StrongDM vs Authelia: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between StrongDM and Authelia 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:
StrongDM
Your partner in Zero Trust Privileged Access, controlling what happens after login.
Best for you if:
- • Enforces Zero Trust privileged access with continuous, real-time authorization.
- • Eliminates passwords and credential theft, preventing lateral movement.
Authelia
Open-source authentication and authorization server
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.0/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • Authelia is an open-source authentication server providing SSO and 2FA for applications
- • It works as a reverse proxy companion to protect internal services with access control
| At a Glance |  Authelia | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free |
Best For | Identity & Access | Identity & Access |
Rating | —/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | StrongDM | Authelia |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Identity & AccessSecurity Monitoring | Identity & AccessPassword Managers |
Understanding the Differences
Both StrongDM and Authelia solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.StrongDM positions itself as "your partner in zero trust privileged access, controlling what happens after login." while Autheliafocuses on "open-source authentication and authorization server". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose StrongDM
StrongDM makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Authelia
Authelia is worth considering if you need a free tool. Scoring 80/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Authelia won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Authelia
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Authelia is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Authelia
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. StrongDM is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: StrongDM
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Zero budget? Authelia won't cost you anything.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Authelia higher (80/100). But the community has upvoted Authelia more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Authelia Does Better
- Higher overall score (80/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider StrongDM If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Authelia (80/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Authelia scores higher in our analysis, but StrongDM might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is StrongDM or Authelia better?
Based on our analysis, Authelia scores higher with 80/100. StrongDM ispaid while Authelia is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from StrongDM to Authelia easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do StrongDM and Authelia offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. StrongDM is paid with potential trial.Authelia is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.