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Auth Providers comparison · 2026
NextAuth.js edges out Lucia in this Auth Providers comparison, scoring 82 against 76 across our seven scored dimensions. NextAuth.js leads on Feature Set (82 vs 65). The two are closest on Free Tier, where the gap is just 0 points. Both offer a free tier, making either a low-risk starting point. Use the radar chart and dimension table below to find which fits your specific priorities best.
NextAuth.js
The open-source auth library for Next.js — self-hosted
82/100
Lucia
Lightweight open-source auth with full developer control
76/100
Radar comparison
NextAuth.js
82
Lucia
76
Developer UX
SDK quality, documentation, and quickstart speed.
Security
MFA, passkeys, breach detection, and compliance certs.
Free Tier
Generosity of free plan — MAU limit and features included.
Feature Set
Social login, SSO, magic links, passwordless support, roles.
Performance
Token validation latency and uptime SLA.
Support
Documentation quality and paid support options.
Overall Score
Based on our independent scoring across 6 dimensions, NextAuth.js scores 82/100 overall versus Lucia's 76/100 — a 6-point margin. NextAuth.js leads on Free Tier in particular. That said, Lucia may still be the right choice if the dimensions where it scores higher match your specific priorities — the radar chart above shows the full profile side by side.
Both NextAuth.js and Lucia offer a free tier, so entry-level cost is not a differentiating factor. Compare the feature and usage limits of each free plan to see which gives you more headroom before a paid upgrade is needed.
NextAuth.js scores higher on Feature Set — 82/100 versus 65/100 for Lucia. If feature set is your primary decision criterion, NextAuth.js is the stronger choice in this head-to-head.
Switching between auth providers tools is generally possible but involves migration effort: exporting your data or configuration from NextAuth.js, re-importing or reconfiguring in Lucia, and updating any API integrations or environment variables in your codebase. The effort scales with how deeply embedded the tool is in your stack. Test Lucia on a non-production project first before migrating.
NextAuth.js (82/100) is the better fit for teams who prioritise free tier — its strongest dimension — and who want a free entry point. Lucia (76/100) is the better fit for teams who prioritise free tier and want a free entry point. If both dimensions matter equally, the overall score winner (NextAuth.js) is the safer default choice.
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