Wazuh vs Open Policy Agent: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Wazuh and Open Policy Agent 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:
Wazuh
Open-source security monitoring
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need security monitoring features specifically
- • Wazuh is an open-source security monitoring platform
- • It provides threat detection, compliance, and incident response
Open Policy Agent
Unify policy enforcement across your entire software stack with a high-performance policy engine.
Best for you if:
- • You need identity & access features specifically
- • Centralized policy engine for consistent enforcement across the stack.
- • Uses Rego, a high-performance declarative language for policy definition.
| At a Glance |  Open Policy Agent | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Security Monitoring | Identity & Access |
Rating | 86/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Wazuh | Open Policy Agent |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 86 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Security MonitoringVulnerability Scanning | Identity & AccessCompliance Management |
Understanding the Differences
Both Wazuh and Open Policy Agent solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Wazuh positions itself as "open-source security monitoring" while Open Policy Agentfocuses on "unify policy enforcement across your entire software stack with a high-performance policy engine.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Wazuh
Wazuh makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution. With a score of 86/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Open Policy Agent
Open Policy Agent is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Wazuh lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Wazuh
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Wazuh handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Wazuh
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Wazuh
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Wazuh is completely free.
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 Wazuh higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted Open Policy Agent more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Wazuh Does Better
- Higher overall score (86/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Open Policy Agent If
- You need a completely free solution
- 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 Wazuh (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Wazuh scores higher in our analysis, but Open Policy Agent 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 Wazuh or Open Policy Agent better?
Based on our analysis, Wazuh scores higher with 86/100. Wazuh isfree while Open Policy Agent 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 Wazuh to Open Policy Agent 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 Wazuh and Open Policy Agent offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Wazuh is completely free.Open Policy Agent is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.