1Password vs Clerk: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between 1Password and Clerk comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
1Password
Password manager for teams
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.1/10 vs 8.6/10)
- • You need password managers features specifically
- • Password manager
- • Secure vault sharing
Clerk
Authentication for modern apps
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need identity & access features specifically
- • Modern authentication for developers
- • Drop-in React components for auth
| At a Glance |  1Password |  Clerk |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Password Managers | Identity & Access |
Rating | 91/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | 1Password | Clerk |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 91 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Password ManagersIdentity & Access | Identity & AccessAPI Tools |
Understanding the Differences
Both 1Password and Clerk solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.1Password positions itself as "password manager for teams" while Clerkfocuses on "authentication for modern apps". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose 1Password
1Password makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 91/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Clerk
Clerk is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Clerk won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Clerk
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. 1Password handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: 1Password
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. 1Password is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: 1Password
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Clerk has a free tier to get you started.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated 1Password higher (91/100). But the community has upvoted Clerk more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What 1Password Does Better
- Higher overall score (91/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Clerk If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with 1Password (91/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. 1Password scores higher in our analysis, but Clerk might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1Password or Clerk better?
Based on our analysis, 1Password scores higher with 91/100. 1Password ispaid while Clerk is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from 1Password to Clerk easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do 1Password and Clerk offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. 1Password is paid with potential trial.Clerk is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.