How to Build Your Own Clerk
Replace Clerk with a custom build. More than authentication, Complete User Management
Build Difficulty: 4/5
A few focused days to build a solid replacement
Estimated Timeline
Based on 74 features at Few Days difficulty, expect about 3-5 days with AI-assisted development.
Recommended Tech Stack
Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components
PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions
Utility-first styling for rapid UI development
Key Features to Replicate
Top features across 8 categories. See all 74 features
Security(18 features)
Protect users from automated brute forcing attacks
SOC 2 type 2 compliant with regular third-party audits and penetration tests
Allow and deny users based on domain, phone number, Web3 wallet address, etc.
Prevent sign-ups from known disposable email services
Prevent abuse by blocking email subaddresses with plus separator
+13 more in this category
Authentication(16 features)
Fast and reliable OTP delivery with brute force prevention
Six-digit code authentication sent to user email
Passwordless magic link authentication via email
SAML, OIDC, and EASL-supported enterprise authentication
Passwordless authentication using email magic links with spam/fraud filtering
+11 more in this category
B2B Features(11 features)
Allow users to discover and join organizations based on email domain
Automatically invite users based on verified email domain membership
Basic role-based access control with Admin and Member roles
Component allowing users to create new organizations
Fully customizable authorization with custom roles and permission sets
+6 more in this category
Billing(7 features)
Subscription billing with React components, no payment code or webhook management needed
Plan-based access control and feature gating based on subscription level
Define and manage subscription plans with pricing tiers
Component to display pricing plans with feature comparisons and subscription options
Native integration with Stripe for payment processing
+2 more in this category
User Management(6 features)
Ensure only one account created when using multiple authentication methods
No-questions-asked data exports of all Clerk user data
Dropdown menu component providing account access and user options
Store custom data with user objects in Clerk
Component to manage user profile information and settings
+1 more in this category
Compliance(4 features)
California Consumer Privacy Act compliance
Service built to comply with GDPR principles with Data Privacy Agreement
HIPAA compliance available with Business Associate Agreement
SOC 2 Type 2 compliance report available
Support(4 features)
Active Discord community with over 10,000 members supported by Clerk staff
24/7 access to expert support staff
Dedicated onboarding and migration assistance for enterprise customers
Priority email support and SLA guarantees
Administration(3 features)
Comprehensive audit logging for compliance and security tracking
Advanced role management for dashboard team collaboration
Access application as a user for easy troubleshooting and support
Cost Calculator
Keep Paying Clerk
Build It Yourself
Total Cost Comparison
DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 74 features at easy complexity.