# 11 Best Open Source Alternatives for WorkOS

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/workos
Last updated: 2026-11-07

Looking for the best open source alternative for WorkOS? Compare 11 verified free and open source alternatives to WorkOS (Hanko, Keycloak, Better Auth) with license details, self-hosting requirements, and practical trade-offs.

## WorkOS Overview & Subscription Cost
- **Product**: WorkOS
- **Category**: [security](https://caniforkit.com/category/security)
- **Paid Subscription Price**: $6/month per seat
- **1-Seat Annualized Cost**: $72/year
- **5-Person Team Annualized Cost**: $360/year
- **10-Person Team Annualized Cost**: $720/year
- **Can I Vibe-Code / Rebuild It Myself?**: NO (use a free alternative, save the tokens)
- **Rebuild Verdict**: 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.

## Verified Free & Open Source Alternatives

| Alternative | Type | License | Runs On | GitHub Stars | Head-to-Head |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Hanko](https://caniforkit.com/fork/hanko) | Open Source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 9.1k | [Compare vs WorkOS](https://caniforkit.com/vs/workos-vs-hanko) |
| [Keycloak](https://caniforkit.com/fork/keycloak) | Open Source | Apache-2.0 | Self-host | ★ 37.7k | [Compare vs WorkOS](https://caniforkit.com/vs/workos-vs-keycloak) |
| [Better Auth](https://caniforkit.com/fork/better-auth) | Open Source | Open Source | Local | ★ 30.6k | [Compare vs WorkOS](https://caniforkit.com/vs/workos-vs-better-auth) |
| [Authentik](https://caniforkit.com/fork/authentik) | Open Source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 26.3k | [Compare vs WorkOS](https://caniforkit.com/vs/workos-vs-authentik) |
| [Zitadel](https://caniforkit.com/fork/zitadel) | Open Source | AGPL-3.0 | Self-host | ★ 15.5k | [Compare vs WorkOS](https://caniforkit.com/vs/workos-vs-zitadel) |
| [SuperTokens](https://caniforkit.com/fork/supertokens) | Open Source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 15.3k | [Compare vs WorkOS](https://caniforkit.com/vs/workos-vs-supertokens) |
| [Ory](https://caniforkit.com/fork/ory) | Open Source | Apache-2.0 | Self-host | ★ 13.9k | [Compare vs WorkOS](https://caniforkit.com/vs/workos-vs-ory) |
| [Hexclave](https://caniforkit.com/fork/hexclave) | Open Source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 6.9k | [Compare vs WorkOS](https://caniforkit.com/vs/workos-vs-hexclave) |
| [Permify](https://caniforkit.com/fork/permify) | Open Source | Open Source | Local | ★ 6k | [Compare vs WorkOS](https://caniforkit.com/vs/workos-vs-permify) |
| [Cerbos](https://caniforkit.com/fork/cerbos) | Open Source | Apache-2.0 | Self-host | ★ 4.6k | [Compare vs WorkOS](https://caniforkit.com/vs/workos-vs-cerbos) |
| [Authgear](https://caniforkit.com/fork/authgear) | Open Source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 2.1k | [Compare vs WorkOS](https://caniforkit.com/vs/workos-vs-authgear) |

## In-Depth Alternative Profiles

### Hanko
- **Fork Page**: [Hanko Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/hanko)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [WorkOS vs Hanko](https://caniforkit.com/vs/workos-vs-hanko)
- **Official Website**: https://hanko.io/
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/teamhanko/hanko
- **License**: Open Source
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **GitHub Stars**: 9.1k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Summary**: 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.
- **The Catch vs WorkOS**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed WorkOS.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/teamhanko/hanko or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.

### Keycloak
- **Fork Page**: [Keycloak Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/keycloak)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [WorkOS vs Keycloak](https://caniforkit.com/vs/workos-vs-keycloak)
- **Official Website**: https://www.keycloak.org/
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/keycloak/keycloak
- **License**: Apache-2.0
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **GitHub Stars**: 37.7k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Summary**: Comprehensive open source identity management solution offering single sign-on, social login, and fine-grained authorization for applications and services.
- **The Catch vs WorkOS**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Auth0.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/keycloak/keycloak or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.

### Better Auth
- **Fork Page**: [Better Auth Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/better-auth)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [WorkOS vs Better Auth](https://caniforkit.com/vs/workos-vs-better-auth)
- **Official Website**: https://better-auth.com
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/better-auth/better-auth
- **License**: Open Source
- **Runs On**: Local
- **GitHub Stars**: 30.6k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install
- **Summary**: A comprehensive authentication framework offering email/password, social sign-on, two-factor auth, and multi-tenant support with full TypeScript integration.
- **The Catch vs WorkOS**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/better-auth/better-auth or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine.

