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.
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 need something completely free
- • You need identity & access features specifically
- • Keycloak is an open-source identity and access management solution
- • It provides SSO, social login, and user federation for applications and services
Magic
Passwordless authentication SDK
Best for you if:
- • You need security features specifically
- • Magic is a passwordless authentication SDK for web and mobile apps
- • It provides email-based login and wallet creation for Web3 applications
| At a Glance |  Magic | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Identity & Access | Security |
Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.8/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Keycloak or Magic?
Choose Keycloak if
Open-source identity and access management
- Open source identity
- Self-hostable
- Feature rich
- You want a fully free tool (Magic requires payment)
- Your work is identity & access-shaped, not security-shaped
Choose Magic if
Passwordless authentication SDK
- Passwordless auth
- Easy integration
- Good documentation
- Your work is security-shaped, not identity & access-shaped
| Feature | Keycloak | Magic |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 101 reviews | ★4.8/5 90 reviews |
| Categories | Identity & AccessSecurity | SecurityDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Keycloak
Open-source identity and access management
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
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?
Keycloak: 4.3/5 (101 reviews). Magic: 4.8/5 (90 reviews).
Go with: Magic
Value user reviews?
Keycloak: 101 reviews (4.3/5). Magic: 90 reviews (4.8/5).
Go with: Keycloak
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 higher: 4.8/5 vs 4.3/5.
Key Takeaways
Keycloak
- Larger review base (101 reviews)
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Magic
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.3/5
- Better fit for security
The Bottom Line
Keycloak is our 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.