Lucia Auth vs Auth.js: Choosing the Right Authentication Library for Your Next.js Project
When it comes to authentication in a Next.js project, there are several libraries available to help simplify the process. Two popular options are Lucia Auth and Auth.js. Each library has its strengths and weaknesses, making the choice between them crucial for your project's success. In this post, we will explore the key differences between Lucia Auth and Auth.js to help you decide which one is best for your needs.
Lucia Auth
Lucia Auth is a newer, simpler library that works on any TypeScript server or framework. It requires a bit more setup but is easier to understand and lighter in terms of code. Lucia Auth provides simple functions like createSessionCookie() and createUser() that allow you to create an endpoint however you want, making it more flexible than Auth.js. Additionally, Lucia Auth works only on the server, but you can pass the current session data to the client with a server component or getServerSideProps and use your favorite React state library to store it[2].
Auth.js
Auth.js is a more established library that works well with Next.js and different databases and ORMs like Prisma and Drizzle. It supports all OAuth services you may need. However, Auth.js is more opinionated and can be more difficult to set up, especially for custom logic in the auth flow. It also discourages email and password authentication due to security risks, making it less suitable for projects that require these types of logins[2].
Comparison
Both libraries work well with Next.js and different databases and ORMs. They support all OAuth services you may need. However, Lucia Auth is simpler and more flexible, making it a better choice if you need to add custom logic to the auth flow or use email and password authentication. Auth.js is more established and has a broader range of features, but it can be more difficult to set up and may not be suitable for projects that require email and password authentication.
Conclusion
When choosing between Lucia Auth and Auth.js, consider the specific needs of your project. If you need a simple and flexible authentication solution that supports email and password authentication, Lucia Auth might be the better choice. If you prefer a more established library with a broader range of features, Auth.js could be the way to go. Ultimately, the choice between Lucia Auth and Auth.js depends on your project's requirements and your personal preferences.
Lucia Auth Strengths
- Simpler and more flexible: Lucia Auth provides simple functions that allow you to create an endpoint however you want, making it more flexible than Auth.js.
- Easier to understand: Lucia Auth is easier to understand and lighter in terms of code, making it a better choice for developers who want a straightforward authentication solution.
- Supports email and password authentication: Lucia Auth supports email and password authentication, making it suitable for projects that require these types of logins.
Auth.js Strengths
- More established: Auth.js is a more established library with a broader range of features, making it a better choice for developers who want a comprehensive authentication solution.
- Supports all OAuth services: Auth.js supports all OAuth services you may need, making it a good choice for projects that require multiple authentication options.
- Good for custom logic: Auth.js is more opinionated and can be more difficult to set up, but it provides more control over the auth flow, making it a better choice for developers who need to add custom logic.
Lucia Auth Weaknesses
- Requires more setup: Lucia Auth requires a bit more setup than Auth.js, which can be a drawback for developers who want a quick and easy solution.
- Limited support for custom logic: Lucia Auth is simpler and more straightforward, but it may not provide the level of control over the auth flow that some developers need.
Auth.js Weaknesses
- More difficult to set up: Auth.js is more opinionated and can be more difficult to set up, especially for custom logic in the auth flow.
- Discourages email and password authentication: Auth.js discourages email and password authentication due to security risks, making it less suitable for projects that require these types of logins.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lucia Auth and Auth.js are both viable options for authentication in a Next.js project. Lucia Auth is a simpler and more flexible library that supports email and password authentication, while Auth.js is a more established library with a broader range of features. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your project's requirements and your personal preferences.