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