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Auth0 vs NextAuth.js (Auth.js)
Comparing two authentication platforms on pricing, features, free tier, and trade-offs.
Quick summary
Auth0 — Identity platform for developers. Auth0 is an enterprise-grade identity platform offering authentication, authorization, and SSO.
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 | Auth0 | NextAuth.js (Auth.js) |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Starting price | $35/mo | Free |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| MFA | Yes | No |
| SAML/SSO | Yes | No |
| Free Tier | 7.5k MAU | Self-hosted |
| Self-hosted | No | Yes |
| Pre-built UI | Yes | No |
| Social Login | Yes | Yes |
| Organizations | Yes | No |
Auth0
Identity platform for developers
Pros
- Enterprise-ready
- Deep customization
- Acquired by Okta
Cons
- Expensive at scale
- Complex dashboard
- Free tier reduced over time
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 Auth0 if 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, Auth0 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) is open source, which means you can self-host and avoid vendor lock-in. Auth0 is proprietary. For edge cases, the comparison table above highlights where each tool wins.
Is Auth0 cheaper than NextAuth.js (Auth.js)?
Auth0 starts at $35/mo, while NextAuth.js (Auth.js) starts at Free. Exact costs depend on usage — check both vendors' calculators before committing.
Can I migrate from Auth0 to NextAuth.js (Auth.js)?
Migration difficulty depends on how deeply Auth0-specific features (APIs, SDK conventions, data schemas) are baked into your app. Most authentication migrations take days to weeks. Both vendors typically publish migration guides — check their docs.
Is Auth0 or NextAuth.js (Auth.js) open source?
NextAuth.js (Auth.js) is open source; Auth0 is a proprietary managed service.
Does Auth0 or NextAuth.js (Auth.js) have a free tier?
Both Auth0 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 Auth0. For production workloads, revisit the trade-offs in the feature table above.