Hanko vs smallstep: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Hanko and smallstep 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: smallstep wins this matchup. 1Password is our overall Security pick. LastPass is our free Security pick. Pick Hanko if you need a free tier to start with.
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
smallstep
Zero-trust access and certificate management
Best for you if:
- • You want zero trust security
- • You want certificate management
| At a Glance | Hanko | smallstep |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Security | Security |
Rating | - | 4.2/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Hanko or smallstep?
Choose Hanko if
Open-source authentication with passkeys
- You want passwordless auth
- You want open source
Choose smallstep if
Zero-trust access and certificate management
- You want zero trust security
- You want certificate management
| Feature | Hanko | smallstep |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.2/5 10 reviews |
| Categories | SecurityIdentity & Access | SecurityDeveloper Tools |
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
smallstep
Zero-trust access and certificate management
Smallstep's Enterprise-only pricing, with custom quotes, positions it as an expensive solution, especially for smaller organizations.
Strengths
- +Zero trust security
- +Certificate management
- +Open source option
- +Active development
- +Good documentation
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Complex setup
- -Enterprise features paid
- -Smaller community
- -Niche use case
Key features
Pricing: Hanko vs smallstep
| Plan | Hanko | smallstep |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Starter | Custom Enterprise |
| 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 smallstep pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Hanko
Want the highest-rated option?
smallstep is rated 4.2/5. Hanko has no ratings yet.
Go with: smallstep
Value user reviews?
Hanko: no ratings yet. smallstep: 10 reviews (4.2/5).
Go with: smallstep
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are security tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
smallstep is rated 4.2/5; Hanko has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
smallstep
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Hanko
- Choose if you want open-source authentication with passkeys
The Bottom Line
smallstep wins this matchup. 1Password is our overall Security pick. LastPass is our free Security pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hanko or smallstep better?
smallstep is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Hanko and smallstep used for?
Hanko: Open-source authentication with passkeys. smallstep: Zero-trust access and certificate management.
What does Hanko cost vs smallstep?
Hanko is freemium (free tier + paid plans). smallstep is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.