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:

Use Better Auth alone when: You need traditional authentication methods Use Sigma Auth when: You want passwordless Bitcoin-based authentication with wallet infrastructure

vs Clerk

Use Clerk when: You want a fully managed solution and don't mind vendor dependency Use Sigma Auth when: You need complete control, wallet infrastructure, and zero gas surcharges

vs Auth0

Use Auth0 when: You need enterprise compliance features and have budget Use Sigma Auth when: You want Bitcoin-native authentication with built-in wallet infrastructure

vs NextAuth.js

Use NextAuth.js when: You're building a Next.js app with traditional auth needs Use Sigma Auth when: You want Bitcoin-based auth with wallet infrastructure that works with any framework

vs Openfort

Openfort provides embedded wallet infrastructure for EVM and Solana chains. Both offer Better Auth plugins, but serve fundamentally different architectures.

Use Openfort when: You're building on EVM/Solana and want managed wallet infrastructure with social login onboarding

Use Sigma Auth when: You want self-sovereign Bitcoin identity with zero vendor dependency, or you need NFT-based access control and portable cryptographic identity

Key Architectural Difference

Openfort manages keys on your behalf through their Shield encryption service. Your users' wallet keys are split and stored across Openfort's infrastructure. This enables features like automatic recovery and gas sponsorship, but introduces a custodial dependency.

Sigma Auth never touches private keys. The user's Bitcoin key exists only on their device or in their encrypted backup file. Authentication works by proving key ownership through cryptographic signatures, not by the server holding the key. This means no vendor can freeze, revoke, or access user funds or identity.

vs Privy

Privy provides embedded wallets and authentication for EVM chains. Here's how it compares to Sigma Auth's Bitcoin-native approach.

Use Privy when: You're building on EVM and want managed embedded wallets with social login

Use Sigma Auth when: You want non-custodial Bitcoin identity, zero gas surcharges, and full open-source control

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 on Vercel's Edge Runtime, ensuring sub-100ms response times worldwide without complex infrastructure.

Hosted Service with Self-Hosted Escape Hatch

The hosted service starts at $49/month for Pro with 10K MAU and 10K Droplit operations included. Self-hosting is always free under the MIT license — no vendor lock-in.

0% Gas Surcharge

BSV transaction costs average ~$0.0001 — 40-1000x cheaper than EVM chains. Sigma Identity passes this through at cost with zero markup on any tier.

Wallet Infrastructure Included

Every tier includes Droplit wallet operations (tap, push, fund, mint) — no separate billing or integration required.

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 needing wallet infrastructure with zero gas surcharges
• 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 on EVM chains

Migration Path

Sigma Auth's OAuth 2.0 compatibility makes migration straightforward:

1. Replace provider URLs in your existing OAuth configuration
2. Update user profile handling to use Bitcoin public keys
3. Add optional backup/restore UI for cross-device access
4. Users migrate gradually as they log in

Most applications can integrate Sigma Auth in under an hour with minimal code changes.