PropelAuth vs Keycloak: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between PropelAuth 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. 1Password is our overall Security pick. LastPass is our free Security pick. Pick PropelAuth if you need security.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
PropelAuth
Make authentication your advantage for B2B products with fully managed or self-hosted solutions.
Best for you if:
- • You want designed specifically for B2B authentication needs
- • You want offers both cloud and self-hosted deployment options
Keycloak
Open-source identity and access management
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (PropelAuth requires payment)
- • You want open source identity
- • You want self-hostable
| At a Glance | PropelAuth | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Security | Identity & Access |
Rating | 5.0/5G2 5.0 | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | Additional MAUs cost $0.05/user on Growth. | n/a |
Choose PropelAuth or Keycloak?
Choose PropelAuth if
Make authentication your advantage for B2B products with fully managed or self-hosted solutions.
- You want designed specifically for B2B authentication needs
- You want offers both cloud and self-hosted deployment options
- Your work is security-shaped, not identity & access-shaped
Choose Keycloak if
Open-source identity and access management
- You want a fully free tool (PropelAuth requires payment)
- You want open source identity
- You want self-hostable
- Your work is identity & access-shaped, not security-shaped
| Feature | PropelAuth | Keycloak |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | ★5.0/5 30 reviews | No ratings yet |
| Categories | SecurityDeveloper Tools | Identity & AccessSecurity |
In-Depth Analysis
PropelAuth
Make authentication your advantage for B2B products with fully managed or self-hosted solutions.
PropelAuth offers a fair pricing structure, especially with its generous Free tier including 10,000 MAUs.
Watch out
Additional MAUs cost $0.05/user on Growth.
Strengths
- +Designed specifically for B2B authentication needs.
- +Offers both cloud and self-hosted deployment options.
- +Provides comprehensive features for all stages of growth, from pre-launch to enterprise scaling.
- +Easy integration with thoughtfully designed client libraries for various tech stacks.
- +Strong focus on customer support and developer experience.
Weaknesses
- -Primarily focused on B2B, which might not be suitable for B2C products.
- -Advanced features like SCIM and advanced security options are only available in higher-tier plans.
Key features
Keycloak
Open-source identity and access management
Keycloak's pricing is exceptionally generous, being entirely free as an open-source solution.
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: PropelAuth vs Keycloak
| Plan | PropelAuth | Keycloak |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 0/month Free | Free Open Source |
| Tier 2 | 150/month Growth | N/A |
| Tier 3 | 500/month Growth Plus | N/A |
| Tier 4 | Contact us Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on PropelAuth pricing and Keycloak pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Keycloak is free. PropelAuth is freemium.
Go with: Keycloak
Want the highest-rated option?
PropelAuth is rated 5.0/5. Keycloak has no ratings yet.
Go with: PropelAuth
Value user reviews?
PropelAuth: 30 reviews (5.0/5). Keycloak: no ratings yet.
Go with: PropelAuth
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
PropelAuth is freemium. Keycloak is free. Go with Keycloak if free matters most.
What's your use case?
PropelAuth is a security tool. Keycloak is in identity & access. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
PropelAuth is rated 5.0/5; Keycloak has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Keycloak
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
PropelAuth
- Better fit for security
The Bottom Line
Keycloak wins this matchup. 1Password is our overall Security pick. LastPass is our free Security pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PropelAuth or Keycloak better?
Keycloak is rated in our evaluation. PropelAuth is freemium and Keycloak is free.
What are PropelAuth and Keycloak used for?
PropelAuth: Make authentication your advantage for B2B products with fully managed or self-hosted solutions.. Keycloak: Open-source identity and access management.
What does PropelAuth cost vs Keycloak?
PropelAuth is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Keycloak is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.