Compare tools
Clerk vs Zitadel
Compare Clerk and Zitadel on deployment, pricing and source model before you shortlist.
| Attribute |  ClerkOther license |  ZitadelOpen source |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Identity & Access Management | Identity & Access Management |
| Primary focus | Drop-in authentication and user management for web and mobile apps | Open-source IAM platform, free up to 100 daily active users, self-hostable core. |
| Deployment | Not specified | Self-hosted |
| Source model | Other license | Open source |
| Pricing model | freemium | open source |
| API available | Yes | Yes |
| Vendor website | Visit vendor ↗ | Visit vendor ↗ |
| ITHub profile | View full profile → | View full profile → |
ⓘ Confirm technical details and prices with each vendor before making a decision. Want a third tool in the mix? Open the interactive comparison →
Frequently asked questions
Is Clerk or Zitadel open source?
Clerk is not open source (proprietary or source-available). Zitadel is open source.
What is the pricing model for Clerk vs Zitadel?
Clerk uses a freemium pricing model. Zitadel uses an open source pricing model. Confirm current rates with each vendor before deciding.
Can Clerk and Zitadel be self-hosted?
Clerk is not offered as a self-hosted option. Zitadel is self-hostable.