BoxyHQ vs Zitadel: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between BoxyHQ and Zitadel 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:
- • Provides modern and modular Identity & Access Management (IAM) for various use cases.
- • Offers flexible deployment options including open-source, self-hosted, and managed SaaS.
Zitadel
Open-source identity management
Best for you if:
- • Zitadel is an open-source identity management platform
- • It provides authentication, authorization, and user management
| At a Glance |  BoxyHQ |  Zitadel |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Security | Security |
Rating | - | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose BoxyHQ or Zitadel?
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.
Choose Zitadel if
Open-source identity management
- Open source IAM
- Self-hostable
- Good features
| Feature | BoxyHQ | Zitadel |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | SecurityIdentity & Access | SecurityDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
BoxyHQ
Modern, modular, and scalable Identity & Access Management for all your applications and agents.
BoxyHQ's pricing is quite generous for developers with a free tier offering $21 in credit and two dev environments.
Watch out
Overage fees for aDAU, M2M Tokens, Permission Checks
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
Zitadel
Open-source identity management
Zitadel's pricing is quite generous, especially with its robust open-source offering at $0.
Watch out
Overage fees likely for MAU beyond 25K on Cloud
Strengths
- +Open source IAM
- +Self-hostable
- +Good features
- +Active development
- +Cloud option
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Setup complexity
- -Documentation improving
- -Smaller community
- -Still maturing
Key features
Pricing: BoxyHQ vs Zitadel
| Plan | BoxyHQ | Zitadel |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Developer | N/A |
| 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 Zitadel pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: BoxyHQ
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call on ratings — compare on features and pricing.
Value user reviews?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call — neither has ratings yet.
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are security tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Zitadel
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
BoxyHQ
- Choose if you want modern, modular, and scalable Identity & Access Management for all your applications and agents
The Bottom Line
Zitadel is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BoxyHQ or Zitadel better?
Zitadel is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are BoxyHQ and Zitadel used for?
BoxyHQ: Modern, modular, and scalable Identity & Access Management for all your applications and agents.. Zitadel: Open-source identity management.
What does BoxyHQ cost vs Zitadel?
BoxyHQ is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Zitadel is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.