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.
Bottom line: Keycloak wins this matchup. LastPass is our overall Identity & Access pick. LastPass is our free Identity & Access pick. Pick Okta if you need its specific feature set.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Okta
Enterprise identity management
Best for you if:
- • You want enterprise-grade
Keycloak
Open-source identity and access management
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Okta requires payment)
| At a Glance | Okta | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $6/mo Starter | Free 100% free |
Category | Identity & Access Security | Identity & Access Security |
Rating | 3.5/5 G2 4.5 · Trustpilot 1.4 1,704 reviews | n/a |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Watch out for | Potential for significant add-on costs for specific modules. | n/a |
Choose Okta or Keycloak?
Choose Okta if
- You want enterprise-grade
- You want many integrations
Choose Keycloak if
- You want a fully free tool (Okta requires payment)
- You want open source identity
- You want self-hostable
In-Depth Analysis
Okta
Enterprise identity management
Okta's pricing is on the expensive side, especially for smaller businesses.
Watch out
Potential for significant add-on costs for specific modules.
Strengths
- Pro: Enterprise-grade
- Pro: Many integrations
- Pro: Strong security
Weaknesses
- Con: Expensive
- Con: Complex setup
Key features
Keycloak
Open-source identity and access management
Keycloak's pricing is exceptionally generous, being entirely free as an open-source solution.
Strengths
- Pro: Open source identity
- Pro: Self-hostable
- Pro: Feature rich
- Pro: No per-user cost
- Pro: Enterprise ready
Weaknesses
- Con: Complex to set up
- Con: Requires maintenance
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Java-based
- Con: 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.
Key Takeaways
Keycloak
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Okta
- Choose if you want enterprise identity management
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 Okta or Keycloak better in 2026?
Keycloak wins this matchup. LastPass is our overall Identity & Access pick. LastPass is our free Identity & Access pick. Pick Okta for identity & access workflows (main strength: enterprise-grade). Pick Keycloak for identity & access workflows (main strength: open source identity).
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's paid plans start at $6/mo (Starter). Keycloak is free.
What's the main difference between Okta and Keycloak?
Okta's main strength: enterprise-grade. Keycloak's main strength: open source identity.