Clerk vs Firebase Auth
A detailed comparison to help you choose the right authentication solution for your project.
Quick Verdict
Both tools are excellent choices with similar feature sets. Your decision should be based on pricing, ecosystem fit, and specific use case requirements.
Clerk
Drop-in authentication for modern apps
Best for
Firebase Auth
Google's authentication service
Best for
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Clerk | Firebase Auth |
|---|---|---|
| Social OAuth | Yes | Yes |
| Magic Links | Yes | Yes Email link sign-in |
| MFA/2FA | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-built UI | Yes | Yes FirebaseUI |
| Session Management | Yes | Yes |
| Organizations/Teams | Yes | Yes Multi-tenancy on Blaze |
| Self-hosted | No | No |
Pricing Comparison
Clerk
Firebase Auth
Clerk Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Beautiful pre-built UI components
- +Excellent developer experience
- +Great React/Next.js integration
- +Organizations and multi-tenancy built-in
Cons
- -Can get expensive at scale
- -Vendor lock-in
- -No self-hosted option
Firebase Auth Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Very generous free tier
- +Great mobile SDK support
- +Backed by Google
- +Works with other Firebase services
Cons
- -Vendor lock-in to Google
- -Less customizable UI
- -Complex with non-Firebase backends
Clerk Verdict
Clerk is the best choice for React/Next.js developers who want beautiful auth out of the box. The DX is unmatched, but costs can add up.
Firebase Auth Verdict
Firebase Auth is excellent for mobile apps and projects already in the Google ecosystem. Hard to beat on price.
More options in Authentication
Looking for different tradeoffs? Explore alternatives to each tool.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Clerk vs Firebase Auth
Is Clerk or Firebase Auth better?
It depends on your use case. Clerk is best for react/next.js apps and startups wanting fast auth. Firebase Auth is best for mobile apps and firebase ecosystem. Clerk is the best choice for React/Next.js developers who want beautiful auth out of the box. The DX is unmatched, but costs can add up.
Is Clerk free?
Yes, Clerk offers a free tier. Paid plans start at $25/mo.
Is Firebase Auth free?
Yes, Firebase Auth offers a free tier. Paid plans start at $0.0055/MAU.
Can I migrate from Clerk to Firebase Auth?
Yes, you can migrate from Clerk to Firebase Auth, though the complexity depends on how deeply integrated your current solution is. Most developers recommend evaluating both tools in a test environment before committing to a migration.
Which is more popular, Clerk or Firebase Auth?
Both Clerk and Firebase Auth are popular choices in their category. The best choice depends on your specific requirements, team expertise, and budget rather than popularity alone.