---
url: 'https://www.corbado.com/faq/differences-self-developed-third-party-authentication-passkeys'
title: 'How does passkey adoption differ of DIY & 3rd-party solutions?'
description: 'Learn the key differences between self-developed and third-party authentication systems in passkey adoption, including control, cost, and flexibility.'
lang: 'en'
keywords: 'self-developed authentication systems, third-party authentication providers, authentication system comparison'
---

# How does passkey adoption differ of DIY & 3rd-party solutions?

## What are the differences between self-developed and third-party authentication systems in passkey adoption?

When adopting passkeys for user authentication, organizations must choose between
self-developed systems and third-party authentication providers. Each approach has
distinct advantages and challenges, which are outlined below:

### Self-Developed Authentication Systems

**Advantages:**

- **Complete Control:** You can tailor the system to meet specific needs, including
  advanced security features and seamless integration of passkeys.
- **Flexibility:** Self-developed systems allow for customization of user flows and
  interface elements without relying on external roadmaps.
- **Data Privacy:** All user authentication data remains in-house, reducing reliance on
  external vendors.

**Challenges:**

- **Development Cost:** Building and maintaining a custom system requires significant
  time, budget, and expertise.
- **Technical Complexity:** Passkeys require adherence to WebAuthn standards, which
  involve advanced cryptographic protocols and device compatibility considerations. Also
  updates occur frequently which need to be incorporated
- **Ongoing Maintenance:** Ensuring the system stays updated with new security standards
  and features can be resource-intensive.

### Third-Party Authentication Systems

**Advantages:**

- **Quick Implementation:** Providers like [Keycloak](https://www.corbado.com/blog/keycloak-passkeys), Corbado or
  [Amazon Cognito](https://www.corbado.com/blog/passkeys-amazon-cognito) offer out-of-the-box solutions for
  passkey support.
- **Lower Upfront Costs:** Leveraging existing infrastructure reduces the need for
  significant development efforts.
- **Scalability:** These systems are built to handle
  [large-scale](https://www.corbado.com/blog/introducing-passkeys-large-scale-overview) deployments and ensure
  compliance with global standards.

**Challenges:**

- **Limited Customization:** Dependence on the provider’s roadmap can restrict flexibility
  in implementing unique features.
- **Vendor Lock-In:** Migrating away from a third-party system can be challenging and
  costly.
- **Privacy Concerns:** Sensitive user data is often processed by external servers,
  requiring careful vetting of the provider’s compliance and security measures.

### Choosing the Right Option

The choice depends on your organization’s priorities. If customization and data control
are critical, a self-developed system might be the better fit. However, if speed and
scalability are the main concerns, third-party providers offer a streamlined path to
integrating passkeys.

For enterprises with hybrid setups, combining self-developed systems with third-party
components can offer a balanced approach.

## Read the full article