Open Policy Agent vs FusionAuth: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Open Policy Agent and FusionAuth 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:
Open Policy Agent
Unify policy enforcement across your entire software stack with a high-performance policy engine.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Centralized policy engine for consistent enforcement across the stack.
- • Uses Rego, a high-performance declarative language for policy definition.
FusionAuth
Customer identity and access management
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • FusionAuth is a complete identity platform for authentication and authorization
- • It provides login, registration, SSO, and user management with self-hosting options
| At a Glance |  Open Policy Agent |  FusionAuth |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Identity & Access | Identity & Access |
Rating | —/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Open Policy Agent | FusionAuth |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Identity & AccessCompliance Management | Identity & AccessLow-Code Backend |
Understanding the Differences
Both Open Policy Agent and FusionAuth solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Open Policy Agent positions itself as "unify policy enforcement across your entire software stack with a high-performance policy engine." while FusionAuthfocuses on "customer identity and access management". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Open Policy Agent
Open Policy Agent makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution.
When to Choose FusionAuth
FusionAuth is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 84/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Open Policy Agent lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Open Policy Agent
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. FusionAuth is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: FusionAuth
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: FusionAuth
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Open Policy Agent is completely free.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated FusionAuth higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted FusionAuth more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What FusionAuth Does Better
- Higher overall score (84/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Open Policy Agent If
- You need a completely free solution
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with FusionAuth (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. FusionAuth scores higher in our analysis, but Open Policy Agent might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Open Policy Agent or FusionAuth better?
Based on our analysis, FusionAuth scores higher with 84/100. Open Policy Agent isfree while FusionAuth is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Open Policy Agent to FusionAuth easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Open Policy Agent and FusionAuth offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Open Policy Agent is completely free.FusionAuth is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.