Best Authentication Libraries for Next.js

Many things authentication tools are equivalent.

But when it comes to your user experience and security you really do not want to mess up.

This is what we think about the main authentication libraries currently available on the market.

Authentication Libraries for Next.js

NextAuth.js

Overview: NextAuth.js is a pretty versatile authentication tool specifically designed for Next.js applications. It supports various authentication providers, including OAuth, email/password (useful, if you ask me), and more.

Features:

Easy to set up with built-in support for JWT and database sessions.
Offers a customizable UI for sign-in and sign-out.
Supports multiple providers (Google, Facebook, GitHub, etc.).

Use Case: ChatGPT uses NextAuth.js. I would say it is ideal for applications requiring multiple authentication methods with minimal configuration.

Auth0

Overview: Auth0 is a solid identity platform providing a full suite of authentication and authorization services.

Features:

Supports social logins, single sign-on (SSO), and multifactor authentication (MFA).
Offers extensive APIs and SDKs for various platforms.
Provides advanced security features like anomaly detection.

Use Case: Uber, Zalando, Sky are using Auth0, which is surely best suited for enterprises needing advanced security features and scalability.

Firebase Authentication

Overview: Firebase Authentication (now part of Google), provides backend services for building applications.

Features:

Supports email/password, phone authentication, and social providers.
Integration with other Firebase services (like Firestore, Cloud Functions).
Real-time database capabilities.

Use Case: It is great if you already use other Firebase services and want a straightforward product.

Clerk

Overview: Clerk is focused on user experience and provides more developer-friendly APIs.

Features:

Provides pre-built UI components for authentication flows.
Supports social logins and passwordless authentication.
Offers user management tools like user profiles and permissions.

Use Case: Ideal for startups looking to quickly implement user authentication without building the UI from scratch.

SuperTokens

Overview: Backed by YC, SuperTokens is an open-source alternative that provides session management and user authentication features.

Features:

Supports JWTs and session-based authentication.
Easy integration with existing applications and frameworks.
Provides customizable UI components.
Use Case: Suitable for developers who prefer an open-source solution with full flexibility while implementing it (startups like Pronto, Poppy, Sign.com are using it).

Authentication tools and UI: What is Next?

Ease of integration, customizability, security are all important features when picking the right authentication tool.

But what happens when you need to integrate it with a design from Figma?

Polipo lets you write your own source code (in React, Next.js and Vue.js) while keeping the product synced with a Figma design.

You only have to type the layer name and see the magic unfolds.

Without any AI.

Want to check it?

Start here.