Ory Hydra vs SuperTokens
A certified OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect server that uses your own login screens. An auth server for email-password, passwordless, and social login with sessions. Compare the capabilities you need, then check hosting, licensing and maintenance.
| Attribute | Ory Hydra | SuperTokens |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | A certified OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect server that uses your own login screens. | An auth server for email-password, passwordless, and social login with sessions. |
| Documented capabilities | OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect flows, Token issuance and validation, OpenID Connect certified, Bring-your-own login and consent UI | Email-password, passwordless, and social login, Session management, Multi-factor authentication, User roles and a user management dashboard |
| Best-fit workflow | Teams that already manage users and need a standards-compliant token server. | App teams that want login and sessions built into their own product. |
| Check before choosing | Hydra does not store users or render login pages. You build or connect the login and consent app. | Code in the ee directory is under a separate license. Check which features need a paid plan before you deploy. |
| Deployment options | Docker, Linux, macOS, and Windows binaries, Ory Network | Docker, SuperTokens managed service |
| GitHub stars | 17,614 | 15,350 |
| License | Apache-2.0 | Custom |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Docker noted | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud / hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Primary language | Go | Java |
| Last commit | 2026-07-29 | 2026-10-16 |
| Difficulty | Advanced | Moderate |
| Content source | Editorial catalog entry | Editorial catalog entry |
| Metadata checked | Check the current repository | Check the current repository |
| Forks | 1.6k | 835 |
| Star growth | Not recorded | Not recorded |
| Alternative to | Not recorded | Auth0 |
This comparison uses recorded capabilities, not hands-on performance tests. A capability missing from one record does not mean that product lacks it. Confirm edition, version and current pricing in the official documentation.
When to consider Ory Hydra
Teams that already manage users and need a standards-compliant token server.
Hydra does not store users or render login pages. You build or connect the login and consent app.
Ory Hydra documentation and sourceWhen to consider SuperTokens
App teams that want login and sessions built into their own product.
Code in the ee directory is under a separate license. Check which features need a paid plan before you deploy.
SuperTokens documentation and sourceOry Hydra vs SuperTokens questions
- What is Ory Hydra?
- A certified OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect server that uses your own login screens.
- What is SuperTokens?
- An auth server for email-password, passwordless, and social login with sessions.
- Can you self-host Ory Hydra and SuperTokens?
- Both can be self-hosted.
- What licenses do Ory Hydra and SuperTokens use?
- Ory Hydra uses the Apache-2.0 license. SuperTokens uses a custom license.
- Which has more GitHub stars, Ory Hydra or SuperTokens?
- Ory Hydra has 18k stars and SuperTokens has 15k. Stars show attention; check recent commits and releases for maintenance.
- What languages are Ory Hydra and SuperTokens written in?
- Ory Hydra is mainly written in Go. SuperTokens is mainly written in Java.