AccessOwl vs smallstep: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between AccessOwl and smallstep comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
AccessOwl
The easiest way to centrally manage SaaS apps and user access without switching your IdP.
Best for you if:
- • Centrally manage SaaS apps, user access, and compliance.
- • Automate onboarding, offboarding, and access reviews with 400+ integrations.
smallstep
Zero-trust access and certificate management
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • smallstep is an open-source certificate management platform
- • It provides automated TLS certificates for internal infrastructure
| At a Glance |  AccessOwl | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Identity & Access | Identity & Access |
Rating | —/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | AccessOwl | smallstep |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Identity & AccessCompliance Management | Identity & AccessEncryption |
Understanding the Differences
Both AccessOwl and smallstep solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.AccessOwl positions itself as "the easiest way to centrally manage saas apps and user access without switching your idp." while smallstepfocuses on "zero-trust access and certificate management". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose AccessOwl
AccessOwl makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose smallstep
smallstep is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 82/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
smallstep won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: smallstep
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. smallstep is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: smallstep
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. AccessOwl is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: AccessOwl
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? smallstep has a free tier to get you started.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated smallstep higher (82/100). But the community has upvoted smallstep more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What smallstep Does Better
- Higher overall score (82/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider AccessOwl If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with smallstep (82/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. smallstep scores higher in our analysis, but AccessOwl might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AccessOwl or smallstep better?
Based on our analysis, smallstep scores higher with 82/100. AccessOwl ispaid while smallstep is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from AccessOwl to smallstep easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do AccessOwl and smallstep offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. AccessOwl is paid with potential trial.smallstep is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.