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Auth Providers comparison · 2026
Clerk edges out NextAuth.js in this Auth Providers comparison, scoring 90 against 82 across our seven scored dimensions. NextAuth.js leads on Free Tier (100 vs 85), while Clerk has the edge on Support (85 vs 70). The two are closest on Feature Set, where the gap is just 8 points. Both offer a free tier, making either a low-risk starting point. Use the radar chart and dimension table below to find which fits your specific priorities best.
NextAuth.js
The open-source auth library for Next.js — self-hosted
82/100
Clerk
The best auth UX for Next.js and React apps
90/100
Radar comparison
NextAuth.js
82
Clerk
90
Developer UX
SDK quality, documentation, and quickstart speed.
Security
MFA, passkeys, breach detection, and compliance certs.
Free Tier
Generosity of free plan — MAU limit and features included.
Feature Set
Social login, SSO, magic links, passwordless support, roles.
Performance
Token validation latency and uptime SLA.
Support
Documentation quality and paid support options.
Overall Score
Based on our independent scoring across 6 dimensions, Clerk scores 90/100 overall versus NextAuth.js's 82/100 — a 8-point margin. Clerk leads on Free Tier in particular. That said, NextAuth.js may still be the right choice if the dimensions where it scores higher match your specific priorities — the radar chart above shows the full profile side by side.
Both NextAuth.js and Clerk offer a free tier, so entry-level cost is not a differentiating factor. Compare the feature and usage limits of each free plan to see which gives you more headroom before a paid upgrade is needed.
NextAuth.js scores higher on Free Tier — 100/100 versus 85/100 for Clerk. If free tier is your primary decision criterion, NextAuth.js is the stronger choice in this head-to-head.
Switching between auth providers tools is generally possible but involves migration effort: exporting your data or configuration from NextAuth.js, re-importing or reconfiguring in Clerk, and updating any API integrations or environment variables in your codebase. The effort scales with how deeply embedded the tool is in your stack. Test Clerk on a non-production project first before migrating.
NextAuth.js (82/100) is the better fit for teams who prioritise free tier — its strongest dimension — and who want a free entry point. Clerk (90/100) is the better fit for teams who prioritise developer ux and want a free entry point. If both dimensions matter equally, the overall score winner (Clerk) is the safer default choice.
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