🔐 Authentication Comparison
Lucia vs Memberstack
A detailed comparison to help you choose the right tool for your needs.
Last updated: 2026-02-06
Lucia
Free and open source
Strengths
- + Completely free, no MAU limits, no vendor lock-in — it is just a library
- + Works with any database (Postgres, MySQL, SQLite, MongoDB) and any framework
- + Tiny footprint — no external services, your auth data stays in your own database
Weaknesses
- − You build everything yourself — no pre-built login UI, no hosted dashboard
- − Requires solid understanding of sessions, cookies, and auth security
- − Maintained primarily by one developer — smaller bus factor than corporate-backed tools
Memberstack
From $25/mo
Strengths
- + Works with Webflow/Wordpress
- + Built-in Stripe integration
- + No-code friendly
Weaknesses
- − Depends on your site builder
- − Can get complex for advanced use
The verdict
Which one is right for you?
Choose Lucia if you want
- → Completely free, no MAU limits, no vendor lock-in — it is just a library
- → Works with any database (Postgres, MySQL, SQLite, MongoDB) and any framework
Choose Memberstack if you want
- → Works with Webflow/Wordpress
- → Built-in Stripe integration
In depth
About each tool
Lucia
Lightweight open-source auth library that gives you full control over your authentication logic
Lucia is auth stripped down to its essentials. It is a TypeScript library that handles session management and gives you helpers for password hashing, OAuth, and token generation. There is no hosted service, no dashboard, no per-user pricing — just code that runs in your app, storing sessions in whatever database you already use.
This makes Lucia the opposite of Clerk or Auth0. You get maximum control and zero recurring costs, but you write more code. You need to build your own login forms, handle email verification flows, and set up OAuth callbacks yourself. For developers comfortable with auth concepts, Lucia is rewarding — your auth is simple, portable, and costs nothing at any scale. For solo founders who want auth done in an afternoon without thinking about security details, a managed service like Clerk or Firebase Auth is a safer bet.
Memberstack
Add memberships and payments to any website
Memberstack adds user accounts and payments to Webflow and Wordpress sites without code. Handles auth, gating, and Stripe billing.
Founded by Tyler Bell and Duncan Hamra, best friends since preschool. YC S20, powering $130M+ in membership revenue for 3,000+ companies.
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