Keycloak vs Zitadel: Which Should You Choose 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated April 14, 2026 · Methodology
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:
- 0
- • You need something completely free
- • You need password managers features specifically
- • Keycloak is an open-source identity and access management solution
- • It provides SSO, social login, and user federation for applications and services
Zitadel
Open-source identity management
Best for you if:
- 0
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Zitadel is an open-source identity management platform
- • It provides authentication, authorization, and user management
| At a Glance |  Zitadel | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Password Managers | API Tools |
Rating | — | — |
| Feature | Keycloak | Zitadel |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Password ManagersIdentity & Access | API ToolsHosting & Deployment |
How Keycloak and Zitadel Compare
Keycloak
Open-source identity and access management
Free
Zitadel
Open-source identity management
Free tier available
Keycloak is a password managers tool. Zitadel is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Keycloak is free. Zitadel is freemium.
Go with: Keycloak
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Keycloak
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Keycloak
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 password managers tool. Zitadel is in api tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Keycloak
- 0
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Zitadel
- Better fit for api tools
The Bottom Line
Keycloak is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keycloak or Zitadel better?
Keycloak is rated high 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.