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Auth0 is well-regarded for its out-of-the-box features, including Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), customizable login pages, robust developer ecosystem, and a wide range of authentication capabilities. It offers a comprehensive authentication solution for individual user access, particularly in B2C applications.
In this guide, we’ll examine why B2B companies seek alternatives to Auth0 and look at authentication solutions designed for their needs.
B2B applications have unique requirements, such as multi-tenant authentication, hierarchical organizational structures, centralized user management, and fine-grained access controls. These complex needs often require features like Single Sign-On (SSO), SCIM provisioning, organization-specific authentication policies, and self-service UI portals for customers to manage their authentication settings.
While Auth0 serves B2C scenarios effectively, it falls short in meeting critical B2B authentication needs. This often requires costly custom development and dedicating internal engineering resources to adapt Auth0 for B2B use, leading many companies to consider alternatives.
Additionally, Auth0’s pricing structure– with factors like Monthly Active Users, organizations, and enterprise connections—can make it challenging for B2B applications to scale predictably and affordably.
For these reasons, many B2B businesses explore alternatives that better suit their unique authentication challenges.
A robust authentication solution for B2B SaaS applications must address the needs of enterprise customers. Here are the key capabilities required:
Here are four core considerations to guide your evaluation for your B2B application:
Each enterprise customer may have distinct authentication policies, varying identity providers, and specific IT administrative needs. Choose an authentication solution that extends your B2B application’s multi-tenant architecture, enabling your team to manage organizations and customize authentication workflows to adapt to each customer’s IT and security requirements.
Seamless integration with identity providers (Okta, Microsoft Entra ID, Google SAML), support for major protocols (SAML, OAuth, OIDC), and automated user management (SCIM) ensures that the authentication solution aligns with your customers’ identity systems, accelerating your path to enterprise deals.
Enterprise customers need control over their authentication settings without relying on your support team. Look for an authentication solution with an out-of-box UI portal that allows IT admins to independently manage SSO configurations, SCIM settings, user attributes, and role assignments.
B2B applications need predictable pricing that scales with their enterprise customers, especially since they have limited control over the number of end users. Look for authentication solutions that offer pricing based on enterprise connections rather than costly models tied to monthly active users or the total number of organizations, which can make scaling unpredictable.
Scalekit is an authentication platform built for B2B SaaS companies. It includes essential features like Single Sign-On (SSO), SCIM provisioning, and Social Logins, and integrates smoothly with popular identity providers. With SDKs, APIs, and ready-to-use UI components, Scalekit enables SaaS teams to add authentication features in less than a day.
Descope offers drag-and-drop authentication workflows that make setup easy for developers. However, some users have noted limitations with customization. While Descope’s SDK is extensive, achieving deeper customization may require using their API. For B2B SaaS teams needing a flexible mix of passwordless and traditional authentication methods, it’s worth assessing whether Descope’s offerings align fully with their specific requirements.
Frontegg offers features like Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and social logins, with users appreciating its ease of integration. However, some users have noted a learning curve, the need for advanced configurations and issues that can affect workflow. For B2B SaaS teams looking for authentication solutions, Frontegg is worth considering, though teams should assess whether its learning curve and features align with their requirements.
WorkOS is known for its developer-friendly documentation, making it easy for B2B SaaS teams to integrate features like SSO and directory syncing. However, some have noted the need for additional development to manage sessions effectively. Additionally, WorkOS’s high starting costs may be a consideration for early-stage B2B SaaS companies. WorkOS is a solid option, though it’s worth evaluating if its feature set and pricing align with specific needs.
For high-growth B2B SaaS companies needing a flexible authentication platform, Scalekit is a robust alternative to Auth0. Specifically built for B2B SaaS, Scalekit is tailored for enterprise needs, including seamless SSO, SCIM provisioning, social logins, and developer-friendly integration options.
As you consider your options, focus on solutions that align with your architecture, offer transparency in pricing, and meet your customers’ security expectations. An authentication platform that scales with your business and simplifies integration can be a game-changer in driving adoption and securing larger customer deals.