JWT vs Session Guide
๐ซ JWT
- Stateless โ no server storage
- Self-contained (user data in token)
- Works across microservices
- Mobile-friendly (no cookies needed)
- Cannot be invalidated before expiry
- Larger payload than session ID
- Token must be stored client-side
๐ช Session
- Stateful โ session stored on server
- Easy to invalidate (logout)
- Small cookie (just session ID)
- HttpOnly cookie prevents XSS theft
- Requires shared storage (Redis/DB)
- Harder to scale horizontally
- Built-in browser cookie support
| Feature | JWT | Session |
|---|---|---|
| Instant logout | โ Hard | โ Easy |
| Microservices | โ Native | โ ๏ธ Needs shared store |
| Mobile apps | โ Great | โ ๏ธ Works |
| XSS resistance | โ ๏ธ Use httpOnly cookie | โ HttpOnly |
| CSRF resistance | โ (in header) | โ ๏ธ Need CSRF token |
| DB lookup per request | โ No | โ Yes |
Recommendation
Use JWT when: Building APIs for mobile/SPA, microservices, cross-domain auth, or when statelessness is critical.
Use Sessions when: Building traditional web apps, need reliable instant logout, simpler mental model is preferred.
Use JWT when: Building APIs for mobile/SPA, microservices, cross-domain auth, or when statelessness is critical.
Use Sessions when: Building traditional web apps, need reliable instant logout, simpler mental model is preferred.