Clerk vs CyberArk
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Clerk and CyberArk are credible authentication tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Clerk if you want a lower starting price (free – $25/mo), a free plan to start on and a higher overall rating (4.7/5). Auth and user management for devs.
Choose CyberArk if you'd rather have broader platform coverage. Identity security and privileged access management
Clerk vs CyberArk: side by side
| Dimension | Clerk | CyberArk |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $25/moWinner | Custom |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Best for | Developers, Startups | Enterprise, Security Teams |
| Platforms | Web, Api | Web, Windows, Linux, ApiWinner |
| Rating | 4.7/5Winner | 4.4/5 |
Clerk key facts
- Vendor
- Clerk
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $25/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Api
- Best for
- Developers, Startups
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2020
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA, USA
CyberArk key facts
- Vendor
- CyberArk Software
- Pricing
- Subscription — Custom
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Web, Windows, Linux, Api
- Best for
- Enterprise, Security Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.4 / 5
- Founded
- 1999
- Headquarters
- Petah Tikva, Israel
Frequently asked questions
Is Clerk better than CyberArk?
Neither is universally better — Clerk edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Clerk or CyberArk cheaper?
Clerk is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $25/mo. Clerk starts at free – $25/mo; CyberArk starts at custom.
Can Clerk replace CyberArk?
Yes for most teams — both are authentication tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.