Authentik vs Auth0
Self-host swap-in for Auth0. · Self-host Auth0 · Authentik on os-alt
Authentik is one of the open-source self-host replacements for Auth0 — license MIT, 15min docker-compose to stand up, and $10 vps — python + postgres + redis stack. Compare against Auth0's $240/mo at 1k MAU on B2C Essentials; jumps fast at scale below.
| Authentikopen-source | Auth0paid SaaS | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Identity / SSO / authentication-as-a-service | Identity / SSO / authentication-as-a-service |
| License / pricing | MIT | $240/mo at 1k MAU on B2C Essentials; jumps fast at scale |
| Starting price | $0 self-host | $25/user/mo |
| GitHub | goauthentik/authentik | closed source |
| Setup time | 15min docker-compose | SaaS — sign up + bill |
| Monthly cost | $10 VPS — Python + Postgres + Redis stack. | from $25/user/mo ($240/mo at 1k MAU on B2C Essentials; jumps fast at scale) |
Switching from Auth0 to Authentik
Auth0 export gives you user JSON + bcrypt hashes. Authentik's `ak users_import` (admin CLI) accepts a JSON manifest; bcrypt hashes are accepted directly. Application config (clients, audiences) is reauthored in the Authentik admin UI as Providers + Applications.
- Good fit for
- Modern apps that want OIDC + SAML with a clean web UI and a less heavyweight runtime than Keycloak.
- Weak at
- Smaller community than Keycloak; fewer pre-built SAML integrations to enterprise IDPs.
Other open-source self-host alternatives to Auth0
In a terminal? npx os-alt auth0 prints Auth0's self-host options —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Is Authentik a free alternative to Auth0?
Yes — Authentik is open source under MIT. Self-host cost: $10 VPS — Python + Postgres + Redis stack.. Auth0 starts at $25/user/mo ($240/mo at 1k MAU on B2C Essentials; jumps fast at scale).
How long does Authentik take to set up vs Auth0?
Self-hosting Authentik: 15min docker-compose. Auth0 is a hosted SaaS — sign up and you're in.
What is Authentik good at, and what is it weak at?
Good fit for: Modern apps that want OIDC + SAML with a clean web UI and a less heavyweight runtime than Keycloak.. Weak at: Smaller community than Keycloak; fewer pre-built SAML integrations to enterprise IDPs..