Editorial take
Why it stands out
Lucia v3 reworked APIs—migrate guides live on the docs site; do not mix blog snippets across major versions.
Tool profile
Lightweight authentication library for session-based auth in JavaScript and TypeScript apps.
Teams wanting minimal session layer over SQL
TypeScript-first auth library emphasizing sessions and database adapters rather than hosted login chrome.
Lucia is MIT-licensed open source—no per-user fee. You integrate with Drizzle, Prisma, Kysely, or custom DB layers; costs are Postgres hosting and your OAuth provider usage.
Sits between Auth.js (provider-heavy) and rolling crypto entirely yourself.
Quick fit
Editorial take
Lucia v3 reworked APIs—migrate guides live on the docs site; do not mix blog snippets across major versions.
What it does well
Primary use cases
Fit notes
Pricing snapshot
Lucia is MIT-licensed open-source authentication tooling, so there is no Lucia subscription fee. The real cost comes from your hosting, database, email or OAuth providers, SMS vendors, and whatever security review and maintenance work your auth stack requires.
Auth0
Free planB2B SaaS selling into buyers expecting SAML, SCIM, and audit evidence
Identity platform for adding authentication, user management, SSO, and access control to apps.
Free: 25k MAU; Essentials/Professional self-serve: 500 MAU on public 2026 cards—confirm before budgeting.