Hanko vs mkcert: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Hanko and mkcert 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: mkcert wins this matchup. 1Password is our overall Security pick. LastPass is our free Security pick. Pick Hanko if you need security.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Hanko
Open-source authentication with passkeys
Best for you if:
- • You want passwordless auth
- • You want open source
mkcert
Create local trusted dev certificates
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Hanko requires payment)
- • You want local SSL certificates
- • You want easy to use
| At a Glance | Hanko | mkcert |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Security | Developer Tools |
Rating | - | 3.9/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Hanko or mkcert?
Choose Hanko if
Open-source authentication with passkeys
- You want passwordless auth
- You want open source
- Your work is security-shaped, not developer tools-shaped
Choose mkcert if
Create local trusted dev certificates
- You want a fully free tool (Hanko requires payment)
- You want local SSL certificates
- You want easy to use
- Your work is developer tools-shaped, not security-shaped
| Feature | Hanko | mkcert |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★3.9/5 148 reviews |
| Categories | SecurityIdentity & Access | Developer ToolsSecurity |
In-Depth Analysis
Hanko
Open-source authentication with passkeys
Hanko's pricing is quite generous, especially with its robust free tier offering 10,000 MAUs.
Watch out
SAML SSO is an addon in Pro tier
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
mkcert
Create local trusted dev certificates
mkcert is entirely free and open-source, making its pricing exceptionally fair and generous.
Strengths
- +Local SSL certificates
- +Easy to use
- +No configuration
- +Cross-platform
- +Good for dev
Weaknesses
- -Dev only
- -Security considerations
- -Limited features
- -Manual renewal
- -Niche tool
Key features
Pricing: Hanko vs mkcert
| Plan | Hanko | mkcert |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Starter | N/A |
| Tier 2 | $29 Pro | N/A |
| Tier 3 | Custom Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Hanko pricing and mkcert pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
mkcert is free. Hanko is freemium.
Go with: mkcert
Want the highest-rated option?
mkcert is rated 3.9/5. Hanko has no ratings yet.
Go with: mkcert
Value user reviews?
Hanko: no ratings yet. mkcert: 148 reviews (3.9/5).
Go with: mkcert
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Hanko is freemium. mkcert is free. Go with mkcert if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Hanko is a security tool. mkcert is in developer tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
mkcert is rated 3.9/5; Hanko has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
mkcert
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Hanko
- Better fit for security
The Bottom Line
mkcert wins this matchup. 1Password is our overall Security pick. LastPass is our free Security pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hanko or mkcert better?
mkcert is rated in our evaluation. Hanko is freemium and mkcert is free.
What are Hanko and mkcert used for?
Hanko: Open-source authentication with passkeys. mkcert: Create local trusted dev certificates.
What does Hanko cost vs mkcert?
Hanko is freemium (free tier + paid plans). mkcert is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.