Keycloak vs. Authentik: Which open-source SSO solution is the right fit?

Keycloak and Authentik are the two most widely used open-source solutions for single sign-on. In short: Authentik is quicker to set up, has a modern interface and fits well with small and medium-sized environments. Keycloak is more comprehensive, is maintained by Red Hatsupported and is a project of the Cloud Native Computing Foundation – strong in complex requirements and large user numbers. Both support the important standards OpenID Connect and SAML.

The comparison at a glance

• License: Keycloak – Apache 2.0, fully open source · Authentik – core under MIT, additional enterprise features subject to a fee
• Provider: Keycloak – Red Hat, CNCF project since 2023 · Authentik – Authentik Security
• Setup: Keycloak – more extensive, more configuration · Authentik – faster, visual workflows
• Interface: Keycloak – functional · Authentik – modern, with a home page for users (“Application Launcher”)
• Depth: Keycloak – very extensive protocol and permissions features · Authentik – covers typical SME scenarios well
• Protection of older applications: Keycloak – usually with an additional component · Authentik – built-in proxy for applications without their own SSO
• Community: Keycloak – very large · Authentik – growing, especially popular among self-hosters

When Authentik is the better choice

• You want quickly a central login for a handful of tools.
• You have no large IT department.
• Employees should have a clear start page with all tools.
• Some applications have no own SSO and should still be protected.

Details: Authentik in the company.

When Keycloak is the better choice

• You have many users, multiple locations or external partners.
• You need fine-grained permission models or special protocol functions.
• You want a fully free license without an enterprise tier.
• Long-term stability through a large sponsoring organizationis important to you; commercial support is available from Red Hat.

Details: Keycloak in SMEs.

Similarities

• Both support OpenID Connect and SAML and can be connected to Nextcloud, Open WebUI, Paperless-ngx and n8n.
• Both offer two-factor authentication and integration with existing directories.
• Both can be self-hosted in Germany.

Decision support

1. Fewer than about 100 users, few tools, little IT? → Authentik.
2. Complex requirements, many users, partner access? → Keycloak.
3. Strict requirement for a fully free license? → Keycloak.
4. What matters is quick value with minimal effort? → Authentik.

More important than the choice itself is a well-designed group and role concept – the basics explained Single Sign-On for SMEs.

bettersorted relies for its customers on open, transparent modules – operated on servers in Germany and bundled in the automaisa Hub. We provide vendor-neutral advice, are a BAFA-registered consultant and authorized INQA coach. Consulting and guided implementationcan be subsidized through INQA-Coaching at 80%; the Funding Check shows the right path. For a non-binding initial consultation: Contact.

Example: two companies, two decisions

Two illustrative scenarios: An agency with 30 employees wants to connect Nextcloud, an AI chat, and a ticketing system — quickly and without its own IT. It chooses Authentik. A manufacturer with three sites, a dealer portal, and Active Directory needs separate areas for employees and partners as well as granular permissions. It chooses Keycloak.

Questions for your decision

• How many internal and external users will there be in three years?
• Is there an existing directory that needs to be connected?
• Who operates the solution – internally or via a service provider?
• Is a fully free license mandatory?
• Which applications do not have their own SSO?

Costs and funding

For centralized user management, open-source tools do not incur license costs. Costs arise for Setup (planning, installation, integration, testing), operation (server or hosting in Germany, updates, monitoring, data backup) and support (training, rules, contact persons). We do not quote fixed prices because scope and starting conditions vary greatly.

Eligible for funding is the Consulting and guided implementation: The INQA-Coaching covers 80% of coaching costs nationwide (up to €11,520, vouchers until 30.06.2028); a preliminary analysis is subsidized by the BAFA consulting grant at 80% in the new federal states, Lüneburg and Trier, otherwise 50% – for applications submitted by 31.12.2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Keycloak or Authentik?

For small and medium-sized environments with limited IT resources, Authentik is often the simpler choice. For complex requirements, many users, and a fully free license, Keycloak is better suited.

Are Keycloak and Authentik free of charge?

Keycloak is fully free under Apache 2.0. The core of Authentik is free under the MIT license; some enterprise features are paid.

Can you later switch from Authentik to Keycloak?

Yes, because both are based on open standards. However, users, groups, and integrations must be migrated and tested.

Do both work with Nextcloud?

Yes, both can be connected to Nextcloud and many other tools via OpenID Connect or SAML.

As of October 2026. Models, versions, and licenses change quickly – before making a decision, check the current license with the provider.