Hanko vs Zitadel: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Hanko and Zitadel 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
Zitadel
Open-source identity management
Best for you if:
- 0
- • Zitadel is an open-source identity management platform
- • It provides authentication, authorization, and user management
| At a Glance |  Hanko |  Zitadel |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | API Tools |
Rating | - | - |
| Feature | Hanko | Zitadel |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsPassword Managers | API ToolsHosting & Deployment |
How Hanko and Zitadel Compare
Hanko
Open-source authentication with passkeys
Free tier available
Zitadel
Open-source identity management
Free tier available
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Hanko
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?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
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
Zitadel
The Bottom Line
Hanko is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hanko or Zitadel better?
Hanko is rated high in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Hanko and Zitadel used for?
Hanko: Open-source authentication with passkeys. Zitadel: Open-source identity management.
What does Hanko cost vs Zitadel?
Hanko is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Zitadel is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.