Ory vs Zitadel: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Ory and Zitadel 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:
Ory
Open-source identity infrastructure
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • Ory is an open-source identity infrastructure platform
- • It provides authentication, authorization, and user management APIs
Zitadel
Open-source identity management
Best for you if:
- • Zitadel is an open-source identity management platform
- • It provides authentication, authorization, and user management
| At a Glance |  Ory |  Zitadel |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | API Tools |
Rating | 86/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Ory | Zitadel |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsHosting & Deployment | API ToolsHosting & Deployment |
How Ory and Zitadel Compare
Ory
Open-source identity infrastructure
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Zitadel
Open-source identity management
Free tier available · 82/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Ory
Want the highest-rated option?
Ory: 86/100. Zitadel: 82/100.
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 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Ory
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Zitadel
The Bottom Line
Ory (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ory or Zitadel better?
Ory scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Ory and Zitadel used for?
Ory: Open-source identity infrastructure. Zitadel: Open-source identity management.
What does Ory cost vs Zitadel?
Ory is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Zitadel is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.