Knock vs Stytch: Full Comparison (2026)
Pricing, features, scores, and a clear verdict on which one is right for you.
The bottom line
Knock positions itself as "notification infrastructure for developers" while Stytch goes after "authentication infrastructure for modern apps" — so the right pick depends on which problem you're actually solving. Both use freemium pricing, but Knock charges per message while Stytch charges per mau — a meaningful difference for larger teams.
At a glance
| Knock | Stytch | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 84/100 | 82/100 |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Notification infrastructure for developers | Authentication infrastructure for modern apps |
Pricing comparison
Calculate your cost
Feature comparison
core
| Feature | Knock | Stytch |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-channel notifications | Yes | No |
| Workflow builder | Yes | No |
| User preferences | Yes | No |
| In-app feed | Yes | No |
| Template management | Yes | No |
| Magic links | No | Yes |
| Passkeys | No | Yes |
| OAuth | No | Yes |
| SMS/TOTP MFA | No | Yes |
| Session management | No | Yes |
Ratings breakdown
What the data tells us
Key capabilities you'd miss
Choosing Knock means going without Magic links, Passkeys, OAuth (which Stytch offers). Choosing Stytch means losing Multi-channel notifications, Workflow builder, User preferences. These are the features that typically drive the final decision — check whether your workflow depends on any of them before committing.
What company size tells you
Stytch (51-200 employees) has the engineering bench to ship features across many fronts but may iterate slower on individual requests. Knock (1-10 employees) typically ships faster on its core product but may lag on peripheral features. Consider which matters more for your roadmap.
Choose Knock if...
- You want a free tier to get started
- You value an intuitive, easy-to-use interface
- Getting strong value for money is a priority
Choose Stytch if...
- You want a free tier to get started
- You value an intuitive, easy-to-use interface
- Getting strong value for money is a priority
Frequently asked questions
Is Knock or Stytch better?
Knock scores 84/100 compared to Stytch's 82/100 on VendorVS. However, the best choice depends on your needs — Knock excels at ease of use (9/10) while Stytch scores 9/10.
How much does Knock cost compared to Stytch?
Knock starts at free (free tier available). Stytch starts at free (free tier available). Knock is the more affordable option.
Does Knock or Stytch have a free plan?
Yes, both Knock and Stytch offer free tiers, so you can try each before committing to a paid plan.
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