CIAM · Head-to-head
WorkOS vs Clerk — B2B SaaS auth comparison
WorkOS is B2B-Enterprise-SSO-focused; Clerk is developer-first across B2B + B2C.
Verdict
WorkOS specializes in B2B Enterprise SSO + SCIM with API-first delivery. Clerk specializes in developer experience across B2B + consumer auth with prebuilt UI. For B2B SaaS that mostly needs to add Enterprise SSO + SCIM, WorkOS is the cleaner fit. For products wanting both B2B + consumer auth with great DX, Clerk is broader.
When WorkOS wins
- B2B-only product
- Primary need is Enterprise SSO + SCIM
- API-first delivery preferred
- Per-org pricing model
When Clerk wins
- B2B + B2C mixed product
- Prebuilt React UI components valued
- Developer velocity is the primary driver
- You want broader auth surface (social, passwordless, MFA)
Capability matrix
| Capability | WorkOS | Clerk | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| B2B Enterprise SSO | ✓ | ✓ | |
| SCIM / Directory Sync | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Prebuilt React UI | ✗ | ✓ | |
| Consumer auth (social, passwordless) | ~ | ✓ | |
| API-first | ✓ | ~ | |
| Per-org pricing | ✓ | ✗ |
Pricing posture
WorkOS per-org. Clerk per-MAU with generous free tier.
Frequently asked
- Can Clerk do Enterprise SSO + SCIM?
- Yes via Clerk Enterprise. Less mature than WorkOS for SCIM specifically.
- Does WorkOS have consumer auth?
- Yes via WorkOS AuthKit. Less developer-friendly than Clerk for consumer scenarios.
- Which is better for a YC-stage B2B startup?
- Clerk for velocity; WorkOS when first enterprise customer demands SSO + SCIM.