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Abstract Iron-based 1111-type superconductors display high critical temperatures and relatively high critical current densitiesJ_c. The typical approach to increasingJ_cis to introduce defects to control dissipative vortex motion. However, when optimized, this approach is theoretically predicted to be limited to achieving a maximumJ_cof only ∼30% of the depairing current densityJ_d, which depends on the coherence length and the penetration depth. Here we dramatically boostJ_cin SmFeAsO_1–xH_xfilms using a thermodynamic approach aimed at increasingJ_dand incorporating vortex pinning centres. Specifically, we reduce the penetration depth, coherence length and critical field anisotropy by increasing the carrier density through high electron doping using H substitution. Remarkably, the quadrupledJ_dreaches 415 MA cm^–2, a value comparable to cuprates. Finally, by introducing defects using proton irradiation, we obtain highJ_cvalues in fields up to 25 T. We apply this method to other iron-based superconductors and achieve a similar enhancement of current densities.