Own Auth vs. SuperTokens
SuperTokens is open source with self-hosted and managed options built around its auth service. Own Auth is an embedded library that runs in your backend and connects directly to Postgres.
Last reviewed against first-party sources on .
Own Auth as a SuperTokens alternative
You want auth as a library in your app with no separate service to deploy, direct database access, and full control over every auth flow.
| Feature | Own Auth | SuperTokens |
|---|---|---|
| Data ownership | Your database | Self-host or their cloud |
| Open source | Fully open source | Open source |
| Framework lock-in | None | None |
| Self-hostable | Runs in your backend | Separate service |
| Passwords | Built in | Built in |
| Magic links | Built in | Built in |
| Phone / SMS login | Built in | Built in |
| Sessions | Database-backed | Token-based |
| Organisations | Built in | Multi-tenancy |
| API keys | Built in | Paid managed M2M support |
| Audit logs | Built in | Confirm for the selected deployment |
| Rate limiting | Built in | Built in |
| Pricing | Free and open source | Free core, paid features |
Feature
Data ownership
Own Auth
Your databaseSuperTokens
Self-host or their cloudFeature
Open source
Own Auth
Fully open sourceSuperTokens
Open sourceFeature
Framework lock-in
Own Auth
NoneSuperTokens
NoneFeature
Self-hostable
Own Auth
Runs in your backendSuperTokens
Separate serviceFeature
Passwords
Own Auth
Built inSuperTokens
Built inFeature
Magic links
Own Auth
Built inSuperTokens
Built inFeature
Phone / SMS login
Own Auth
Built inSuperTokens
Built inFeature
Sessions
Own Auth
Database-backedSuperTokens
Token-basedFeature
Organisations
Own Auth
Built inSuperTokens
Multi-tenancyFeature
API keys
Own Auth
Built inSuperTokens
Paid managed M2M supportFeature
Audit logs
Own Auth
Built inSuperTokens
Confirm for the selected deploymentFeature
Rate limiting
Own Auth
Built inSuperTokens
Built inFeature
Pricing
Own Auth
Free and open sourceSuperTokens
Free core, paid featuresArchitecture
SuperTokens runs a core service that the application reaches through its SDKs and HTTP APIs. In a self-hosted deployment, that service is operated alongside the application. Own Auth runs inside the application process and connects directly to its database.
Data ownership
With self-hosted SuperTokens, your data is in your database, but it's managed by their core service. With Own Auth, your application code talks to Postgres directly. The schema is yours to query, extend, and back up however you like.
Developer experience
SuperTokens provides pre-built UI and recipe-based APIs. Own Auth provides typed server functions while the application supplies its routes and UI. The tradeoff is a more assembled experience versus direct control inside the application.
Sources
Product features and prices change. Confirm the current details on these first-party pages before making a purchasing decision.
SuperTokens fits
You want an open-source solution with pre-built UI components, don't mind running a separate auth service, and prefer a recipe-based approach.
Own Auth fits
You want auth as a library in your app with no separate service to deploy, direct database access, and full control over every auth flow.
Ready to own your auth?
Two commands. Auth is in your app.