NextAuth.js (Auth.js) vs Better Auth(2026)
NextAuth.js (Auth.js) is better for teams that need free and open source. Better Auth is the stronger choice if free and open source. NextAuth.js (Auth.js) is free and Better Auth is free.
Full feature breakdown, pricing details, and pros & cons below.
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NextAuth.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)Better Auth
Better Auth is a framework-agnostic TypeScript authentication library with plugins for email, social, 2FA, organizations, and more.
Visit Better AuthHow Do NextAuth.js (Auth.js) and Better Auth Compare on Features?
| Feature | NextAuth.js (Auth.js) | Better Auth |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | free | free |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| 40+ OAuth providers | ✓ | — |
| Database adapters | ✓ | — |
| JWT sessions | ✓ | — |
| Email magic links | ✓ | — |
| Credentials auth | ✓ | — |
| Email/password auth | — | ✓ |
| Social providers | — | ✓ |
| 2FA | — | ✓ |
| Organizations | — | ✓ |
| Magic links | — | ✓ |
| Session management | — | ✓ |
| Plugin system | — | ✓ |
NextAuth.js (Auth.js) Pros and Cons vs Better Auth
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
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
Should You Use NextAuth.js (Auth.js) or Better Auth?
Choose NextAuth.js (Auth.js) if…
- •Free and open source
- •No vendor lock-in
- •Highly flexible
Choose Better Auth if…
- •Free and open source
- •TypeScript-first
- •Plugin ecosystem