Clerk vs Supabase 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
Supabase Auth
Open source auth with PostgreSQL
Best for
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Clerk | Supabase Auth |
|---|---|---|
| Social OAuth | Yes | Yes |
| Magic Links | Yes | Yes |
| MFA/2FA | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-built UI | Yes | Yes @supabase/auth-ui-react |
| Session Management | Yes | Yes |
| Organizations/Teams | Yes | No Coming soon |
| Self-hosted | No | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
Clerk
Supabase 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
Supabase Auth Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Generous free tier
- +Integrates with Supabase DB
- +Open source / self-hostable
- +Row Level Security built-in
Cons
- -Best with Supabase ecosystem
- -Organizations not yet available
- -Auth UI less polished than Clerk
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.
Supabase Auth Verdict
Supabase Auth is the best value if you're already using Supabase. The free tier is unbeatable and RLS integration is powerful.
More options in Authentication
Looking for different tradeoffs? Explore alternatives to each tool.
Related guides
Frequently Asked Questions: Clerk vs Supabase Auth
Is Clerk or Supabase Auth better?
It depends on your use case. Clerk is best for react/next.js apps and startups wanting fast auth. Supabase Auth is best for supabase users and budget-conscious projects. 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 Supabase Auth free?
Yes, Supabase Auth offers a free tier. Paid plans start at $25/mo.
Can I migrate from Clerk to Supabase Auth?
Yes, you can migrate from Clerk to Supabase 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 Supabase Auth?
Both Clerk and Supabase Auth are popular choices in their category. The best choice depends on your specific requirements, team expertise, and budget rather than popularity alone.