### Authentik
- **Fork Page**: [Authentik Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/authentik)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [WorkOS vs Authentik](https://caniforkit.com/vs/workos-vs-authentik)
- **Official Website**: https://goauthentik.io/
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/goauthentik/authentik
- **License**: Open Source
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **GitHub Stars**: 26.3k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Summary**: authentik is an open-source identity provider that offers self-hosted authentication, authorization, and user management for businesses of all sizes.
- **The Catch vs WorkOS**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Auth0.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/goauthentik/authentik or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.

### Zitadel
- **Fork Page**: [Zitadel Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/zitadel)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [WorkOS vs Zitadel](https://caniforkit.com/vs/workos-vs-zitadel)
- **Official Website**: https://zitadel.com
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/zitadel/zitadel
- **License**: AGPL-3.0
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **GitHub Stars**: 15.5k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Summary**: ZITADEL provides a comprehensive identity management solution with easy APIs, customizable workflows, and serverless deployment options.
- **The Catch vs WorkOS**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Auth0.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/zitadel/zitadel or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.

### SuperTokens
- **Fork Page**: [SuperTokens Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/supertokens)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [WorkOS vs SuperTokens](https://caniforkit.com/vs/workos-vs-supertokens)
- **Official Website**: https://supertokens.com
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/supertokens/supertokens-core
- **License**: Open Source
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **GitHub Stars**: 15.3k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Summary**: Open-source authentication solution offering flexible, self-hosted user management with advanced features and easy integration.
- **The Catch vs WorkOS**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Okta.
- **Installation**: 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.
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.

### Ory
- **Fork Page**: [Ory Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/ory)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [WorkOS vs Ory](https://caniforkit.com/vs/workos-vs-ory)
- **Official Website**: https://ory.sh
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/ory/kratos
- **License**: Apache-2.0
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **GitHub Stars**: 13.9k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Summary**: Ory is a certified and battle-tested identity solution backed by a large open source community and trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
- **The Catch vs WorkOS**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Auth0.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/ory/hydra or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.

### Hexclave
- **Fork Page**: [Hexclave Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/hexclave)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [WorkOS vs Hexclave](https://caniforkit.com/vs/workos-vs-hexclave)
- **Official Website**: https://www.hexclave.com/
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/hexclave/hexclave
- **License**: Open Source
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **GitHub Stars**: 6.9k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Summary**: Self-hostable platform combining user auth, payments, email, and analytics into modular building blocks that fit around your existing product.
- **The Catch vs WorkOS**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed WorkOS.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/hexclave/hexclave or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.

### Permify
- **Fork Page**: [Permify Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/permify)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [WorkOS vs Permify](https://caniforkit.com/vs/workos-vs-permify)
- **Official Website**: https://permify.co
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/permify/permify
- **License**: Open Source
- **Runs On**: Local
- **GitHub Stars**: 6k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install
- **Summary**: Open-source authorization service for implementing fine-grained access controls. Centralized, scalable solution supporting RBAC, ABAC and ReBAC with Google Zanzibar-inspired architecture.
- **The Catch vs WorkOS**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/permify/permify or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine.

### Cerbos
- **Fork Page**: [Cerbos Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/cerbos)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [WorkOS vs Cerbos](https://caniforkit.com/vs/workos-vs-cerbos)
- **Official Website**: https://www.cerbos.dev
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/cerbos/cerbos
- **License**: Apache-2.0
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **GitHub Stars**: 4.6k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Summary**: A scalable authorization layer that provides fine-grained access control through externalized policies, enabling secure and flexible permissions management.
- **The Catch vs WorkOS**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Okta.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/cerbos/cerbos or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.

### Authgear
- **Fork Page**: [Authgear Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/authgear)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [WorkOS vs Authgear](https://caniforkit.com/vs/workos-vs-authgear)
- **Official Website**: https://www.authgear.com/
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/authgear/authgear-server
- **License**: Open Source
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **GitHub Stars**: 2.1k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Summary**: Authgear is a managed IAM platform handling authentication, SSO, and user management for B2C and B2B apps, with biometrics, MFA, and zero-trust support.
- **The Catch vs WorkOS**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed WorkOS.
- **Installation**: 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.
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the best free alternative to WorkOS?
The top free alternative to WorkOS is Hanko (open source, Open Source). 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. Other popular WorkOS replacements include Keycloak, Better Auth, Authentik.

### How much does switching from WorkOS to a free alternative save?
WorkOS starts at $6/month per seat ($72/year). Switching a 5-person team to a free alternative like Hanko saves $360 per year in software subscription fees.

### What is the catch when switching away from WorkOS?
While Hanko replaces core WorkOS features without subscription fees, the real-world trade-off is: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed WorkOS.

## Related

- [security Software Category Hub](https://caniforkit.com/category/security)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Self-Hosted Software Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)