NextAuth.js (Auth.js) vs WorkOS

Comparing two authentication platforms on pricing, features, free tier, and trade-offs.

By Bilal Almukhtar Edited by Sofia DraganovLast updated April 20, 2026

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.

WorkOS — Enterprise-ready features with just a few lines of code. WorkOS provides SSO, SCIM, audit logs, and directory sync — the B2B enterprise features SaaS apps need.

Feature comparison

Feature	NextAuth.js (Auth.js)	WorkOS
Pricing model	Free	Paid
Starting price	Free	$125/connection
Free tier	Yes	Yes
Open source	Yes	No
MFA	No	Yes
SAML/SSO	No	Yes
Free Tier	Self-hosted	1M MAU
Self-hosted	Yes	No
Pre-built UI	No	No
Social Login	Yes	Yes
Organizations	No	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

Visit NextAuth.js (Auth.js) →

WorkOS

Enterprise-ready features with just a few lines of code

Pros

Best-in-class SSO/SCIM
Generous free tier for startups
Enterprise-focused

Cons

Per-connection pricing adds up
Overkill for B2C apps

Visit WorkOS →

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 WorkOS if a free tier is important for your stage, and you need production-grade features and are ready to pay.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, NextAuth.js (Auth.js) or WorkOS?

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. WorkOS is proprietary. For edge cases, the comparison table above highlights where each tool wins.

Is NextAuth.js (Auth.js) cheaper than WorkOS?

NextAuth.js (Auth.js) starts at Free, while WorkOS starts at $125/connection. Exact costs depend on usage — check both vendors' calculators before committing.

Can I migrate from NextAuth.js (Auth.js) to WorkOS?

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 WorkOS open source?

NextAuth.js (Auth.js) is open source; WorkOS is a proprietary managed service.

Does NextAuth.js (Auth.js) or WorkOS have a free tier?

Both NextAuth.js (Auth.js) and WorkOS 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.

More Authentication comparisons

All NextAuth.js (Auth.js) alternatives →All WorkOS alternatives →