Magic vs Ory: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Magic and Ory 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 February 28, 2026 · Methodology
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:
- • Magic is a passwordless authentication SDK for web and mobile apps
- • It provides email-based login and wallet creation for Web3 applications
Ory
Open-source identity infrastructure
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • Ory is an open-source identity infrastructure platform
- • It provides authentication, authorization, and user management APIs
| At a Glance |  Magic |  Ory |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | API Tools |
Rating | 80/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Magic | Ory |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsIdentity & Access | API ToolsHosting & Deployment |
How Magic and Ory Compare
Magic
Passwordless authentication SDK
Free tier available · 80/100 score
Ory
Open-source identity infrastructure
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Magic
Want the highest-rated option?
Magic: 80/100. Ory: 86/100.
Go with: Ory
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Ory
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are api tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Ory scores higher: 86/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
Ory
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 80
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Magic
The Bottom Line
Ory (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Magic or Ory better?
Ory scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Magic and Ory used for?
Magic: Passwordless authentication SDK. Ory: Open-source identity infrastructure.
What does Magic cost vs Ory?
Magic is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Ory is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.