Trailbase vs WorkOS Audit Logs

TL;DR: WorkOS bundles audit logs inside a broader enterprise-readiness platform (SSO, SCIM, MFA). Trailbase is a dedicated audit logging API with built-in compliance automation, RBAC, and cryptographic integrity — features WorkOS doesn't offer in its audit module.

What is WorkOS Audit Logs?

WorkOS is an enterprise-readiness platform that bundles SSO (SAML), Directory Sync (SCIM), MFA, and Audit Logs into a single developer API. Audit Logs is one module in a broader suite designed to make SaaS apps "enterprise ready."

Feature Comparison

FeatureTrailbaseWorkOS Audit Logs
Core focusDedicated audit log platformEnterprise-readiness suite (SSO + Audit + SCIM)
SHA-256 hash chainBuilt-in — every event is cryptographically linkedNot available
Compliance reportsAutomated SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001Not available
RBAC engineResource-level with explain graphNot included (separate integration needed)
SIEM streamingWebhooks to any destinationSplunk, Datadog ($75/org/mo extra)
RetentionUp to 10 years with tiered storage1 month default, 12 months for $50/org/mo
Customer-facing exportsAutomated S3 export to customer bucketsAdmin Portal for viewing
Data residencyEU (Amsterdam) and USUS (AWS us-west-2)
Pricing modelPer event volume ($99-$299/mo flat)Per organization ($5-$125/org/mo + add-ons)
Free tier1,000 events/mo foreverNo free tier for audit logs
Field-level encryptionAES-256-GCMNot available

Verdict

WorkOS is a great choice if you need SSO, SCIM, and basic audit logging from a single vendor. Trailbase is the better fit if audit logging is a core requirement — you need compliance automation, tamper-evidence, RBAC, or EU data residency. Many teams use WorkOS for SSO/SCIM and Trailbase for audit logging and compliance.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Trailbase if...

Teams that need compliance-grade audit logs with cryptographic integrity, automated compliance reports, and RBAC

Choose WorkOS Audit Logs if...

Teams that primarily need SSO/SCIM and want basic audit logging bundled in the same platform

Other Comparisons

Trailbase vs Building Audit Logs In-HouseTrailbase vs Datadog for Audit LoggingTrailbase vs Papertrail for Audit Logging

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