Quick answer
Logto - Logto wins for most builders who want a free auth tier that stays useful longer without a card, while Auth0 wins if you need more mature enterprise-style controls and a higher MAU ceiling on the free plan.
How the free tiers compare
These two free tiers are aimed at the same auth-and-identity use case, but they optimize for different kinds of builders. Auth0 gives you a larger free MAU cap and a more enterprise-shaped feature set on the free plan, including 5 organizations, 1 enterprise connection, self-service SSO, SCIM, and brand customization. That makes it better if you are already thinking about B2B identity workflows or need a more established path to enterprise features. Logto is simpler on paper but more generous where many small teams feel the pinch first: 50,000 MAU, no credit card required, 50K tokens, 3 applications, 3 social connectors, 1 webhook, and 3 days of audit logs. Its free tier is easier to start and can carry a prototype or small product further before you pay. The tradeoff is that Auth0’s free plan is broader in enterprise workflow support, while Logto’s paid path is cheaper and more usage-shaped once you cross its token limits.
Auth0 vs Logto free tier, side by side
| Auth0 FTV 52 | Logto FTV 41 | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly active users Logto allows 2x the free MAU cap of Auth0. | Up to 25,000 | Up to 50,000 |
| Custom domains Auth0 requires credit card verification for the free custom domain. | 1 | 1 |
| Organizations Auth0 includes organization support on the free plan; Logto’s free list does not state an org quota. | 5 | Not specified in free tier items |
| Enterprise connections / SSO Auth0 exposes more enterprise identity features on the free tier. | 1 enterprise connection, self-service SSO, SCIM | Enterprise SSO available on Pro |
| Applications Logto’s free tier explicitly includes app limits. | Not specified | Up to 3 total applications |
| Tokens Token quotas are only stated for Logto. | Not specified | 50,000 per month |
| Webhooks Logto includes one webhook on the free tier. | Not specified | 1 |
| Audit log retention Logto states a retention limit; Auth0 free plan does not. | Not specified | 3 days |
After you outgrow the free tier
Auth0 is flat-priced at the next steps: Essentials is $35/mo, Professional is $240/mo, then Enterprise is contact sales. Logto starts lower at $24/mo, but its Pro plan is usage-based because tokens beyond 50K are billed separately, even though the base plan price is fixed. For small teams, Logto is cheaper at the entry paid tier. As usage grows, Auth0’s pricing stays easier to predict, while Logto can remain cheaper if token volume is low but can climb with heavy usage. I do not have enough rate detail to calculate broader Auth0 usage-based scenarios beyond the flat plan prices provided.
Cost at real usage
| Usage | Auth0 | Logto |
|---|---|---|
| At the first paid tier Auth0 Essentials vs Logto Pro base price. | $35/mo | $24/mo |
| 50,000 MAU, low token usage Logto’s free plan already includes up to 50,000 MAU and 50K tokens. | Free (within free tier cap) | $24/mo |
| 60,000 MAU, token use still within included 50K Auth0 free tier is capped at 25,000 MAU, so this requires a paid plan. Logto’s free MAU cap is higher, but if the account stays within the free token allowance it may still fit free tier. | At least $35/mo | $24/mo plus usage charges if tokens exceed 50K |
| 50K tokens plus extra tokens Logto explicitly bills extra tokens at $0.08 per 100 over the included 50K. | No token pricing provided | $24/mo plus $0.08 per 100 extra tokens |
Estimates, not quotes. Usage-based rates change - verify with the vendor's pricing page before committing.
When to pick each one
Pick Auth0 when…
- You need the highest free MAU cap and expect to stay under 25,000 monthly active users.
- You want free access to self-service SSO, SCIM, and 1 enterprise connection.
- You are building a B2B app where organizations and enterprise identity setup matter early.
- You need a more established enterprise upgrade path with log streaming and separate dev/prod environments in the first paid tier.
Pick Logto when…
- You want a free auth tier with no credit card required.
- You need up to 50,000 MAU before paying.
- You are starting a prototype or small SaaS and want multiple apps, webhooks, and token allowance included at no cost.
- You expect to use social logins and a simple hosted auth setup without enterprise procurement friction.
- You want a lower-cost first paid tier once usage starts to climb, especially if token volume is modest.
Bottom line
For the most common builder, Logto is the better free-tier pick because it gives you more MAU headroom, no card requirement, and a cheaper starting paid plan. Auth0 is the better choice if your free-stage needs already look like a real enterprise auth rollout, especially around organizations, SSO, and SCIM. If you are just trying to ship and learn, Logto is easier to start with. If you already know identity will be a core enterprise feature, Auth0’s free tier fits that direction better.
Read the full listings: Auth0 and Logto. Scores use the FTV methodology at /ftv. Browse more head-to-heads on /compare, or see the top-ranked free tiers on /top.