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In our previous post on Stytch, we discussed the auth platform and its ability to provide out-of-the-box modern authorization and authentication tools. With developer-friendly SDKs and APIs, a forward-looking, composable approach, and a pricing model attractive to start-ups and growth-focused businesses, Stytch has entered the auth landscape as something of a disrupter.

But Stytch isn’t the only player in authorization and authentication. In this post, we will compare Stytch’s features to those of other auth platforms like Okta and Auth0 and identify some use cases where Stytch makes the most sense. 

Let’s start by looking at Okta and Auth0. 

Okta and Auth0

Okta and Auth0 are established players in the auth field and offer robust tools for enterprise-scale businesses. Auth0 was purchased by Okta in 2021, so they’re both owned by the same company. However, they are still different platforms that cater to different audiences. 

Okta is a secure identity and access management platform that enables organizations to manage user authentication and authorization for applications and devices. It provides a single sign-on (SSO) experience and multifactor authentication (MFA) to enhance security and streamline access across various digital tools. Its clients are typically large and medium-sized enterprise organizations that need cloud-based security and user management solutions for complex IT environments. For example, a company might use Okta to provide SSO access to all the applications and services employees need to do their jobs. This streamlines things for employees while keeping the company’s IT department firmly in control of who has access to what apps. 

Auth0 also provides identity and access management solutions but for slightly different use cases. While Okta focuses on employee access for enterprise companies, Auth0 is more developer-focused, customizable, and easier to quickly integrate into web applications. Where Okta provides scale and complex governance, Auth0 provides agility and speed in connecting applications to auth services.

How Does Stytch Compare?

As we mentioned, Stytch is a relative newcomer to the auth field and has been acting as a disrupter. Whereas all three platforms offer similar auth features, Stytch takes Auth0’s developer ergonomics to another level. Through well-documented SDKs, API-first architecture, and a deep commitment to community engagement, Stytch makes integrating auth quicker, resulting in faster-to-market product launches and lower build costs.

Stytch requires a smaller infrastructure footprint than Okta. Product teams do not have to provision and manage custom servers and services to leverage Stytch, making it the perfect solution for pure-front-end or serverless applications.

Another benefit of Stytch is a lower initial investment. Their entry-level plans are generous and cheap, allowing your team to invest more in your product's unique value. Stytch will grow with you, providing enterprise features when needed.

A Passwordless Future

Another thing that sets Stytch apart from Okta and Auth0 is its focus on passwordless technology. Passwords have been the industry standard for decades, but they have some obvious drawbacks. For developers, password systems are challenging to secure and maintain, with risks from attacks and the ongoing need for complex infrastructure and support. For end users, creating and remembering myriad passwords is a hassle and creates friction that can slow them down. 

To alleviate these issues, Stytch offers a range of passwordless offerings like magic links, one-time passwords (OTP), OAuth and social logins, and native mobile biometrics. Stytch isn’t the only one to offer these options, but they offer them at all plan levels and make implementing them quick and seamless.

When Does It Make Sense To Use Stytch?

While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for auth, we do have some general recommendations: 

• Okta and Auth0 are still the most viable options for companies with deep pockets and complex auth needs.

• Stytch, with its more focused feature set, is geared more toward businesses looking for ease of integration, developer flexibility, passwordless options, and a more affordable price tag. 

At Foster Made, we have extensive experience meeting the auth needs of our clients—whether they use Stytch or another platform—and can help you navigate the constantly evolving auth landscape to find the right fit for your organization.

Reach out today to learn how Foster Made can implement secure, composable auth solutions for you!