Back to Tools
Updated May 2, 2026Auth Comparison
Lucia vs NextAuth.js Comparison
A detailed comparison of Lucia and NextAuth.js.
L
Lucia
Authentication, simple and clean.
Primary Task
Auth Library
Pricing
Open SourceKey Features
- Session Management
- TypeScript-first
- Database Agnostic
N
NextAuth.js
Authentication for Next.js.
Primary Task
Next.js Auth
Pricing
Open SourceKey Features
- OAuth
- Email/Passwordless
- Own your data
At a Glance
| Feature | Lucia | NextAuth.js |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Task | Auth Library | Next.js Auth |
| Pricing Model | Open Source | Open Source |
| Founded | 2022 | 2016 |
| User Limits | N/A | N/A |
| B2B/B2C Focus | N/A | N/A |
| MFA | N/A | N/A |
| Social Login | N/A | N/A |
| SDK Support | N/A | N/A |
Pros & Cons
L
Lucia
Strengths
- Lightweight
- Type-safe
- Database flexibility
Limitations
- DIY approach
- Smaller community
- More setup required
N
NextAuth.js
Strengths
- Open Source
- Own your data
- Deep Next.js integration
Limitations
- Maintenance burden
- Database adapter complexity
- Less 'batteries included'
Final Decision
The Verdict
Both tools are excellent. Here's how to choose the right one for your project.
L
Choose Lucia
Best for
- Strong Session Management capabilities
- Open Source pricing model
- Auth Library workflows
N
Choose NextAuth.js
Best for
- OAuth focused projects
- Open Source approach
- Next.js Auth use cases
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Lucia and NextAuth.js?
Lucia is primarily a Auth Library, while NextAuth.js is focused on Next.js Auth. Authentication, simple and clean. Authentication for Next.js.
Is Lucia open source?
Yes, Lucia is open source.
Is NextAuth.js open source?
Yes, NextAuth.js is open source.
Which is better for Auth?
It depends on your specific needs. Lucia is often chosen for its session management capabilities, while NextAuth.js is popular for its oauth features.