Hanko vs mkcert: Which Should You Choose 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.
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:
- 0
- • Hanko is an open-source authentication solution with passkey support
- • It provides passwordless login using WebAuthn with drop-in authentication UI
mkcert
Create local trusted dev certificates
Best for you if:
- 0
- • You need something completely free
- • mkcert is a tool for creating locally-trusted development certificates
- • It generates TLS certificates for localhost without complex setup
| At a Glance |  Hanko |  mkcert |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | API Tools | API Tools |
Rating | - | - |
| Feature | Hanko | mkcert |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsPassword Managers | API ToolsTerminal Tools |
How Hanko and mkcert Compare
Hanko
Open-source authentication with passkeys
Free tier available
mkcert
Create local trusted dev certificates
Free
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
mkcert is free. Hanko is freemium.
Go with: mkcert
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Hanko
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Hanko
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?
Both are api tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Hanko
- 0
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
mkcert
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Hanko is our pick. That said, mkcert is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hanko or mkcert better?
Hanko is rated high 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.