Keycloak vs WorkOS MCP: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Keycloak and WorkOS MCP 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 WorkOS MCP if you need developer tools.
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 (WorkOS MCP requires payment)
- • You want open source identity
- • You want self-hostable
WorkOS MCP
Automate B2B setup and debugging with an agent-driven dashboard
Best for you if:
- • You want automate B2B setup and debugging with an agent-driven dashboard
| At a Glance | WorkOS MCP | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Identity & Access | Developer Tools |
Rating | - | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Keycloak or WorkOS MCP?
Choose Keycloak if
Open-source identity and access management
- You want a fully free tool (WorkOS MCP requires payment)
- You want open source identity
- You want self-hostable
- Your work is identity & access-shaped, not developer tools-shaped
Choose WorkOS MCP if
Automate B2B setup and debugging with an agent-driven dashboard
- You want automate B2B setup and debugging with an agent-driven dashboard
- Your work is developer tools-shaped, not identity & access-shaped
| Feature | Keycloak | WorkOS MCP |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Identity & AccessSecurity | Developer ToolsSecurity |
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
WorkOS MCP
Automate B2B setup and debugging with an agent-driven dashboard
WorkOS MCP pricing is generous for startups with its free AuthKit tier for up to 1 million users and free Audit Logs, but costs can escalate quickly for enterprises needing many SSO or Directory Sync connections at $125 each.
Watch out
$125 per SIEM connection for log streaming
Key features
Pricing: Keycloak vs WorkOS MCP
| Plan | Keycloak | WorkOS MCP |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Open Source | $0 / month AuthKit |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $2,500 / mo AuthKit - Additional Users |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $125 / ea Single Sign-On - 1-15 connections |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $100 / ea Single Sign-On - 16-30 connections |
| Tier 5 | N/A | $80 / ea Single Sign-On - 31-50 connections |
| Tier 6 | N/A | $65 / ea Single Sign-On - 51-100 connections |
| Tier 7 | N/A | $125 / ea Directory Sync - 1-15 connections |
| Tier 8 | N/A | $100 / ea Directory Sync - 16-30 connections |
| Tier 9 | N/A | $80 / ea Directory Sync - 31-50 connections |
| Tier 10 | N/A | $65 / ea Directory Sync - 51-100 connections |
| Tier 11 | N/A | $0 / month Audit Logs |
| Tier 12 | N/A | $125 / mo Log streaming |
| Tier 13 | N/A | $99 / mo Event Retention |
| Tier 14 | N/A | $0 / month Radar |
| Tier 15 | N/A | $100 / mo Radar - Per 50k checks |
| Tier 16 | N/A | $99 / mo Custom Domain |
| Tier 17 | N/A | Pay only for what you need Pay as you go |
| Tier 18 | N/A | Schedule a call Annual Credits |
| Tier 19 | N/A | Contact us Support plans - Scale |
| Tier 20 | N/A | Contact us Support plans - Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Keycloak pricing and WorkOS MCP pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Keycloak is free. WorkOS MCP is freemium.
Go with: Keycloak
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call on ratings — compare on features and pricing.
Value user reviews?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call — neither has ratings yet.
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Keycloak is free. WorkOS MCP is freemium. Go with Keycloak if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Keycloak is a identity & access tool. WorkOS MCP is in developer tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Keycloak
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
WorkOS MCP
- Better fit for developer tools
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 WorkOS MCP better?
Keycloak is rated in our evaluation. Keycloak is free and WorkOS MCP is freemium.
What are Keycloak and WorkOS MCP used for?
Keycloak: Open-source identity and access management. WorkOS MCP: Automate B2B setup and debugging with an agent-driven dashboard.
What does Keycloak cost vs WorkOS MCP?
Keycloak is completely free. WorkOS MCP is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.