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NextAuth.js (Auth.js) vs PocketBase
Side-by-side comparison of NextAuth.js (Auth.js) and PocketBase.
Quick summary
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.
PocketBase — Open source backend in 1 file. PocketBase is an open-source Go backend, bundled as a single executable, with embedded SQLite, auth, realtime, and admin UI.
Feature comparison
| Feature | NextAuth.js (Auth.js) | PocketBase |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| MFA | No | — |
| SAML/SSO | No | — |
| Free Tier | Self-hosted | Unlimited (self-host) |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-built UI | No | — |
| Social Login | Yes | — |
| Organizations | No | — |
| Auth | — | Yes |
| Storage | — | Yes |
| Database | — | SQLite |
| Realtime | — | Yes |
| Edge Functions | — | No |
| Row Level Security | — | Yes |
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
PocketBase
Open source backend in 1 file
Pros
- Zero-config single binary
- Fast and lightweight
- Great for small-to-medium apps
Cons
- SQLite limits horizontal scale
- Single maintainer
- No managed cloud offering
Which should you choose?
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. Choose PocketBase 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, NextAuth.js (Auth.js) or PocketBase?
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 NextAuth.js (Auth.js) cheaper than PocketBase?
NextAuth.js (Auth.js) starts at Free, while PocketBase starts at Free. Exact costs depend on usage — check both vendors' calculators before committing.
Can I migrate from NextAuth.js (Auth.js) to PocketBase?
Migration difficulty depends on how deeply NextAuth.js (Auth.js)-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 NextAuth.js (Auth.js) or PocketBase open source?
Yes, both NextAuth.js (Auth.js) and PocketBase are open source and can be self-hosted.
Does NextAuth.js (Auth.js) or PocketBase have a free tier?
Both NextAuth.js (Auth.js) and PocketBase 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.