Clerk vs Permit.io: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Clerk and Permit.io 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Clerk
Authentication for modern apps
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Modern authentication for developers
- • Drop-in React components for auth
Permit.io
End-to-end authorization platform for the AI era, with no-code policy editing and GitOps.
Best for you if:
- • You need identity & access features specifically
- • Provides an end-to-end authorization platform with no-code and policy-as-code options.
- • Supports RBAC, ABAC, and ReBAC models, generating policies based on OPA Rego or AWS Cedar.
| At a Glance |  Clerk | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | Identity & Access |
Rating | 86/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Clerk | Permit.io |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsLow-Code Backend | Identity & Access |
How Clerk and Permit.io Compare
Clerk
Authentication for modern apps
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Permit.io
End-to-end authorization platform for the AI era, with no-code policy editing and GitOps.
Free tier available
Clerk is a api tools tool. Permit.io is in identity & access.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Clerk
Want the highest-rated option?
Clerk scores 86/100. Permit.io is unrated.
Go with: Clerk
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Clerk
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Clerk is a api tools tool. Permit.io is in identity & access. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Clerk
- Higher score: 86/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Permit.io
- Better fit for identity & access
The Bottom Line
Clerk (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clerk or Permit.io better?
Clerk scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Clerk and Permit.io used for?
Clerk: Authentication for modern apps. Permit.io: End-to-end authorization platform for the AI era, with no-code policy editing and GitOps..
What does Clerk cost vs Permit.io?
Clerk is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Permit.io is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.