WorkOS vs NextAuth.js (Auth.js)(2026)
WorkOS is better for teams that need free up to 1m mau. NextAuth.js (Auth.js) is the stronger choice if free and open source. WorkOS is freemium (from $0 (free up to 1M MAU)) and NextAuth.js (Auth.js) is free.
Full feature breakdown, pricing details, and pros & cons below.
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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 WorkOSNextAuth.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 WorkOS and NextAuth.js (Auth.js) Compare on Features?
| Feature | WorkOS | NextAuth.js (Auth.js) |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | freemium | free |
| Starting price | $0 (free up to 1M MAU) | Free |
| SAML SSO | ✓ | — |
| SCIM provisioning | ✓ | — |
| Admin Portal | ✓ | — |
| Directory Sync | ✓ | — |
| MFA | ✓ | — |
| AuthKit | ✓ | — |
| 40+ OAuth providers | — | ✓ |
| Database adapters | — | ✓ |
| JWT sessions | — | ✓ |
| Email magic links | — | ✓ |
| Credentials auth | — | ✓ |
WorkOS Pros and Cons vs NextAuth.js (Auth.js)
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
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 WorkOS or NextAuth.js (Auth.js)?
Choose WorkOS if…
- •Free up to 1M MAU
- •Best enterprise SSO DX
- •Admin Portal included
Choose NextAuth.js (Auth.js) if…
- •Free and open source
- •No vendor lock-in
- •Highly flexible