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Appwrite vs NextAuth.js (Auth.js)
Side-by-side comparison of Appwrite and NextAuth.js (Auth.js).
Quick summary
Appwrite — Open source backend platform for developers. Appwrite is an open-source end-to-end backend server that provides auth, databases, storage, functions, and messaging.
NextAuth.js (Auth.js) — Authentication for the web. Auth.js (formerly NextAuth) is a free open-source authentication library for Next.js and other frameworks.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Appwrite | NextAuth.js (Auth.js) |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Starting price | $15/mo | Free |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Auth | Yes | — |
| Storage | Yes | — |
| Database | MariaDB | — |
| Realtime | Yes | — |
| Free Tier | Yes | Self-hosted |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Edge Functions | Yes | — |
| Row Level Security | Yes | — |
| MFA | — | No |
| SAML/SSO | — | No |
| Pre-built UI | — | No |
| Social Login | — | Yes |
| Organizations | — | No |
Appwrite
Open source backend platform for developers
Pros
- Fully open source
- Self-hostable with Docker
- Multiple SDK languages
Cons
- Smaller community vs Supabase/Firebase
- Fewer third-party integrations
NextAuth.js (Auth.js)
Authentication for the web
Pros
- Free and open source
- Huge provider catalog
- Self-hosted
Cons
- No built-in MFA/orgs
- You build your own UI
- Docs can be rough
Which should you choose?
Choose Appwrite if you value open source and want the option to self-host, and a free tier is important for your stage. Choose NextAuth.js (Auth.js) if you value open source and want the option to self-host, and a free tier is important for your stage.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Appwrite or NextAuth.js (Auth.js)?
There is no universal “better.” For most teams, NextAuth.js (Auth.js) is the safer default because NextAuth.js (Auth.js) has a larger community and more third-party integrations, which often translates to better long-term support. For edge cases, the comparison table above highlights where each tool wins.
Is Appwrite cheaper than NextAuth.js (Auth.js)?
Appwrite starts at $15/mo, while NextAuth.js (Auth.js) starts at Free. Exact costs depend on usage — check both vendors' calculators before committing.
Can I migrate from Appwrite to NextAuth.js (Auth.js)?
Migration difficulty depends on how deeply Appwrite-specific features (APIs, SDK conventions, data schemas) are baked into your app. Most backend as a service migrations take days to weeks. Both vendors typically publish migration guides — check their docs.
Is Appwrite or NextAuth.js (Auth.js) open source?
Yes, both Appwrite and NextAuth.js (Auth.js) are open source and can be self-hosted.
Does Appwrite or NextAuth.js (Auth.js) have a free tier?
Both Appwrite and NextAuth.js (Auth.js) offer a free tier.
Which is best for startups and indie hackers?
Startups usually optimize for the lowest friction to ship and the cheapest possible free tier. The one with the most generous free tier here is NextAuth.js (Auth.js). For production workloads, revisit the trade-offs in the feature table above.