Better Auth

Better Auth builds an open-source TypeScript authentication framework that runs inside an application’s backend using its own database. Developers building consumer and enterprise apps can add password and social sign-in, sessions, organization roles, passkeys, and enterprise SSO through its plugin architecture. Better Auth Infrastructure extends self-hosted authentication with user management, audit logs, and security detection. Authentication configuration lives in code, allowing teams to version and review it alongside their application.

Founded in 2025 by Bereket Engida and KinfeMichael Tariku, the company grew from a project Engida first released in 2024. Its framework-independent design lets developers retain control of authentication across application stacks. Engida continues leading development with the core team. Their Agent Auth work extends that approach to agents: each can carry a separate identity with scoped, revocable authority under the user’s control.

Vercel announced its acquisition of Better Auth in July 2026, with Engida and the core team joining Vercel and continuing development. At the announcement, Vercel reported 4.7 million-plus weekly npm downloads and more than 850 contributors. Better Auth had raised a $5 million seed round led by Peak XV Partners in 2025. The library retains its name, open contribution model, and support across frameworks.