Authelia vs Keycloak: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Authelia and Keycloak 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:
Authelia
Open-source authentication and authorization server
Best for you if:
- • Authelia is an open-source authentication server providing SSO and 2FA for applications
- • It works as a reverse proxy companion to protect internal services with access control
Keycloak
Open-source identity and access management
Best for you if:
- • Keycloak is an open-source identity and access management solution
- • It provides SSO, social login, and user federation for applications and services
| At a Glance |  Authelia | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | Free |
Best For | Identity & Access | Identity & Access |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Authelia or Keycloak?
Choose Authelia if
Open-source authentication and authorization server
- Open source SSO
- Self-hostable
- 2FA support
Choose Keycloak if
Open-source identity and access management
- Open source identity
- Self-hostable
- Feature rich
| Feature | Authelia | Keycloak |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.3/5 101 reviews |
| Categories | Identity & AccessSecurity | Identity & AccessSecurity |
In-Depth Analysis
Authelia
Open-source authentication and authorization server
Strengths
- +Open source SSO
- +Self-hostable
- +2FA support
- +Good documentation
- +Privacy focused
Weaknesses
- -Setup complexity
- -Self-managed only
- -Learning curve
- -Smaller community
- -Maintenance needed
Key features
Keycloak
Open-source identity and access management
Strengths
- +Open source identity
- +Self-hostable
- +Feature rich
- +No per-user cost
- +Enterprise ready
Weaknesses
- -Complex to set up
- -Requires maintenance
- -Learning curve
- -Java-based
- -UI dated
Key features
Pricing: Authelia vs Keycloak
| Plan | Authelia | Keycloak |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Open Source |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Authelia pricing and Keycloak pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Authelia
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Authelia
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Keycloak
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are identity & access tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Keycloak
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Authelia
- Choose if you want open-source authentication and authorization server
The Bottom Line
Keycloak is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Authelia or Keycloak better?
Keycloak is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Authelia and Keycloak used for?
Authelia: Open-source authentication and authorization server. Keycloak: Open-source identity and access management.
What does Authelia cost vs Keycloak?
Authelia is completely free. Keycloak is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.