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Updated May 2, 2026Auth Comparison
SuperTokens vs NextAuth.js Comparison
A detailed comparison of SuperTokens and NextAuth.js.
S
SuperTokens
Open source alternative to Auth0 / Firebase Auth / AWS Cognito.
Primary Task
Open Auth Platform
Pricing
Open SourceKey Features
- Self-hostable
- Session Management
- Social Login
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 | SuperTokens | NextAuth.js |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Task | Open Auth Platform | Next.js Auth |
| Pricing Model | Open Source | Open Source |
| Founded | 2020 | 2016 |
| User Limits | N/A | N/A |
| B2B/B2C Focus | N/A | N/A |
| MFA | N/A | N/A |
| Social Login | N/A | |
| SDK Support | N/A | N/A |
Pros & Cons
S
SuperTokens
Strengths
- Open source
- Self-hostable
- Prebuilt UI included
Limitations
- Smaller ecosystem
- Self-hosting complexity
- Newer platform
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.
S
Choose SuperTokens
Best for
- Strong Self-hostable capabilities
- Open Source pricing model
- Open Auth Platform 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 SuperTokens and NextAuth.js?
SuperTokens is primarily a Open Auth Platform, while NextAuth.js is focused on Next.js Auth. Open source alternative to Auth0 / Firebase Auth / AWS Cognito. Authentication for Next.js.
Is SuperTokens open source?
Yes, SuperTokens 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. SuperTokens is often chosen for its self-hostable capabilities, while NextAuth.js is popular for its oauth features.