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.
Bottom line: Keycloak wins this matchup. LastPass is our overall Identity & Access pick. LastPass is our free Identity & Access pick. Pick Azure AD if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Azure AD
Microsoft cloud identity and access management
Best for you if:
- • You want microsoft integration
Keycloak
Open-source identity and access management
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Azure AD requires payment)
| At a Glance | Azure AD | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | Free 100% free |
Category | Identity & Access Security | Identity & Access Security |
Rating | 4.6/5 G2 4.5 · Capterra 4.7 945 reviews | n/a |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Azure AD or Keycloak?
Choose Azure AD if
- You want microsoft integration
- You want enterprise-grade
Choose Keycloak if
- You want a fully free tool (Azure AD requires payment)
- You want open source identity
- You want self-hostable
In-Depth Analysis
Azure AD
Microsoft cloud identity and access management
Azure AD's pricing is quite fair and competitive, especially with its robust Free tier offering unlimited SSO and MFA.
Strengths
- Pro: Microsoft integration
- Pro: Enterprise-grade
- Pro: Comprehensive features
Weaknesses
- Con: Complex pricing
- Con: Microsoft ecosystem bias
Key features
Keycloak
Open-source identity and access management
Keycloak's pricing is exceptionally generous, being entirely free as an open-source solution.
Strengths
- Pro: Open source identity
- Pro: Self-hostable
- Pro: Feature rich
- Pro: No per-user cost
- Pro: Enterprise ready
Weaknesses
- Con: Complex to set up
- Con: Requires maintenance
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Java-based
- Con: 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.
Key Takeaways
Keycloak
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Azure AD
- Choose if you want microsoft cloud identity and access management
The Bottom Line
Keycloak wins this matchup. LastPass is our overall Identity & Access pick. LastPass is our free Identity & Access pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Azure AD or Keycloak better in 2026?
Keycloak wins this matchup. LastPass is our overall Identity & Access pick. LastPass is our free Identity & Access pick. Pick Azure AD for identity & access workflows (main strength: microsoft integration). Pick Keycloak for identity & access workflows (main strength: open source identity).
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's paid plans start at Free (P1). Keycloak is free.
What's the main difference between Azure AD and Keycloak?
Azure AD's main strength: microsoft integration. Keycloak's main strength: open source identity.