Frontegg vs Keycloak: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Frontegg 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 Frontegg 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:
Frontegg
The identity layer for every SaaS entry point, securing access and enabling AI integration.
Best for you if:
- • You want streamlines identity management for SaaS products
Keycloak
Open-source identity and access management
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Frontegg requires payment)
| At a Glance | Frontegg | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | Free 100% free |
Category | Identity & Access Low-Code Backend | Identity & Access Security |
Rating | 4.8/5 G2 4.8 366 reviews | n/a |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | Overage fees for MAU beyond 7,500 on PAYG | n/a |
Choose Frontegg or Keycloak?
Choose Frontegg if
- You want streamlines identity management for SaaS products
- You want reduces time spent on maintaining identity infrastructure
Choose Keycloak if
- You want a fully free tool (Frontegg requires payment)
- You want open source identity
- You want self-hostable
In-Depth Analysis
Frontegg
The identity layer for every SaaS entry point, securing access and enabling AI integration.
Frontegg's 'Pay as you go' tier is very generous, offering 7,500 MAU and key features like SSO for $0/month, making it an excellent starting point for many.
Watch out
Overage fees for MAU beyond 7,500 on PAYG
Strengths
- Pro: Streamlines identity management for SaaS products
- Pro: Reduces time spent on maintaining identity infrastructure
- Pro: Facilitates secure integration with generative AI platforms
- Pro: Allows developers to focus on core product features
- Pro: Ensures robust security at all entry points
Weaknesses
- Con: Specific pricing details are not immediately available on the homepage
- Con: Requires integration into existing SaaS applications
- Con: May have a learning curve for new users
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: Frontegg vs Keycloak
| Plan | Frontegg | Keycloak |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0/month Pay as you go | Free Open Source |
| Tier 2 | Contact sales Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Frontegg pricing and Keycloak pricing.
Key Takeaways
Keycloak
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Frontegg
- Choose if you want the identity layer for every SaaS entry point, securing access and enabling AI integration
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 Frontegg or Keycloak better in 2026?
Keycloak wins this matchup. LastPass is our overall Identity & Access pick. LastPass is our free Identity & Access pick. Pick Frontegg for identity & access workflows (main strength: streamlines identity management for SaaS products). Pick Keycloak for identity & access workflows (main strength: open source identity).
What are Frontegg and Keycloak used for?
Frontegg: The identity layer for every SaaS entry point, securing access and enabling AI integration. Keycloak: Open-source identity and access management.
What does Frontegg cost vs Keycloak?
Frontegg pricing is on their site. Keycloak is free.
What's the main difference between Frontegg and Keycloak?
Frontegg's main strength: streamlines identity management for SaaS products. Keycloak's main strength: open source identity.