Azure AD vs Keycloak: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Azure AD 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:
Azure AD
Microsoft cloud identity and access management
Best for you if:
- • Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) is a cloud identity and access management (IAM) solution for securing access to applications and resources.
- • It offers features like strong authentication (MFA, passwordless), single sign-on (SSO), conditional access, identity protection, and privileged identity management.
Keycloak
Open-source identity and access management
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • 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 |  Azure AD | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $6/user/monthP1 | Free |
Best For | Identity & Access | Identity & Access |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Azure AD or Keycloak?
Choose Azure AD if
Microsoft cloud identity and access management
- Microsoft integration
- Enterprise-grade
- Comprehensive features
Choose Keycloak if
Open-source identity and access management
- Open source identity
- Self-hostable
- Feature rich
- You want a fully free tool (Azure AD requires payment)
| Feature | Azure AD | Keycloak |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 940 reviews | ★4.3/5 101 reviews |
| Categories | Identity & AccessSecurity | Identity & AccessSecurity |
In-Depth Analysis
Azure AD
Microsoft cloud identity and access management
Strengths
- +Microsoft integration
- +Enterprise-grade
- +Comprehensive features
Weaknesses
- -Complex pricing
- -Microsoft ecosystem bias
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: Azure AD vs Keycloak
| Plan | Azure AD | Keycloak |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Open Source |
| Tier 2 | $6 user/month P1 | N/A |
| Tier 3 | $9 user/month P2 | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Azure AD pricing and Keycloak pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Keycloak is free. Azure AD is freemium.
Go with: Keycloak
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Azure AD
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Keycloak
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Azure AD is freemium. Keycloak is free. Go with Keycloak if free matters most.
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
Azure AD
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.3/5
- Larger review base (940 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Keycloak is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Azure AD or Keycloak better?
Keycloak is rated in our evaluation. Azure AD is freemium and Keycloak is free.
What are Azure AD and Keycloak used for?
Azure AD: Microsoft cloud identity and access management. Keycloak: Open-source identity and access management.
What does Azure AD cost vs Keycloak?
Azure AD is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Keycloak is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.