Keycloak vs Magic: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Keycloak and Magic 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: Keycloak wins this matchup. 1Password is our overall Security pick. LastPass is our free Security pick. Pick Magic if you need security.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Keycloak
Open-source identity and access management
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Magic requires payment)
- • You want open source identity
- • You want self-hostable
Magic
Passwordless authentication SDK
Best for you if:
- • You want passwordless auth
- • You want easy integration
| At a Glance | Magic | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Identity & Access | Security |
Rating | - | 4.0/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Keycloak or Magic?
Choose Keycloak if
Open-source identity and access management
- You want a fully free tool (Magic requires payment)
- You want open source identity
- You want self-hostable
- Your work is identity & access-shaped, not security-shaped
Choose Magic if
Passwordless authentication SDK
- You want passwordless auth
- You want easy integration
- Your work is security-shaped, not identity & access-shaped
| Feature | Keycloak | Magic |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.0/5 10 reviews |
| Categories | Identity & AccessSecurity | SecurityDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Keycloak
Open-source identity and access management
Keycloak's pricing is exceptionally generous, being entirely free as an open-source solution.
Strengths
- +Open source identity
- +Self-hostable
- +Feature rich
- +No per-user cost
- +Enterprise ready
Weaknesses
- -Complex to set up
- -Requires maintenance
- -Learning curve
- -Java-based
- -UI dated
Key features
Magic
Passwordless authentication SDK
Magic's pricing starts generously with a free tier for 1000 MAUs, making it accessible for small projects.
Strengths
- +Passwordless auth
- +Easy integration
- +Good documentation
- +Web3 support
- +Developer friendly
Weaknesses
- -Per-user pricing
- -Can get expensive
- -Vendor lock-in
- -Limited customization
- -Better alternatives exist
Key features
Pricing: Keycloak vs Magic
| Plan | Keycloak | Magic |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Open Source | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $199 Auth Plus |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $999 Widget UI |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Keycloak pricing and Magic pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Keycloak is free. Magic is freemium.
Go with: Keycloak
Want the highest-rated option?
Magic is rated 4.0/5. Keycloak has no ratings yet.
Go with: Magic
Value user reviews?
Keycloak: no ratings yet. Magic: 10 reviews (4.0/5).
Go with: Magic
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Keycloak is free. Magic is freemium. Go with Keycloak if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Keycloak is a identity & access tool. Magic is in security. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Magic is rated 4.0/5; Keycloak has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Keycloak
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Magic
- Better fit for security
The Bottom Line
Keycloak wins this matchup. 1Password is our overall Security pick. LastPass is our free Security pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keycloak or Magic better?
Keycloak is rated in our evaluation. Keycloak is free and Magic is freemium.
What are Keycloak and Magic used for?
Keycloak: Open-source identity and access management. Magic: Passwordless authentication SDK.
What does Keycloak cost vs Magic?
Keycloak is completely free. Magic is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.