WorkOS vs FusionAuth: Head-to-Head Comparison

Quick Verdict

WorkOS is the better pick for B2B SaaS teams selling to enterprises. FusionAuth is the better pick for teams wanting full control with self-hosted auth.

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At a Glance

Feature	WorkOS	FusionAuth
Best For	B2B SaaS teams selling to enterprises	Teams wanting full control with self-hosted auth
Pricing	Free tier with paid plans	Free Community edition; paid plans
Free to Start	Yes	Yes
License	Proprietary	Proprietary
Deployment	Managed cloud	Self-hosted or managed cloud
Link	Visit WorkOS	Visit FusionAuth

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Detailed Breakdown

WorkOS

Enterprise features like SSO and SCIM for B2B SaaS

Pros:

• Easy SAML SSO and directory sync
• AuthKit user management with a free tier
• Admin portal for customer IT teams

Cons:

• Per-connection pricing for SSO
• Focused on B2B use cases

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FusionAuth

Developer-focused auth you can self-host

Pros:

• Free self-hosted Community edition
• Runs anywhere including on-premises
• Broad protocol support

Cons:

• Not open source
• Self-hosting adds operational work

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Key Differences

• Positioning: WorkOS — enterprise features like SSO and SCIM for B2B SaaS. FusionAuth — developer-focused auth you can self-host.
• Both share the same licensing model (proprietary), so the decision comes down to features and workflow fit.
• Deployment: WorkOS — managed cloud. FusionAuth — self-hosted or managed cloud.
• Pricing: WorkOS — free tier with paid plans. FusionAuth — free Community edition; paid plans.
• Signature strength: WorkOS — easy SAML SSO and directory sync. FusionAuth — free self-hosted Community edition.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is WorkOS better than FusionAuth?

It depends on your requirements. WorkOS is a strong fit for B2B SaaS teams selling to enterprises, while FusionAuth suits teams wanting full control with self-hosted auth.

Is WorkOS free to use?

Yes, you can start with WorkOS for free. Pricing model: Free tier with paid plans.

Is FusionAuth free to use?

Yes, you can start with FusionAuth for free. Pricing model: Free Community edition; paid plans.

Can I self-host WorkOS or FusionAuth?

WorkOS is offered as a managed service: managed cloud. FusionAuth can be self-hosted. Deployment options: self-hosted or managed cloud.

What are the main drawbacks of WorkOS and FusionAuth?

WorkOS: per-connection pricing for SSO; focused on B2B use cases. FusionAuth: not open source; self-hosting adds operational work.