Next-auth (now Auth.js) is a mature, feature-rich authentication framework designed specifically for Next.js applications, offering pre-built OAuth providers, streamlined API routes, and opinionated session management out of the box. Lucia is a minimalist, unopinionated authentication library that provides low-level primitives for building custom auth flows with fine-grained control over sessions, users, and providers across any TypeScript runtime.
This comparison is critical for JavaScript developers choosing an authentication strategy, as these libraries represent fundamentally different philosophies: batteries-included convenience versus compositional flexibility. Next-auth targets teams wanting rapid OAuth integration with minimal configuration, while Lucia appeals to developers requiring custom authentication logic like domain-restricted signups or specialized session invalidation. However, a major caveat affects this comparison: Lucia was deprecated in March 2025 and no longer receives production updates, making long-term viability a primary consideration.
For any new project starting today, next-auth (Auth.js) is the clear recommendation due to Lucia's deprecation status. While Lucia offered compelling advantages in API flexibility and email/password authentication, choosing a deprecated library means accepting zero future security patches, no adapter updates for evolving databases, and eventual incompatibility with framework updates. The technical merits become irrelevant when the library won't receive critical maintenance. Next-auth provides sufficient customization for most use cases while maintaining active development.
If you're evaluating authentication solutions and Lucia's philosophy appeals to you, consider emerging alternatives like Better Auth or Stack Auth that continue Lucia's minimalist approach with active maintenance. Use next-auth when you need OAuth-heavy authentication with minimal setup, especially in Next.js projects. For existing Lucia implementations, plan migration timelines carefully—the code will continue working but technical debt will accumulate as the ecosystem evolves without Lucia keeping pace. The authentication layer is too security-critical to run on unmaintained dependencies.