mo · Open Source
WorkOS vs SuperTokens Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | WorkOS (Paid) | SuperTokens (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 | — | ★ 15.3k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from WorkOS to SuperTokens
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Okta.
How to deploy SuperTokens
Clone https://github.com/supertokens/supertokens-core 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 SuperTokens instead of vibe-coding a WorkOS clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for WorkOS or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 11 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Hanko.
WorkOS vs SuperTokens FAQ
Is SuperTokens a good free alternative to WorkOS?+
Yes. SuperTokens is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for WorkOS. Open-source authentication solution offering flexible, self-hosted user management with advanced features and easy integration.
What is the catch when switching from WorkOS to SuperTokens?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Okta.
How much do you save switching from WorkOS to SuperTokens?+
WorkOS costs $6/mo ($72/yr) per seat, whereas SuperTokens 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 SuperTokens instead of WorkOS?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/supertokens/supertokens-core or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
