Better Auth vs NextAuth.js (Auth.js)(2026)
Better Auth is better for teams that need free and open source. NextAuth.js (Auth.js) is the stronger choice if free and open source. Better Auth is free and NextAuth.js (Auth.js) is free.
Full feature breakdown, pricing details, and pros & cons below.
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Better Auth
Better Auth is a framework-agnostic TypeScript authentication library with plugins for email, social, 2FA, organizations, and more.
Visit Better AuthNextAuth.js (Auth.js)
NextAuth.js is a complete authentication library for Next.js applications with adapters for 60+ databases and providers.
Visit NextAuth.js (Auth.js)How Do Better Auth and NextAuth.js (Auth.js) Compare on Features?
| Feature | Better Auth | NextAuth.js (Auth.js) |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | free | free |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Email/password auth | ✓ | — |
| Social providers | ✓ | — |
| 2FA | ✓ | — |
| Organizations | ✓ | — |
| Magic links | ✓ | — |
| Session management | ✓ | — |
| Plugin system | ✓ | — |
| 40+ OAuth providers | — | ✓ |
| Database adapters | — | ✓ |
| JWT sessions | — | ✓ |
| Email magic links | — | ✓ |
| Credentials auth | — | ✓ |
Better Auth Pros and Cons vs NextAuth.js (Auth.js)
B
Better Auth
+Free and open source
+TypeScript-first
+Plugin ecosystem
+No vendor lock-in
+Modern API
−Newer project
−Smaller community than NextAuth
−Requires self-hosting
N
NextAuth.js (Auth.js)
+Free and open source
+No vendor lock-in
+Highly flexible
+Full control
−More setup required
−No prebuilt UI
−Docs can be confusing
Should You Use Better Auth or NextAuth.js (Auth.js)?
Choose Better Auth if…
- •Free and open source
- •TypeScript-first
- •Plugin ecosystem
Choose NextAuth.js (Auth.js) if…
- •Free and open source
- •No vendor lock-in
- •Highly flexible