OpenFGA vs Keycloak: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between OpenFGA 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:
OpenFGA
Fine-grained authorization inspired by Google's Zanzibar, built for scalability and flexibility.
Best for you if:
- • You need security features specifically
- • Implements fine-grained authorization inspired by Google's Zanzibar.
- • Supports ReBAC, RBAC, and ABAC with a flexible modeling language.
Keycloak
Open-source identity and access management
Best for you if:
- • 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 |  OpenFGA | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | Free |
Best For | Security | Identity & Access |
Rating | - | - |
Choose OpenFGA or Keycloak?
Choose OpenFGA if
Fine-grained authorization inspired by Google's Zanzibar, built for scalability and flexibility.
- Highly scalable and performant for authorization checks.
- Flexible modeling language supports various access control paradigms.
- Open-source and backed by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF).
- 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
- Your work is identity & access-shaped, not security-shaped
| Feature | OpenFGA | Keycloak |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.3/5 101 reviews |
| Categories | SecurityDeveloper Tools | Identity & AccessSecurity |
In-Depth Analysis
OpenFGA
Fine-grained authorization inspired by Google's Zanzibar, built for scalability and flexibility.
Strengths
- +Highly scalable and performant for authorization checks.
- +Flexible modeling language supports various access control paradigms.
- +Open-source and backed by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF).
- +Easy integration with existing applications via SDKs.
Weaknesses
- -Requires Docker for quick local setup, which might be an initial barrier for some.
- -New users may need to learn the specific modeling language and concepts.
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: OpenFGA vs Keycloak
| Plan | OpenFGA | Keycloak |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free OpenFGA | Free Open Source |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on OpenFGA pricing and Keycloak pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: OpenFGA
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: OpenFGA
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Keycloak
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
OpenFGA 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
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
OpenFGA
- Better fit for security
The Bottom Line
Keycloak is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OpenFGA or Keycloak better?
Keycloak is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are OpenFGA and Keycloak used for?
OpenFGA: Fine-grained authorization inspired by Google's Zanzibar, built for scalability and flexibility.. Keycloak: Open-source identity and access management.
What does OpenFGA cost vs Keycloak?
OpenFGA is completely free. Keycloak is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.