Auth0 vs AWS Amplify

The identity-as-a-service darling that makes auth easy until you hit the enterprise pricing wall meets aws's 'easy button' for full-stack apps that works great until you need to escape its walled garden. 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

AWS Amplify

AWS's 'easy button' for full-stack apps that works great until you need to escape its walled garden.

Pros

• Tight integration with AWS services like Cognito, AppSync, and S3 out of the box
• CLI and UI that simplify deployment, hosting, and backend setup for React, Next.js, and other frameworks
• Built-in CI/CD pipelines and environment management for rapid prototyping
• Generous free tier for small projects and startups

Cons

• Vendor lock-in: migrating away from Amplify often requires rewriting chunks of your backend
• Limited customization for complex use cases—you'll hit walls if you need fine-grained control over infrastructure

The Verdict

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

Use AWS Amplify if: You prioritize tight integration with aws services like cognito, appsync, and s3 out of the box 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.