Keycloak vs SuperTokens: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Keycloak and SuperTokens 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 is our overall pick for identity & access workflows. Pick SuperTokens 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 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
SuperTokens
Open-source user authentication
Best for you if:
- • You need security features specifically
- • SuperTokens is an open-source authentication solution
- • It provides session management, social login, and passwordless auth
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Identity & Access | Security |
Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.9/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Keycloak or SuperTokens?
Choose Keycloak if
Open-source identity and access management
- Open source identity
- Self-hostable
- Feature rich
- You want a fully free tool (SuperTokens requires payment)
- Your work is identity & access-shaped, not security-shaped
Choose SuperTokens if
Open-source user authentication
- Open source
- Self-host option
- Simple setup
- Your work is security-shaped, not identity & access-shaped
| Feature | Keycloak | SuperTokens |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 101 reviews | ★4.9/5 5 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
SuperTokens
Open-source user authentication
Strengths
- +Open source
- +Self-host option
- +Simple setup
Weaknesses
- -Smaller ecosystem
- -Limited features vs Auth0
Key features
Pricing: Keycloak vs SuperTokens
| Plan | Keycloak | SuperTokens |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Open Source | Free Self-Hosted |
| Tier 2 | N/A | Free Cloud Free |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $100 Cloud Paid |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Keycloak pricing and SuperTokens pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Keycloak is free. SuperTokens is freemium.
Go with: Keycloak
Want the highest-rated option?
Keycloak: 4.3/5 (101 reviews). SuperTokens: 4.9/5 (5 reviews).
Go with: SuperTokens
Value user reviews?
Keycloak: 101 reviews (4.3/5). SuperTokens: 5 reviews (4.9/5).
Go with: Keycloak
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Keycloak is free. SuperTokens is freemium. Go with Keycloak if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Keycloak is a identity & access tool. SuperTokens is in security. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
SuperTokens is rated higher: 4.9/5 vs 4.3/5.
Key Takeaways
Keycloak
- Larger review base (101 reviews)
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
SuperTokens
- Higher user rating: 4.9/5 vs 4.3/5
- Better fit for security
The Bottom Line
Keycloak is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keycloak or SuperTokens better?
Keycloak is rated in our evaluation. Keycloak is free and SuperTokens is freemium.
What are Keycloak and SuperTokens used for?
Keycloak: Open-source identity and access management. SuperTokens: Open-source user authentication.
What does Keycloak cost vs SuperTokens?
Keycloak is completely free. SuperTokens is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.