Auth0 vs Appwrite

The identity-as-a-service darling that makes auth easy until you hit the enterprise pricing wall meets open-source firebase alternative that actually lets you self-host without selling your soul to a cloud provider. Here's our take.

Auth0

Nice Pick

The identity-as-a-service darling that makes auth easy until you hit the enterprise pricing wall.

Pros

• Enterprise features
• Many integrations
• Mature
• Customizable
• Quick setup with pre-built login UIs and social logins
• Handles complex protocols like OAuth 2.0 and SAML out-of-the-box
• Scalable for startups to large applications with minimal dev effort

Cons

• Complex
• Expensive
• Overkill for small apps
• Pricing can skyrocket with user counts and advanced features
• Customization beyond basics often requires wrestling with their rules engine

Appwrite

Open-source Firebase alternative that actually lets you self-host without selling your soul to a cloud provider.

Pros

• Fully open-source with self-hosting on Docker for complete control
• Built-in authentication, databases, storage, and real-time features in one package
• RESTful and GraphQL APIs with auto-generated SDKs for multiple languages
• No vendor lock-in—migrate away anytime without rewriting your app

Cons

• Self-hosting requires DevOps skills and ongoing maintenance
• Less polished UI and documentation compared to commercial giants like Firebase
• Community support can be slower than paid enterprise options

The Verdict

Use Auth0 if: You want enterprise features and can live with complex.

Use Appwrite if: You prioritize fully open-source with self-hosting on docker for complete control over what Auth0 offers.

The Bottom Line

Auth0 wins

The identity-as-a-service darling that makes auth easy until you hit the enterprise pricing wall.