SpiceDB vs Keycloak: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between SpiceDB 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.
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:
SpiceDB
Stop building authorization, start building value with battle-tested permissions infrastructure.
Best for you if:
- • You need managed databases features specifically
- • Provides a centralized, scalable authorization system based on Google Zanzibar (SpiceDB).
- • Frees engineering teams from building and maintaining complex authorization logic.
Keycloak
Open-source identity and access management
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need password managers 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 |  SpiceDB | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Managed Databases | Password Managers |
Rating | —/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | SpiceDB | Keycloak |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Managed DatabasesIdentity & Access | Password ManagersIdentity & Access |
How SpiceDB and Keycloak Compare
SpiceDB
Stop building authorization, start building value with battle-tested permissions infrastructure.
Free tier available
Keycloak
Open-source identity and access management
Free · 88/100 score
SpiceDB is a managed databases tool. Keycloak is in password managers.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Keycloak is free. SpiceDB is freemium.
Go with: Keycloak
Want the highest-rated option?
Keycloak scores 88/100. SpiceDB is unrated.
Go with: Keycloak
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Keycloak
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
SpiceDB is freemium. Keycloak is free. Go with Keycloak if free matters most.
What's your use case?
SpiceDB is a managed databases tool. Keycloak is in password managers. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Keycloak
- Higher score: 88/100 vs unrated
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
SpiceDB
- Better fit for managed databases
The Bottom Line
Keycloak (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SpiceDB or Keycloak better?
Keycloak scores 88/100 in our evaluation. SpiceDB is freemium and Keycloak is free.
What are SpiceDB and Keycloak used for?
SpiceDB: Stop building authorization, start building value with battle-tested permissions infrastructure.. Keycloak: Open-source identity and access management.
What does SpiceDB cost vs Keycloak?
SpiceDB is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Keycloak is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.