Authelia vs Auth0: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Authelia and Auth0 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:
Authelia
Open-source authentication and authorization server
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Authelia is an open-source authentication server providing SSO and 2FA for applications
- • It works as a reverse proxy companion to protect internal services with access control
Auth0
Identity platform for developers
Best for you if:
- • Industry-leading identity platform
- • Authentication and authorization as a service
| At a Glance |  Authelia |  Auth0 |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | 35/monthEssentials |
Best For | Identity & Access | Identity & Access |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Authelia or Auth0?
Choose Authelia if
Open-source authentication and authorization server
- Open source SSO
- Self-hostable
- 2FA support
- You want a fully free tool (Auth0 requires payment)
Choose Auth0 if
Identity platform for developers
- Easy integration
- Many features
- Great docs
| Feature | Authelia | Auth0 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.4/5 388 reviews |
| Categories | Identity & AccessSecurity | Identity & AccessDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Authelia
Open-source authentication and authorization server
Strengths
- +Open source SSO
- +Self-hostable
- +2FA support
- +Good documentation
- +Privacy focused
Weaknesses
- -Setup complexity
- -Self-managed only
- -Learning curve
- -Smaller community
- -Maintenance needed
Key features
Auth0
Identity platform for developers
Strengths
- +Easy integration
- +Many features
- +Great docs
Weaknesses
- -Expensive at scale
- -Complex pricing
Key features
Pricing: Authelia vs Auth0
| Plan | Authelia | Auth0 |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | 0 forever Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | 35 /month Essentials |
| Tier 3 | N/A | 240 /month Professional |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Custom /month Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Authelia pricing and Auth0 pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Authelia is free. Auth0 is freemium.
Go with: Authelia
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Authelia
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Auth0
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Authelia is free. Auth0 is freemium. Go with Authelia if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are identity & access tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Auth0
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Authelia
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Auth0 is our pick. That said, Authelia is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Authelia or Auth0 better?
Auth0 is rated in our evaluation. Authelia is free and Auth0 is freemium.
What are Authelia and Auth0 used for?
Authelia: Open-source authentication and authorization server. Auth0: Identity platform for developers.
What does Authelia cost vs Auth0?
Authelia is completely free. Auth0 is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.