Magic vs Keycloak: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Magic and Keycloak 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:
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
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
| At a Glance |  Magic | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $199/moAuth Plus | Free |
Best For | Security | Identity & Access |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Magic or Keycloak?
Choose Magic if
Passwordless authentication SDK
- Passwordless auth
- Easy integration
- Good documentation
- Your work is security-shaped, not identity & access-shaped
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
| Feature | Magic | Keycloak |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.8/5 90 reviews | ★4.3/5 101 reviews |
| Categories | SecurityDeveloper Tools | Identity & AccessSecurity |
In-Depth Analysis
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
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
Pricing: Magic vs Keycloak
| Plan | Magic | Keycloak |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Open Source |
| Tier 2 | $199 Auth Plus | N/A |
| Tier 3 | $999 Widget UI | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Magic pricing and Keycloak pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Keycloak is free. Magic is freemium.
Go with: Keycloak
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Magic
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Keycloak
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Magic is freemium. Keycloak is free. Go with Keycloak if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Magic is a security tool. Keycloak is in identity & access. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
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 Magic or Keycloak better?
Keycloak is rated in our evaluation. Magic is freemium and Keycloak is free.
What are Magic and Keycloak used for?
Magic: Passwordless authentication SDK. Keycloak: Open-source identity and access management.
What does Magic cost vs Keycloak?
Magic is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Keycloak is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.