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Best NextAuth.js Alternatives

Reviewed byRoman K

3 alternatives to NextAuth.js in Authentication, compared by pricing, DX grade, security, and vendor lock-in.

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NextAuth.js

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Auth for Next.js

Pricing: open-source, from $0/mo

Stars: 28.3k

Clerk

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Pricing

freemium ($25+/mo)

GitHub Stars

1.7k

Weekly Downloads

1.5M

Auth0

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Pricing

freemium ($35+/mo)

Weekly Downloads

1.8M

Lucia

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Pricing

open-source

GitHub Stars

10.5k

Weekly Downloads

148.3k

Pricing and traction at a glance

Of the 3 alternatives listed, 3 are tracked with full data: 3 keep a free plan, 1 are open source. Paid entries run from $0/mo (Lucia) to $35/mo (Auth0). Lucia carries the most GitHub traction with 10,500 stars. Switching cost is usually driven by lock-in, not by the sticker price.

Tool	Pricing	Free plan	GitHub stars
Clerk	freemium — from $25/mo	yes	1,720
Auth0	freemium — from $35/mo	yes	—
Lucia	open-source — from $0/mo	yes	10,500

FAQ

What are the best NextAuth.js alternatives in 2026?

The top alternatives to NextAuth.js are Clerk, Auth0, Lucia. Each offers different trade-offs in pricing, developer experience, and lock-in risk.

Is there a free alternative to NextAuth.js?

Several NextAuth.js alternatives offer free tiers or self-hosted options: check individual pricing pages for current free tier availability.

How many NextAuth.js alternatives are tracked here?

3 in the Authentication category, compared on price difference, lock-in risk and developer experience where editorial data exists.

Full NextAuth.js Profile →

Frequently asked questions

What are the best NextAuth.js alternatives in 2026?▾

The top alternatives to NextAuth.js are Clerk, Auth0, Lucia. Each offers different trade-offs in pricing, developer experience, and lock-in risk.

Is there a free alternative to NextAuth.js?▾

Several NextAuth.js alternatives offer free tiers or self-hosted options: check individual pricing pages for current free tier availability.

How many NextAuth.js alternatives are tracked here?▾

3 in the Authentication category, compared on price difference, lock-in risk and developer experience where editorial data exists.