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.
Bottom line: Keycloak wins this matchup. LastPass is our overall Identity & Access pick. LastPass is our free Identity & Access pick. Pick BoxyHQ if you need security.
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:
BoxyHQ
Modern, modular, and scalable Identity & Access Management for all your applications and agents.
Best for you if:
- • You want highly flexible and modular architecture allows for custom solutions
Keycloak
Open-source identity and access management
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (BoxyHQ requires payment)
| At a Glance | BoxyHQ | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | Free 100% free |
Category | Security Identity & Access | Identity & Access Security |
Rating | n/a | n/a |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | Overage fees for aDAU, M2M Tokens, Permission Checks | n/a |
Choose BoxyHQ or Keycloak?
Choose BoxyHQ if
- You want highly flexible and modular architecture allows for custom solutions
- You want scalable to handle high volumes of API requests and users
- You work in security, not identity & access
Choose Keycloak if
- You want a fully free tool (BoxyHQ requires payment)
- You want open source identity
- You want self-hostable
- You work in identity & access, not security
In-Depth Analysis
BoxyHQ
Modern, modular, and scalable Identity & Access Management for all your applications and agents.
The Production tier at $70/month is fair, but the jump to Growth at $9,350/year (or $779.17/month) is substantial, indicating a clear focus on scaling businesses.
Watch out
Overage fees for aDAU, M2M Tokens, Permission Checks
Strengths
- Pro: Highly flexible and modular architecture allows for custom solutions.
- Pro: Scalable to handle high volumes of API requests and users.
- Pro: Offers various deployment options including open-source, self-hosted, and managed SaaS.
- Pro: Provides granular control over permissions and access.
- Pro: Supports identity for diverse entities: customers, partners, machines, and employees.
Weaknesses
- Con: Pricing can become complex with usage-based models for larger deployments.
- Con: 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
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: 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.
Key Takeaways
Keycloak
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
BoxyHQ
- Better fit for security
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 BoxyHQ or Keycloak better in 2026?
Keycloak wins this matchup. LastPass is our overall Identity & Access pick. LastPass is our free Identity & Access pick. Pick BoxyHQ for security workflows (main strength: highly flexible and modular architecture allows for custom solutions). Pick Keycloak for identity & access workflows (main strength: open source identity).
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's paid plans start at Free (Production). Keycloak is free.
What's the main difference between BoxyHQ and Keycloak?
BoxyHQ's main strength: highly flexible and modular architecture allows for custom solutions. Keycloak's main strength: open source identity.