Cognito vs Hanko: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Cognito and Hanko 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:
Cognito
Streamline global customer onboarding with seamless ID verification and compliance
Best for you if:
- • Provides all-in-one identity verification and AML compliance.
- • Optimizes customer onboarding with high conversion rates and global coverage.
Hanko
Open-source authentication with passkeys
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Hanko is an open-source authentication solution with passkey support
- • It provides passwordless login using WebAuthn with drop-in authentication UI
| At a Glance |  Cognito |  Hanko |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Security | Security |
Rating | 4.7/5 | - |
Choose Cognito or Hanko?
Choose Cognito if
Streamline global customer onboarding with seamless ID verification and compliance
- Optimized for high conversion rates during customer onboarding.
- Supports a vast number of countries and ID document types.
- Reduces manual review efforts with smart false-positive reduction in screening.
Choose Hanko if
Open-source authentication with passkeys
- Passwordless auth
- Open source
- Self-hostable
- You want a free tier before you commit
| Feature | Cognito | Hanko |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 191 reviews | No ratings yet |
| Categories | SecurityCompliance | SecurityIdentity & Access |
In-Depth Analysis
Cognito
Streamline global customer onboarding with seamless ID verification and compliance
Strengths
- +Optimized for high conversion rates during customer onboarding.
- +Supports a vast number of countries and ID document types.
- +Reduces manual review efforts with smart false-positive reduction in screening.
- +Offers comprehensive compliance features with audit trails and ongoing monitoring.
- +Designed for developers with extensive documentation and flexible integration.
Weaknesses
- -Specific pricing details are not publicly available, requiring contact with sales.
- -Requires integration into existing systems, which may involve development effort depending on the chosen method.
Key features
Hanko
Open-source authentication with passkeys
Strengths
- +Passwordless auth
- +Open source
- +Self-hostable
- +Passkey support
- +Good documentation
Weaknesses
- -Newer platform
- -Limited features
- -Community smaller
- -Enterprise features paid
- -Integration effort
Key features
Pricing: Cognito vs Hanko
| Plan | Cognito | Hanko |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Starter |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $29 Pro |
| Tier 3 | N/A | Custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Cognito pricing and Hanko pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Hanko has a free tier. Cognito is paid only.
Go with: Hanko
Want the highest-rated option?
Cognito is rated 4.7/5. Hanko has no ratings yet.
Go with: Cognito
Value user reviews?
Cognito: 191 reviews (4.7/5). Hanko: no ratings yet.
Go with: Cognito
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Cognito is paid. Hanko is freemium. Hanko lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are security tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Cognito is rated 4.7/5; Hanko has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Hanko
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Cognito
- Choose if you want streamline global customer onboarding with seamless ID verification and compliance
The Bottom Line
Hanko is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cognito or Hanko better?
Hanko is rated in our evaluation. Cognito is paid and Hanko is freemium.
What are Cognito and Hanko used for?
Cognito: Streamline global customer onboarding with seamless ID verification and compliance. Hanko: Open-source authentication with passkeys.
What does Cognito cost vs Hanko?
Cognito is a paid tool. Hanko is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.