// NEXT.JS AUTHENTICATION

Best Auth Solution for Next.js

Q: What is the best auth solution for Next.js in 2026?

It depends on your needs. For fastest setup, choose Clerk. For full control and zero cost, use NextAuth.js. For Supabase projects, use Supabase Auth. For enterprise SSO, choose Auth0. For modern TypeScript DX, consider Better Auth.

Q: Is NextAuth.js still the best choice in 2026?

NextAuth.js (now Auth.js) remains excellent for projects needing flexibility and zero vendor lock-in. However, alternatives like Clerk offer faster setup, and Better Auth provides a more modern TypeScript-first experience. Choose based on your priorities.

Q: How much does auth cost for a SaaS?

Ranges from $0 to $1000+/month depending on MAU. NextAuth, Supabase (50K MAU free), and Better Auth are free. Clerk costs ~$25/mo for 10K MAU. Auth0 starts at $23/mo. For most startups, free tiers cover the first 10-50K users.

Q: Should I use Clerk or NextAuth for my Next.js app?

Use Clerk if you want 5-minute setup, pre-built UI components, and don't mind paying at scale. Use NextAuth if you want full control, zero cost, and are comfortable with more setup. Clerk is faster; NextAuth is more flexible.

Q: Does Supabase Auth work with Next.js App Router?

Yes. Supabase has official @supabase/ssr package specifically for Next.js App Router. It handles server-side auth, middleware, and client-side sessions. The integration is mature and well-documented.

Q: What is Better Auth and should I use it?

Better Auth is a newer open-source auth library designed as a modern alternative to NextAuth. It's TypeScript-first with a plugin architecture. Consider it for new projects if you value modern DX and type safety. For production apps needing stability, NextAuth or Clerk may be safer choices.

Compare NextAuth.js, Clerk, Supabase Auth, Auth0, and Better Auth. Find the perfect authentication solution for your project.

5 Solutions

6 Criteria

10min Read Time

// TL;DR

QUICK RECOMMENDATIONS

Fastest Setup Clerk 5 min with pre-built UI

Best Free Option NextAuth.js Full control, 50+ providers

Best with Supabase Supabase Auth Integrated RLS, 50K MAU free

Enterprise SSO Auth0 SAML/OIDC, compliance

Key insight: 90% of projects should use Clerk (speed) or NextAuth (control). Only use Auth0 if you need enterprise SSO. Use Supabase Auth only if you're already using Supabase.

// SECTION 01

AUTH SOLUTIONS COMPARED

Detailed breakdown of each option

NextAuth.js (Auth.js)

The de facto standard for Next.js auth

71 avg

Free (OSS)

Setup

Features

100 Best

Flexibility

Documentation

Community

100 Best

Security

Pros

Free and open-source
50+ OAuth providers built-in
Database adapters for any DB

Cons

More setup than managed solutions
You handle security updates
Session management complexity

Clerk

Drop-in auth with beautiful UI

83 avg

$25/mo (10K MAU)

Setup

Features

Flexibility

95 Best

Documentation

Community

Security

Pros

5-minute setup
Pre-built UI components
Multi-factor authentication

Cons

Paid at scale ($25/mo for 10K MAU)
Less customizable UI
Vendor lock-in

Supabase Auth

Auth bundled with your database

NaN avg

Free tier, $25/mo Pro

Pros

Integrated with Supabase DB
Row Level Security built-in
Generous free tier (50K MAU)

Cons

Best with Supabase ecosystem
Less flexible session handling
Fewer enterprise features

Auth0

Enterprise-grade identity platform

83 avg

Free (7K MAU), $23/mo

Setup

Features

Flexibility

Documentation

Community

Security

99 Best

Pros

Enterprise SSO (SAML, OIDC)
Compliance certifications
Advanced security features

Cons

Complex pricing
Steeper learning curve
Overkill for simple apps

Top Pick

Better Auth

Modern OSS alternative to NextAuth

95 avg

Free (OSS)

Setup

99 Best

Features

100

Flexibility

Documentation

99 Best

Community

100

Security

Pros

Type-safe by default
Built for modern React/Next.js
Plugin architecture

Cons

Newer, smaller community
Less battle-tested
Fewer adapters than NextAuth

// SECTION 02

FEATURE COMPARISON MATRIX

Side-by-side feature breakdown

Feature	NextAuth	Clerk	Supabase	Auth0	Better Auth
Open Source
Free Tier MAU	Unlimited	10K	50K	7K	Unlimited
OAuth Providers	50+	20+	15+	30+	20+
Magic Links
MFA/2FA	DIY				Plugin
Pre-built UI			Basic
Org/Team Support	DIY		DIY		Plugin
Enterprise SSO	DIY	$$$	Pro		Plugin
Self-hostable
App Router Support

// SECTION 03

DECISION FLOWCHART

Answer these questions to find your best match

Do you need enterprise SSO (SAML/OIDC)?

Yes

AUTH0 Auth0 has the best enterprise SSO support

Continue below

Are you using Supabase for your database?

Yes

SUPABASE Supabase Auth integrates perfectly with RLS

Continue below

Do you want the fastest setup with pre-built UI?

Yes

CLERK Clerk has the best DX and UI components

Continue below

Do you need full control and zero vendor lock-in?

Yes

NEXTAUTH NextAuth is the most flexible OSS option

BETTER-AUTH Better Auth offers modern DX with flexibility

// SECTION 04

SETUP TIME COMPARISON

How long does it take to get auth working?

Fastest

Clerk

5 minutes

~20 lines

Easy

Better Auth

15 minutes

~50 lines

Easy

Supabase Auth

20 minutes

~40 lines

Easy

NextAuth.js

30 minutes

~80 lines

Medium

Auth0

45 minutes

~100 lines

Medium

Times assume basic email + OAuth setup. Enterprise features (SSO, MFA, organizations) add significant complexity.

Build This Stack Now

Next.js + Better Auth + Prisma

npx create-stacksfinder@latest --seed SF1-eyJ2IjoxLCJ0Ijoid2ViLWFwcCIsInMiOiJzdGFydHVwIiwiaHAiOlsiZHgiLCJzcGVlZCJdLCJlIjoiamF2YXNjcmlwdCIsInNlbCI6eyJmcmFtZXdvcmsiOiJuZXh0anMiLCJvcm0iOiJwcmlzbWEiLCJhdXRoIjoiYmV0dGVyLWF1dGgifX0 --ref guide-nextjs-auth

// FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best auth solution for Next.js in 2026?

Is NextAuth.js still the best choice in 2026?

How much does auth cost for a SaaS?

Should I use Clerk or NextAuth for my Next.js app?

Does Supabase Auth work with Next.js App Router?

What is Better Auth and should I use it?

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