Okta vs Keycloak: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Okta 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:
Okta
Enterprise identity management
Best for you if:
- • Okta is an enterprise identity platform for workforce and customer IAM
- • It provides SSO, MFA, lifecycle management, and API access management
Keycloak
Open-source identity and access management
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • 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 |  Okta | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $6/user/month/moStarter | Free |
Best For | Identity & Access | Identity & Access |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Okta or Keycloak?
Choose Okta if
Enterprise identity management
- Enterprise-grade
- Many integrations
- Strong security
Choose Keycloak if
Open-source identity and access management
- Open source identity
- Self-hostable
- Feature rich
- You want a fully free tool (Okta requires payment)
| Feature | Okta | Keycloak |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 2,101 reviews | ★4.3/5 101 reviews |
| Categories | Identity & AccessSecurity | Identity & AccessSecurity |
In-Depth Analysis
Okta
Enterprise identity management
Strengths
- +Enterprise-grade
- +Many integrations
- +Strong security
Weaknesses
- -Expensive
- -Complex setup
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: Okta vs Keycloak
| Plan | Okta | Keycloak |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $6/user/month Starter | Free Open Source |
| Tier 2 | $14/user/month Core Essentials | N/A |
| Tier 3 | $17/user/month Essentials | N/A |
| Tier 4 | Custom Professional | N/A |
| Tier 5 | Custom Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Okta pricing and Keycloak pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Keycloak is free. Okta is paid.
Go with: Keycloak
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Okta
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Keycloak
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Okta is paid. Keycloak is free. Go with Keycloak if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are identity & access tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Keycloak
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Okta
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.3/5
- Larger review base (2,101 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Keycloak is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Okta or Keycloak better?
Keycloak is rated in our evaluation. Okta is paid and Keycloak is free.
What are Okta and Keycloak used for?
Okta: Enterprise identity management. Keycloak: Open-source identity and access management.
What does Okta cost vs Keycloak?
Okta is a paid tool. Keycloak is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.