AuthKit VS Tinyauth

Overall verdict

• Tinyauth is a solid, lightweight authentication solution for self-hosters who want a simple way to add a login screen and access control to their applications without the complexity of heavier identity providers.

Why this product is good

• Extremely lightweight and easy to deploy, typically running as a small Docker container with minimal resource usage
• Simple configuration aimed at self-hosters, making it quick to set up in front of existing apps and services
• Integrates well with reverse proxies like Traefik, Nginx, and Caddy for forward authentication
• Supports multiple login methods including username/password and OAuth providers like Google and GitHub
• Open source and free, giving users transparency and control over their authentication layer
• Good fit for protecting internal dashboards and homelab services that lack built-in authentication

Recommended for

• Self-hosters and homelab enthusiasts wanting simple access control
• Users who need to add a login layer in front of apps that lack authentication
• People running reverse proxies like Traefik, Nginx, or Caddy
• Small teams or individuals seeking a lightweight alternative to heavy SSO/identity platforms
• Anyone protecting internal dashboards and personal web services