MojoAuth vs Descope: two passwordless-native platforms compared
Descope and MojoAuth occupy similar ground: passwordless-first CIAM aimed at modern app developers. The biggest difference is the customization surface: Descope's visual Flows builder versus MojoAuth's webhook-and-SDK model.
TL;DR verdict
Choose Descope when your team values a visual no-code flow builder for non-developer stakeholders to modify auth journeys. Choose MojoAuth when you want published MAU tiers with a 25,000 MAU free plan, broader SDK reach with SDKs in 22+ languages, WhatsApp OTP on Enterprise, and a webhook-based customization model that feels familiar to backend engineers. The two platforms are feature-similar; the difference is the customization paradigm and pricing shape.
At-a-glance comparison
| Dimension | MojoAuth | Descope |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | 25,000 MAUs | 7,500 MAUs |
| Paid pricing | Business Pro from $120/mo (25,000 MAU) | $0.06 per MAU above free |
| Customization model | Webhooks + SDK | Flows (visual no-code) |
| SDK breadth | 22+ languages | Major web/mobile |
| Passkeys | FIDO2/WebAuthn compliant | Supported |
| WhatsApp OTP | Native (Enterprise) | Not native |
| One Tap Login | Included | Supported |
| SOC 2 Type II / ISO 27001 | Certified / Certified | Yes / Yes |
| HIPAA BAA | Enterprise plan (HIPAA-ready) | Enterprise plan |
When to choose MojoAuth
You want published tiers instead of a per-MAU rate.
Descope's $0.06/MAU pricing adds up quickly. At 50,000 MAUs, Descope is ~$2,550/month versus $200/month on MojoAuth Business Pro. MojoAuth is free up to 25,000 MAU.
You need WhatsApp OTP or broader SDK coverage.
MojoAuth ships WhatsApp OTP as a native channel on Enterprise and offers SDKs in 22+ languages. Descope does not have WhatsApp OTP and has a narrower official SDK set.
Your team prefers code over visual builders.
For backend engineers, webhooks over HTTPS are easier to version-control, test, and review than visual flows. If your engineering culture treats infrastructure as code, the webhook model fits better.
When to choose Descope
Non-developers need to modify auth journeys.
Descope Flows is genuinely useful when product managers or growth teams want to A/B test different sign-up paths without engineering. MojoAuth's model assumes engineers own auth changes.
You need "Inbound Apps" - being an IdP yourself.
Descope's Inbound Apps product lets your own SaaS act as an OIDC/SAML identity provider for other apps. This is a niche but real requirement and Descope is the strongest in the category here.
Pricing breakdown
| Scenario | MojoAuth | Descope |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 MAUs | Free | Free |
| 10,000 MAUs | Free | ~$150/mo (2,500 paid × $0.06) |
| 50,000 MAUs | $200/mo | ~$2,550/mo |
| 100,000 MAUs | $380/mo | ~$5,550/mo |
Developer experience
Email OTP with MojoAuth
import { MojoAuth } from "@mojoauth/server-sdk";
const mojo = new MojoAuth({ apiKey: process.env.MOJOAUTH_API_KEY });
await mojo.email.sendOtp({ email: "user@example.com" });
const { user, accessToken } = await mojo.email.verifyOtp({
email: "user@example.com",
otp: req.body.otp,
});
OTP with Descope (Node SDK)
import DescopeClient from "@descope/node-sdk";
const descope = DescopeClient({
projectId: process.env.DESCOPE_PROJECT_ID,
});
await descope.otp.signUp.email("user@example.com");
const resp = await descope.otp.verify.email(
"user@example.com",
req.body.otp,
);
Security and compliance
MojoAuth
- SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certified
- FIDO2/WebAuthn compliant passkeys
- HIPAA-ready (BAA on Enterprise)
Descope
- SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001
- WebAuthn / passkey support
- HIPAA BAA on enterprise plans
Migration from Descope
- Week 1: Export users via Descope Management API. Import to MojoAuth with hashes.
- Week 2: Recreate Flow logic as MojoAuth webhooks. Parallel run, monitor.
- Week 3: Cutover, decommission Descope project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to evaluate?
Sources
- Descope pricing and Flows product documentation.
- Descope Trust Portal for SOC 2 and ISO 27001.
- MojoAuth pricing page and Trust Portal.
- Hands-on testing by the editorial team.
Advocates for frictionless passwordless authentication and connects product outcomes to real buyer decisions in CIAM.
Builds developer-friendly passwordless authentication systems and reviews SDK ergonomics across vendors.