Keycloak vs Zitadel: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Keycloak 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.
Bottom line: Keycloak wins this matchup. LastPass is our overall Identity & Access pick. LastPass is our free Identity & Access pick. Pick Zitadel 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 (Zitadel requires payment)
- • You want open source identity
- • You want self-hostable
Zitadel
Open-source identity management
Best for you if:
- • You want open source IAM
- • You want self-hostable
| At a Glance | Zitadel | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Identity & Access | Security |
Rating | - | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Keycloak or Zitadel?
Choose Keycloak if
Open-source identity and access management
- You want a fully free tool (Zitadel requires payment)
- You want open source identity
- You want self-hostable
- Your work is identity & access-shaped, not security-shaped
Choose Zitadel if
Open-source identity management
- You want open source IAM
- You want self-hostable
- Your work is security-shaped, not identity & access-shaped
| Feature | Keycloak | Zitadel |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| 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
Zitadel
Open-source identity management
Zitadel's pricing is quite generous, especially with its robust open-source offering at $0.
Strengths
- +Open source IAM
- +Self-hostable
- +Good features
- +Active development
- +Cloud option
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Setup complexity
- -Documentation improving
- -Smaller community
- -Still maturing
Key features
Pricing: Keycloak vs Zitadel
| Plan | Keycloak | Zitadel |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Open Source | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Keycloak pricing and Zitadel pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Keycloak is free. Zitadel 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. Zitadel is freemium. Go with Keycloak if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Keycloak is a identity & access tool. Zitadel is in security. 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
Zitadel
- Better fit for security
The Bottom Line
Keycloak wins this matchup. LastPass is our overall Identity & Access pick. LastPass is our free Identity & Access pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keycloak or Zitadel better?
Keycloak is rated in our evaluation. Keycloak is free and Zitadel is freemium.
What are Keycloak and Zitadel used for?
Keycloak: Open-source identity and access management. Zitadel: Open-source identity management.
What does Keycloak cost vs Zitadel?
Keycloak is completely free. Zitadel is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.