Better Auth

TypeScript authentication framework with plugins for sessions, OAuth, and passkeys.

Overview

Better Auth is a comprehensive authentication framework designed for TypeScript applications. It provides a composable, plugin-based architecture that lives inside your application code—version controlled, type-safe, and reviewable in pull requests.

The framework supports 20+ frameworks including Next.js, Nuxt, SvelteKit, Astro, and Hono. It includes built-in credential authentication, social sign-on, multi-tenancy, enterprise features like SSO and SAML 2.0, and advanced authentication methods such as passkeys, magic links, and API keys.

Better Auth also offers infrastructure integration through dash.better-auth.com, providing dashboard functionality, audit logs, real-time threat detection, and enterprise security features for self-hosted deployments.

Key features

Composable plugin-based architecture
20+ framework support
Built-in credential and social authentication
Multi-tenancy with teams and roles
Enterprise SSO and SAML 2.0
Passkeys and magic links
Real-time threat detection
Audit logs and user management
MCP auth for AI agents
Bot detection and IP blocking

Pros

Code-first, version-controlled configuration
Extensive authentication method support
Enterprise-ready with SSO and SCIM
Active community with 900+ contributors
Real-time security detection
Flexible self-hosted infrastructure option

Cons

Requires TypeScript knowledge
Self-hosting infrastructure adds operational complexity
Learning curve for advanced features like plugins

Use this if

You need a flexible, code-first authentication solution for TypeScript applications with enterprise features, multi-tenancy support, and the ability to self-host with full control over your auth infrastructure.

Skip this if

You require a fully managed authentication service without self-hosting responsibilities, or you're building non-TypeScript applications.

Best for

TypeScript applicationsMulti-framework projectsEnterprise authentication needsSelf-hosted deploymentsTeams and organizationsAI agent authentication

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Auth0ClerkSupabase AuthFirebase AuthenticationOkta

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