Alternative

SharkAuth vs ZeroID.

ZeroID is an impressive open-source identity platform from Highflame, built for autonomous agents. SharkAuth is the single-binary alternative with zero dependencies. If you want agent-native auth without Docker, databases, or config files, this comparison is for you.

What is SharkAuth?

SharkAuth is an open-source identity platform built for the agentic era. It ships as a single ~29 MB Go binary with embedded SQLite WAL, requires zero dependencies, and implements OAuth 2.1, OIDC, RFC 8693 Token Exchange, and RFC 9449 DPoP — all zero-config. Self-host free forever under MIT license.

Head-to-head comparison

Feature
SharkAuth Logo SharkAuth
ZeroID
PositioningAgent-native auth platformAutonomous Agent Identity Management (AAIMS)
Architecture / deploymentSingle static binaryGo + Docker + Postgres
Binary size / dependencies~29 MB, zero deps~100 MB+, Docker required
OAuth 2.1Full implementationFull implementation
RFC 8693 Token ExchangeFull (act chains ≥ 7)Supported
DPoP (RFC 9449)Default / nativeSupported
WIMSE / SPIFFENot yetNative support
Agent identity primitivesFirst-class (may_act_grants)Pluggable verifiers
Cascade revocation< 12 ms p99CAE / SSF real-time
Attestation frameworkNot yetOIDC / TPM / image_hash
MCP GatewayBuilt-inVia SDK
Deployment complexityZero config, one commandDocker Compose + DB setup
LicenseMITApache 2.0
Company backingIndependent open sourceHighflame (hosted SaaS)
Choose SharkAuth if...
  • → You want a single binary with zero dependencies
  • → You need DPoP by default without configuration
  • → You deploy air-gapped or on a $5 VPS
  • → You prefer MIT license and fully independent open source
  • → You want cascade revocation in under 12 ms
Choose ZeroID if...
  • → You need hardware attestation (TPM, image hash)
  • → You require WIMSE / SPIFFE workload identity
  • → You want a hosted SaaS with weekly releases
  • → You need CAE / SSF continuous access evaluation
  • → You prefer company-backed infrastructure with support

By the numbers

~29 MB
Binary size
ZeroID: 100 MB+ with Docker
< 12 ms
Cascade revocation p99
ZeroID: CAE/SSF real-time
0
External dependencies
ZeroID: Docker + Postgres
$0
Self-host cost
ZeroID: free self-host, paid SaaS available

Frequently asked questions

Is SharkAuth a drop-in replacement for ZeroID?

For many agent-auth use cases, yes. Both implement OAuth 2.1, RFC 8693 Token Exchange, and agent-native delegation. However, ZeroID offers WIMSE/SPIFFE workload identity, hardware attestation, and CAE/SSF continuous evaluation that SharkAuth does not yet provide. If you need those features, ZeroID is the right choice today.

Why is SharkAuth smaller than ZeroID?

SharkAuth embeds SQLite WAL directly into a single Go binary with no external services. ZeroID is also Go-based but requires Docker, PostgreSQL, and additional infrastructure to run. SharkAuth trades some advanced features for radical deployment simplicity — one file, one command, anywhere.

Does ZeroID have features SharkAuth lacks?

Yes. ZeroID has a mature attestation framework (OIDC, TPM, image_hash), CAE/SSF real-time revocation, WIMSE/SPIFFE workload identity, LangChain integration, and a hosted SaaS option at auth.highflame.ai. SharkAuth is intentionally minimal: ship the core protocols first, expand later.

Which license is more permissive, MIT or Apache 2.0?

Both are permissive open-source licenses. MIT is simpler and shorter, with fewer attribution requirements. Apache 2.0 includes an explicit patent grant, which some enterprises prefer. SharkAuth uses MIT; ZeroID uses Apache 2.0. For most users, the practical difference is negligible.

Ready to try SharkAuth?

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