Sigma Auth takes a unique approach to authentication by using Bitcoin cryptographic signatures instead of passwords. Here's how it compares to other popular authentication solutions:
vs Better Auth
Sigma Auth is built using Better Auth, extending it with Bitcoin-specific capabilities:
| Feature | Better Auth | Sigma Auth |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Modern auth framework | Better Auth + Bitcoin plugin |
| Authentication Methods | Email/password/OAuth | Bitcoin signatures + OAuth |
| Self-hosted | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Type Safety | ✅ Full TypeScript | ✅ Full TypeScript |
| Private Key Management | N/A | 🔐 Client-side only |
| Plugin Architecture | ✅ Extensible | ✅ Uses sigma plugin |
Use Better Auth alone when: You need traditional authentication methods
Use Sigma Auth when: You want passwordless Bitcoin-based authentication
vs Clerk
| Feature | Clerk | Sigma Auth |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | SaaS only | Self-hosted |
| Cost | $25+/month | Free forever |
| Authentication | Email/password/social | Bitcoin signatures + social |
| User Database | Managed by Clerk | Your control |
| Customization | Limited themes | Full control |
| Vendor Lock-in | High | None |
| Privacy | Clerk controls data | You control everything |
Use Clerk when: You want a fully managed solution and don't mind vendor dependency
Use Sigma Auth when: You need complete control and zero ongoing costs
vs Auth0
| Feature | Auth0 | Sigma Auth |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | SaaS only | Self-hosted |
| Cost | $23+/month | Free forever |
| Authentication | Traditional + social | Bitcoin + social |
| Compliance | Enterprise features | Bitcoin cryptography |
| Setup | Complex dashboard | Simple configuration |
| Performance | Auth0 global network | Cloudflare edge |
Use Auth0 when: You need enterprise compliance features and have budget
Use Sigma Auth when: You want Bitcoin-native authentication without monthly fees
vs NextAuth.js
| Feature | NextAuth.js | Sigma Auth |
|---|---|---|
| Framework | Next.js only | Any framework |
| Providers | 50+ OAuth providers | Bitcoin + OAuth providers |
| Self-hosted | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Database | Optional | Not required |
| Session Management | Built-in | JWT-based |
| Passwordless | Email magic links | Bitcoin signatures |
Use NextAuth.js when: You're building a Next.js app with traditional auth needs
Use Sigma Auth when: You want Bitcoin-based auth that works with any framework
Unique Advantages of Sigma Auth
🔐 Zero Server Secrets
Unlike all other solutions, Sigma Auth never handles or stores private keys. Users maintain complete control of their cryptographic identity.
⚡ Global Edge Performance
Built for Cloudflare Workers, ensuring sub-100ms response times worldwide without complex infrastructure.
💰 Zero Ongoing Costs
No monthly fees, no per-user charges, no hidden costs. Deploy once and run forever.
🔄 OAuth 2.0 Compatible
Drop-in replacement for existing OAuth providers. No need to rewrite your authentication logic.
🌍 Framework Agnostic
Works with React, Vue, Angular, vanilla JavaScript, or any backend that supports OAuth 2.0.
When to Choose Sigma Auth
Perfect for:
- Cryptocurrency/DeFi applications
- Privacy-focused applications
- Self-sovereign identity projects
- Applications wanting zero auth costs
- Projects requiring maximum user privacy
Consider alternatives if:
- You need traditional email/password flows
- Your users aren't comfortable with crypto concepts
- You require extensive enterprise compliance features
- You prefer fully managed solutions
Migration Path
Sigma Auth's OAuth 2.0 compatibility makes migration straightforward:
- Replace provider URLs in your existing OAuth configuration
- Update user profile handling to use Bitcoin public keys
- Add optional backup/restore UI for cross-device access
- Users migrate gradually as they log in
Most applications can integrate Sigma Auth in under an hour with minimal code changes.