Laravel Sanctum vs Passport: Which One Should You Use?
When building APIs in Laravel, authentication is one of the most important aspects to consider.
Laravel provides two official solutions for API authentication: Sanctum and Passport.
In this article, we will compare Laravel Sanctum vs Passport, understand their differences, and help you decide which one to use for your project.
What is Laravel Sanctum?
Laravel Sanctum is a lightweight authentication system designed for simple API token authentication. It is ideal for:
- Single Page Applications (SPA)
- Mobile applications
- Simple token-based APIs
Sanctum uses a simple token system without the complexity of OAuth2.
What is Laravel Passport?
Laravel Passport is a full OAuth2 server implementation. It is designed for more complex authentication systems that require:
- OAuth2 flows (authorization code, client credentials, etc.)
- Third-party API authentication
- Enterprise-level security
Passport is more powerful but also more complex compared to Sanctum.
Key Differences Between Sanctum and Passport
| Feature | Laravel Sanctum | Laravel Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Complexity | Simple | Complex |
| Authentication Type | Token-based | OAuth2 |
| Use Case | SPA, Mobile apps | Enterprise, third-party APIs |
| Setup | Easy | Advanced |
| Performance | Lightweight | Heavier |
| Learning Curve | Low | High |
When to Use Laravel Sanctum
You should use Sanctum when:
- You are building a Single Page Application (Vue, React, etc.)
- You need simple API authentication
- You don’t require OAuth2 features
- You want quick setup and minimal configuration
Example: Sanctum Token Creation
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$user = User::find(1); $token = $user->createToken('api-token')->plainTextToken; |
Protecting Routes
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Route::middleware('auth:sanctum')->get('/user', function (Request $request) { return $request->user(); }); |
When to Use Laravel Passport
You should use Passport when:
- You need OAuth2 authentication
- Your API is consumed by third-party applications
- You are building enterprise-level systems
- You need advanced security and access control
Example: Passport Token Creation
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$token = $user->createToken('App Token')->accessToken; |
Protecting Routes
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Route::middleware('auth:api')->get('/user', function (Request $request) { return $request->user(); }); |
Installation Comparison
Laravel Sanctum Installation
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composer require laravel/sanctum php artisan migrate |
Laravel Passport Installation
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composer require laravel/passport php artisan migrate php artisan passport:install |
Performance Comparison
Sanctum is faster and more lightweight because it uses simple token-based authentication.
Passport, on the other hand, includes OAuth2 features, making it slightly heavier but more powerful.
Security Comparison
- Sanctum provides sufficient security for most applications
- Passport provides advanced OAuth2 security features
If you need token scopes, refresh tokens, or third-party access, Passport is the better choice.
Real-World Use Cases
Use Sanctum for:
- SaaS dashboards
- Admin panels
- Mobile apps
- Simple APIs
Use Passport for:
- Public APIs
- Multi-client systems
- Third-party integrations
- Enterprise applications
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Laravel Sanctum if:
- You want simplicity
- You are building internal APIs
- You don’t need OAuth2
Choose Laravel Passport if:
- You need OAuth2 authentication
- You are building a public API
- You require advanced authorization
Conclusion
Laravel Sanctum and Passport both solve API authentication problems but serve different purposes.
Sanctum is simple, fast, and ideal for most applications, while Passport is powerful and suited for complex systems requiring OAuth2.
Understanding your project requirements will help you choose the right tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sanctum better than Passport?
Sanctum is better for simple applications, while Passport is better for complex OAuth2-based systems.
Can I use Sanctum and Passport together?
It is not recommended to use both together in the same project.
Which one is faster?
Sanctum is faster because it is lightweight and does not include OAuth2 overhead.
Does Passport support mobile apps?
Yes, Passport supports mobile apps using OAuth2 flows.
Final Tip
If you are unsure, start with Sanctum. You can always switch to Passport later if your application grows and requires more advanced features.
You can also hire laravel developers to build your custom solutions on laravel. For exploring the available extensions for Bagisto, you can check out the bagisto extension marketplace.
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