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Better Auth vs Vanta

Better Auth and Vanta are both security & identity tools. Better Auth is aimed at developers, while Vanta is aimed at small businesses and enterprise. Only Better Auth has a free plan.

Better Auth

Framework-agnostic TypeScript authentication

Vanta

Automated SOC 2, ISO 27001 and GDPR compliance

PricingOpen source · $20Paid
Starting price$20/moNot published
Free planYesNo
Free trial——
Built forDevelopersSmall businesses, Enterprise
Platformswebweb
CountryUS · 2024US · 2018
Rating——

Choose Better Auth if

TypeScript developers who want complete ownership and flexibility without paying per user.

  • Free and MIT licensed; you own user data
  • Comprehensive plugin set rivals hosted providers
  • Excellent TypeScript DX

Look elsewhere if: Teams that want hosted UI and zero maintenance (Clerk) or heavy enterprise SSO today (Auth0).

Choose Vanta if

B2B SaaS companies from seed to enterprise that need certifications to sell.

  • Cuts compliance effort dramatically
  • Broad integration coverage
  • Trust Center speeds sales security reviews

Look elsewhere if: Companies without compliance requirements yet; address basics first.

Better Auth vs Vanta pricing

Better Auth

  • Open source$0MIT library, self-hosted, no per-user fees
  • Starter$0Managed infra: 1 dashboard seat, 10k audit logs/mo
  • Pro$20/moUnlimited seats, 20k audit logs/mo, 1 SSO connection
  • EnterpriseCustomCustom limits, log drain, Slack support

Vanta

  • EssentialsCustomOne framework, Vanta AI Agent, Trust Center
  • PlusCustomQuestionnaire automation (25/yr), access management
  • ProfessionalCustomRisk management, 144 questionnaires/yr
  • EnterpriseCustomFully customizable GRC package

Better Auth · Key features

  • Email/password, OAuth, magic link, passkeys and OTP
  • Plugins: organizations, teams, 2FA, admin, multi-session, API keys
  • Database adapters for Drizzle, Prisma, Kysely and more
  • Framework integrations: Next.js, Nuxt, SvelteKit, Hono, Express
  • Typed client hooks for React, Vue and Svelte
  • Rate limiting, session management and CLI migrations

Cons

  • You host and secure it yourself
  • No prebuilt UI components (bring your own)
  • Younger project; APIs still evolving

Vanta · Key features

  • Continuous automated control monitoring
  • Frameworks: SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR, PCI, custom
  • Policy templates and employee security training
  • Evidence collection and auditor collaboration
  • Trust Center and security questionnaire automation
  • Vendor risk management and access reviews

Cons

  • Expensive for early-stage startups
  • Pricing not public
  • Still requires internal ownership

Better Auth vs Vanta: FAQ

Do Better Auth and Vanta have a free plan?

Better Auth has a free plan. Vanta has no free plan.

Which is better for small businesses, Better Auth or Vanta?

Vanta lists small businesses as a core audience, while Better Auth is aimed more at developers.

Not sure yet?