WorkOS MCP vs Keycloak: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between WorkOS MCP 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 is our overall pick for identity & access workflows. Pick WorkOS MCP if you need developer tools.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
WorkOS MCP
Extend your dashboard with secure, role-based agent access
Best for you if:
- • You need developer tools features specifically
- • You need extend your dashboard with secure, role-based agent access
- • You want a completely free tool
Keycloak
Open-source identity and access management
Best for you if:
- • You need identity & access 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 |  WorkOS MCP | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Developer Tools | Identity & Access |
Rating | - | 4.3/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose WorkOS MCP or Keycloak?
Choose WorkOS MCP if
Extend your dashboard with secure, role-based agent access
- Your work is developer tools-shaped, not identity & access-shaped
Choose Keycloak if
Open-source identity and access management
- Open source identity
- Self-hostable
- Feature rich
- Your work is identity & access-shaped, not developer tools-shaped
| Feature | WorkOS MCP | Keycloak |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.3/5 101 reviews |
| Categories | Developer ToolsSecurity | Identity & AccessSecurity |
In-Depth Analysis
WorkOS MCP
Extend your dashboard with secure, role-based agent access
Key features
Keycloak
Open-source identity and access management
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
Value 95/100. Keycloak's pricing is exceptionally generous, being entirely free as an open-source solution.
Watch out: Infrastructure hosting costs (servers, networking)
Pricing: WorkOS MCP vs Keycloak
| Plan | WorkOS MCP | Keycloak |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Open Source |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on WorkOS MCP pricing and Keycloak pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: WorkOS MCP
Want the highest-rated option?
Keycloak is rated 4.3/5. WorkOS MCP has no ratings yet.
Go with: Keycloak
Value user reviews?
WorkOS MCP: no ratings yet. Keycloak: 101 reviews (4.3/5).
Go with: Keycloak
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
WorkOS MCP is a developer tools tool. Keycloak is in identity & access. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Keycloak is rated 4.3/5; WorkOS MCP has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Keycloak
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
WorkOS MCP
- Better fit for developer tools
The Bottom Line
Keycloak is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WorkOS MCP or Keycloak better?
Keycloak is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are WorkOS MCP and Keycloak used for?
WorkOS MCP: Extend your dashboard with secure, role-based agent access. Keycloak: Open-source identity and access management.
What does WorkOS MCP cost vs Keycloak?
WorkOS MCP is completely free. Keycloak is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.