Auth · ranked 01
Clerk
Hosted auth with prebuilt components for Next.js and friends.
Best for Sign-in components you do not design yourself
Clerk is a hosted authentication product with drop-in components for sign-in, sessions, and user profiles. It is a common default for Next.js apps that do not want to build auth. There is a free tier up to a monthly active user allowance. Current allowance and prices: check site.
Best use cases
- Next.js apps that need users this weekend
- Social login and user profiles
- Organizations, if the product is multi-tenant — confirm the current plan
Pros
- + Prebuilt UI means auth is an afternoon, not a week
- + The Next.js integration is a first-class path
- + A free allowance covers early projects
Cons
- − You are renting a critical path
- − The bill follows monthly active users. Prices: check site
Pricing
Free allowance, then paid by monthly active users. Current prices: check site.
Alternatives
Auth
6.9
Auth.js
Open-source auth for Next.js and other frameworks. You host it.
Best for Auth you host, for free
Auth
6.9
WorkOS
Enterprise SSO, directory sync, and auth for B2B apps.
Best for SSO when a company customer requires it
Databases and backend
8.5
Supabase
Postgres, auth, storage, and realtime in one project.
Best for Postgres plus auth for an indie app