Clerk vs Next-Auth.js | It's not that simple...

Summary

This video explores the decision-making process for implementing authentication in a SaaS application. It weighs the pros and cons of using a hosted provider like Clerk or Auth0 versus a self-hosted solution like Next.js Auth. The choice depends on the business model and user base: for simple B2C applications with few paying users, Next.js Auth is recommended to avoid high costs. However, for B2B applications with enterprise customers, a hosted provider is preferable due to the advanced features and reduced development time. The video also addresses the potential risks and costs associated with changing pricing models and the complexities of building and maintaining a custom authentication layer.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The choice between using a hosted SaaS provider for authentication or building your own with a library like Next.js is not straightforward and depends on the specific use case and business model.
• 🔒 For simple applications requiring basic authentication, using an open-source, self-hosted solution like Next.js is recommended to avoid the costs associated with hosted providers.
• 💰 Hosted providers like Clerk or Auth0 can be cost-prohibitive for applications where not all users pay for the service, as their pricing can be high and may not provide enough return on investment.
• 🏢 For B2B SaaS applications with enterprise customers, a hosted provider is often preferable due to the need for advanced features like SSO, MFA, and robust organization management that may be time-consuming or complex to build from scratch.
• 🛠 Building your own authentication layer with Next.js can be time-consuming, requiring the development of user interfaces, error handling, and complex logic that comes pre-built with hosted solutions.
• ⏱️ Implementing authentication with a hosted provider can be significantly faster, potentially taking as little as 15-20 minutes, compared to the hours or more required for a custom solution.
• 💡 The decision to use a hosted provider or build your own should consider the potential savings in development time and the costs associated with maintaining a custom solution.
• 📈 For B2B applications where most users are paying customers, the small fees charged by hosted providers may be negligible compared to the value they bring in terms of features and ease of use.
• 📊 The potential for unexpected price increases from hosted providers is a risk, and businesses should consider the impact of such changes on their cost structure.
• 🛑 If a hosted provider significantly raises their prices, businesses may need to consider migrating to a different provider or building their own solution, which involves a significant investment of time and resources.
• 📝 Compliance with regulations like GDPR is a consideration for both hosted and self-hosted solutions, and businesses must ensure they can meet these requirements regardless of the authentication method chosen.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video script?

The main topic discussed in the video script is the decision-making process for choosing between using a hosted SaaS authentication provider or building your own authentication system using a library like NextAuth for a SaaS application.

What are the two options presented for implementing authentication in a SaaS application?

The two options presented are using a hosted SaaS provider like Clerk or Auth0, or building your own authentication using an open-source library like NextAuth.

What factors should be considered when choosing between a hosted provider or building your own authentication system?

Factors to consider include the complexity of the application, the business model (B2B vs B2C), the need for advanced features like SSO and MFA, the cost of the hosted service, and the potential for scalability and maintenance.

Why might a simple application with basic authentication needs be better off using NextAuth instead of a hosted provider?

A simple application might benefit from using NextAuth because the cost of a hosted provider could be disproportionately high compared to the revenue generated by users, especially if not all users are paying customers.

What are some of the advanced features that might be needed for a B2B SaaS application?

Advanced features for a B2B SaaS application might include Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and a robust organization layer for managing different user roles within an enterprise.

What is the potential downside of using a hosted authentication provider for a B2B SaaS application?

The potential downside is the cost associated with using a hosted provider, which can increase significantly if the pricing model changes, and the time and effort required to migrate to a different provider or build your own system if needed.

Why is building your own authentication layer time-consuming and complex?

Building your own authentication layer is time-consuming and complex because it requires developing and maintaining custom UI elements, handling form errors, implementing security measures, and ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR.

What are some of the benefits of using a hosted authentication provider like Clerk or Auth0?

Benefits include ease of implementation, automatic error handling, built-in security features, and the ability to quickly add advanced authentication features without extensive development work.

What is the importance of considering the cost per user when deciding between a hosted provider and building your own authentication system?

The cost per user is important because it helps determine if the investment in a hosted provider is justified by the revenue generated by each user. It's a key factor in calculating the return on investment for the authentication solution.

How does the script suggest approaching the decision if a hosted provider significantly increases its prices?

The script suggests considering migration to a different provider or building your own authentication system if the price increase is substantial and affects the business's bottom line.

What is the script's final recommendation for a B2B SaaS application where most users are paying customers?

The script recommends using a hosted provider for a B2B SaaS application with paying customers, as the benefits in terms of time saved, ease of use, and advanced features usually outweigh the costs.