Hanko vs Ory: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Hanko and Ory 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: Ory wins this matchup. LastPass is our overall Identity & Access pick. LastPass is our free Identity & Access pick. Pick Hanko if you need security.
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:
Hanko
Open-source authentication with passkeys
Best for you if:
- • You want passwordless auth
Ory
Open-source identity infrastructure
Best for you if:
- • You want open source identity
| At a Glance | Hanko | Ory |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | Free Free plan |
Category | Security Identity & Access | Developer Tools Identity & Access |
Rating | n/a | 4.5/5 G2 4.5 50 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | SAML SSO is an addon in Pro tier | Overage fees for users beyond Growth tier's included amount |
Choose Hanko or Ory?
Choose Hanko if
- You want passwordless auth
- You want open source
- You work in security, not developer tools
Choose Ory if
- You want open source identity
- You want self-hostable
- You work in developer tools, not security
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
- Pro: Passwordless auth
- Pro: Open source
- Pro: Self-hostable
- Pro: Passkey support
- Pro: Good documentation
Weaknesses
- Con: Newer platform
- Con: Limited features
- Con: Community smaller
- Con: Enterprise features paid
- Con: Integration effort
Key features
Ory
Open-source identity infrastructure
Ory's pricing is quite fair, offering a generous Free tier for up to 25,000 users, which is significantly higher than many competitors.
Watch out
Overage fees for users beyond Growth tier's included amount
Strengths
- Pro: Open source identity
- Pro: Self-hostable
- Pro: Good documentation
- Pro: Active development
- Pro: Cloud option
Weaknesses
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Setup complexity
- Con: Enterprise features paid
- Con: Smaller community
- Con: Multiple products confusing
Key features
Pricing: Hanko vs Ory
| Plan | Hanko | Ory |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Starter | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $29 Pro | $29 month Growth |
| Tier 3 | Custom Enterprise | custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Hanko pricing and Ory pricing.
Key Takeaways
Ory
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Hanko
- Better fit for security
The Bottom Line
Ory wins this matchup. LastPass is our overall Identity & Access pick. LastPass is our free Identity & Access pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hanko or Ory better in 2026?
Ory wins this matchup. LastPass is our overall Identity & Access pick. LastPass is our free Identity & Access pick. Pick Hanko for security workflows (main strength: passwordless auth). Pick Ory for developer tools workflows (main strength: open source identity).
What are Hanko and Ory used for?
Hanko: Open-source authentication with passkeys. Ory: Open-source identity infrastructure.
What does Hanko cost vs Ory?
Hanko's paid plans start at Free (Pro). Ory's paid plans start at Free (Growth).
What's the main difference between Hanko and Ory?
Hanko's main strength: passwordless auth. Ory's main strength: open source identity.