NextAuth.js (Auth.js) vs WorkOS(2026)
NextAuth.js (Auth.js) is better for teams that need free and open source. WorkOS is the stronger choice if free up to 1m mau. NextAuth.js (Auth.js) is free and WorkOS is freemium (from $0 (free up to 1M MAU)).
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)WorkOS
WorkOS provides enterprise-ready authentication APIs — SSO (SAML), SCIM, and Admin Portal in days, not months.
Starting at $0 (free up to 1M MAU)
Visit WorkOSHow Do NextAuth.js (Auth.js) and WorkOS Compare on Features?
| Feature | NextAuth.js (Auth.js) | WorkOS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | free | freemium |
| Starting price | Free | $0 (free up to 1M MAU) |
| 40+ OAuth providers | ✓ | — |
| Database adapters | ✓ | — |
| JWT sessions | ✓ | — |
| Email magic links | ✓ | — |
| Credentials auth | ✓ | — |
| SAML SSO | — | ✓ |
| SCIM provisioning | — | ✓ |
| Admin Portal | — | ✓ |
| Directory Sync | — | ✓ |
| MFA | — | ✓ |
| AuthKit | — | ✓ |
NextAuth.js (Auth.js) Pros and Cons vs WorkOS
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
W
WorkOS
+Free up to 1M MAU
+Best enterprise SSO DX
+Admin Portal included
+SCIM built-in
−Enterprise-focused (not ideal for consumer apps)
−Less community content vs Auth0
−Less social login flexibility
Should You Use NextAuth.js (Auth.js) or WorkOS?
Choose NextAuth.js (Auth.js) if…
- •Free and open source
- •No vendor lock-in
- •Highly flexible
Choose WorkOS if…
- •Free up to 1M MAU
- •Best enterprise SSO DX
- •Admin Portal included