WorkOS vs. BetterAuth vs. Clerk: Which should you choose?

Choosing the right authentication solution is crucial for applications, and several options like WorkOS, Better Auth, and Clerk present distinct advantages and limitations based on different needs. WorkOS is an excellent choice for B2B SaaS applications as it offers comprehensive enterprise-ready features such as SSO, SCIM directory sync, audit logs, and a self-service admin portal, with a pricing model that scales predictably for enterprise customers. Better Auth, being an open-source TypeScript framework, provides complete control over authentication infrastructure, appealing to startups with strong DevOps capabilities who want to avoid per-user costs, although it lacks enterprise features like SSO and SCIM out of the box. Clerk, on the other hand, emphasizes rapid integration and developer experience with pre-built UI components, making it suitable for consumer applications, but its lack of SCIM support and complex pricing model may become limiting for enterprise-focused B2B SaaS companies. Each platform serves different scenarios, and selecting the wrong one can lead to significant business risks, such as lost deals and costly migrations, thus the decision should align with long-term growth plans and customer needs.