Plaid vs Ory: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Plaid and Ory 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:
Plaid
Financial data API
Best for you if:
- • Plaid is a financial services API that connects apps to user bank accounts
- • It enables account verification, transactions, and identity for fintech apps
Ory
Open-source identity infrastructure
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 7.5/10)
- • Ory is an open-source identity infrastructure platform
- • It provides authentication, authorization, and user management APIs
| At a Glance |  Plaid |  Ory |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | API Tools |
Rating | 75/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Plaid | Ory |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 75 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsFinancial Planning | API ToolsHosting & Deployment |
How Plaid and Ory Compare
Plaid
Financial data API
Free tier available · 75/100 score
Ory
Open-source identity infrastructure
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Plaid
Want the highest-rated option?
Plaid: 75/100. Ory: 86/100.
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 75/100.
Key Takeaways
Ory
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 75
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Plaid
The Bottom Line
Ory (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plaid or Ory better?
Ory scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Plaid and Ory used for?
Plaid: Financial data API. Ory: Open-source identity infrastructure.
What does Plaid cost vs Ory?
Plaid is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Ory is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.