supertokens-core vs AuthKit
Authentication services and integration examples compared
supertokens-core is a self-hostable Java authentication service used through frontend and backend SDKs. AuthKit is a TypeScript example project for integrating WorkOS authentication, with a hosted login UI or a custom interface; it requires a WorkOS account and configuration.
supertokens-core: Build Authentication Into Your Applications
SuperTokens Core is a self-hostable authentication service that handles core login, user, and session operations for backend SDKs. It suits teams that want managed auth features while keeping user data in their own database and deployment.
AuthKit: Add WorkOS Authentication to Your App
AuthKit provides examples for adding WorkOS authentication through a hosted, themeable login UI or a custom interface using headless User Management APIs. It suits teams building web apps that want WorkOS to handle authentication flows.
| supertokens-core | AuthKit | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Java | TypeScript |
| License | NOASSERTION | MIT |
| Stars | 15.3k | 3.4k |
| Forks | 841 | 169 |
| Last analyzed | Oct 4, 2026 | Oct 14, 2026 |
Key differences
- supertokens-core provides core authentication logic and database operations, while AuthKit demonstrates how to connect an application to WorkOS User Management.
- supertokens-core supports several login flows and features including session management, multi-factor authentication, roles, and tenant support; AuthKit focuses on hosted or custom login UI examples, OAuth callbacks, and an SSO callback example.
- supertokens-core can be deployed on-premises with user data in the operator's database; AuthKit relies on WorkOS and requires account credentials and configured redirect URLs.
- supertokens-core is written in Java and reports its license as NOASSERTION; AuthKit is written in TypeScript and is licensed under MIT.
- supertokens-core's repository is the core service within a broader SDK-based system; AuthKit is an implementation reference rather than a standalone authentication service.
- AuthKit's repository indicates no tests or CI and no release in the past year; supertokens-core's provided project details identify it as unarchived.
Choose supertokens-core if you…
- need a self-hostable authentication service with user data stored in your own deployment and database.
- want supported login options alongside session management, roles, multi-factor authentication, or tenant support.
- are prepared to integrate frontend and backend SDKs with the core service.
Choose AuthKit if you…
- want examples for using WorkOS's hosted login UI or building a custom interface with headless APIs.
- need a TypeScript reference for WorkOS OAuth or SSO callback configuration.
- prefer to compare hosted and self-hosted login UI approaches in one project and can configure a WorkOS account and redirect URLs.
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This comparison is generated with AI from the OSRepos analyses of both projects. Always check each project's repository and documentation before choosing.