BoxyHQ vs Keycloak: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between BoxyHQ 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:
BoxyHQ
Modern, modular, and scalable Identity & Access Management for all your applications and agents.
Best for you if:
- • You need security features specifically
- • Provides modern and modular Identity & Access Management (IAM) for various use cases.
- • Offers flexible deployment options including open-source, self-hosted, and managed SaaS.
Keycloak
Open-source identity and access management
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need identity & access features specifically
- • 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 |  BoxyHQ | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Security | Identity & Access |
Rating | - | 4.3/5 |
Choose BoxyHQ or Keycloak?
Choose BoxyHQ if
Modern, modular, and scalable Identity & Access Management for all your applications and agents.
- Highly flexible and modular architecture allows for custom solutions.
- Scalable to handle high volumes of API requests and users.
- Offers various deployment options including open-source, self-hosted, and managed SaaS.
- Your work is security-shaped, not identity & access-shaped
Choose Keycloak if
Open-source identity and access management
- Open source identity
- Self-hostable
- Feature rich
- You want a fully free tool (BoxyHQ requires payment)
- Your work is identity & access-shaped, not security-shaped
| Feature | BoxyHQ | Keycloak |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.3/5 101 reviews |
| Categories | SecurityIdentity & Access | Identity & AccessSecurity |
In-Depth Analysis
BoxyHQ
Modern, modular, and scalable Identity & Access Management for all your applications and agents.
Strengths
- +Highly flexible and modular architecture allows for custom solutions.
- +Scalable to handle high volumes of API requests and users.
- +Offers various deployment options including open-source, self-hosted, and managed SaaS.
- +Provides granular control over permissions and access.
- +Supports identity for diverse entities: customers, partners, machines, and employees.
Weaknesses
- -Pricing can become complex with usage-based models for larger deployments.
- -B2B SSO is limited to OIDC only in Growth plan, potentially requiring Enterprise for broader support.
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: BoxyHQ vs Keycloak
| Plan | BoxyHQ | Keycloak |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Developer | Free Open Source |
| Tier 2 | $70 / month Production | N/A |
| Tier 3 | $9,350 / year Growth | N/A |
| Tier 4 | Contact us Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on BoxyHQ pricing and Keycloak pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Keycloak is free. BoxyHQ is freemium.
Go with: Keycloak
Want the highest-rated option?
Keycloak is rated 4.3/5. BoxyHQ has no ratings yet.
Go with: Keycloak
Value user reviews?
BoxyHQ: no ratings yet. Keycloak: 101 reviews (4.3/5).
Go with: Keycloak
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
BoxyHQ is freemium. Keycloak is free. Go with Keycloak if free matters most.
What's your use case?
BoxyHQ is a security tool. Keycloak is in identity & access. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Keycloak is rated 4.3/5; BoxyHQ has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Keycloak
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
BoxyHQ
- Better fit for security
The Bottom Line
Keycloak is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BoxyHQ or Keycloak better?
Keycloak is rated in our evaluation. BoxyHQ is freemium and Keycloak is free.
What are BoxyHQ and Keycloak used for?
BoxyHQ: Modern, modular, and scalable Identity & Access Management for all your applications and agents.. Keycloak: Open-source identity and access management.
What does BoxyHQ cost vs Keycloak?
BoxyHQ is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Keycloak is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.