JWT vs Session – A Complete Comparison
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Both JWT and Session are used for securing APIs, but they work differently. This guide explains the key differences.
What is JWT?
JWT is a self‑contained token format that holds user claims. It is stateless and verified by signature.
What is Session?
Session is a server‑side storage of user state.
Key differences
| Feature | JWT | Session |
|---|---|---|
| State | Stateless | Stateful (server stores) |
| Security | Signature verified | Simple string, can be leaked |
| Revocation | Hard (until expiry) | Easy (delete key) |
| Use case | Microservices, SPAs | Simple APIs, server‑to‑server |
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use JWT over Session?
Use JWT for distributed systems and fine‑grained authorization; use Session for simple, low‑risk integrations.