Open-source identity and access management with SSO, OIDC, SAML and user federation.
- Apache-2.0
- Java
- Docker
- Actively maintained
Identity & SSO comparison
Keycloak vs authentik: which should you self-host in 2026?
Pick Keycloak for an enterprise-grade, Apache-licensed identity server with deep standards support; pick authentik for a friendlier UI, visual flows and a built-in proxy for homelab apps.
Both are open source and run on your own server. Below: a side-by-side of license, stack and features, live GitHub activity, and our verdict on who should pick which.
Flexible identity provider and SSO platform with OAuth2, SAML, LDAP and proxy outposts.
- Python
- Docker
- Actively maintained
Head-to-head
Keycloak vs authentik, side by side
Hand-checked differences first, then live numbers from GitHub, refreshed with every catalog update.
| Aspect |  Keycloak |  authentik |
|---|---|---|
| License | Apache-2.0 | MIT, except the authentik/enterprise directory, which uses the authentik Enterprise license |
| Language/stack | Java on Quarkus | Python (Django) core with Go outposts |
| Database | PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, Oracle or SQL Server | PostgreSQL |
| Standout features | OIDC, SAML, LDAP and Kerberos federation, fine-grained authorization, CNCF project | Visual flow and stage editor, proxy outposts for forward auth, LDAP and RADIUS providers |
| Learning curve | Steep: realms, clients and mappers to learn | Moderate: guided UI, but flows take time to master |
| GitHub stars | 37,156 | 25,859 |
| Commits, last 12 months | 3,157 | 5,375 |
| Last commit | Oct 6, 2026 | Oct 6, 2026 |
| Latest release | 26.8.0Oct 1, 2026 | version/2026.8.3Sep 17, 2026 |
| Main language | Java | Python |
| Official Docker image | Yes | Yes |
| Repository | keycloak/keycloak | goauthentik/authentik |
Swipe the table sideways to see both apps. GitHub figures come from the public API. Highlighted values are the higher of the two.
Verdict
Keycloak is the established choice for organisations: a CNCF project with mature OIDC, SAML, LDAP federation and broad database support. authentik is easier to run and customise for homelabs and small teams, with visual authentication flows and outposts that put SSO in front of apps that have no login integration.
Best for
Choose Keycloak for
Enterprises needing a battle-tested, standards-focused IAM server.
Best for
Choose authentik for
Homelabs and small teams that want SSO with a modern UI and proxy auth.
Deploy either in minutes
Not sure yet? Spin up a small VPS or a managed instance, try both for a week, and keep the one that fits.
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Is authentik easier than Keycloak?
For most self-hosters, yes. Its admin UI and application wizards are friendlier, and its proxy outpost protects apps without built-in SSO.
Does authentik need Redis?
Current authentik releases run with only PostgreSQL; the official Docker Compose file contains a PostgreSQL, server and worker container.
Which supports SAML?
Both act as SAML identity providers as well as OpenID Connect providers.
Which is more popular on GitHub, Keycloak or authentik?
Keycloak has 37,156 GitHub stars against 25,859 for authentik. Over the last twelve months Keycloak received 3,157 commits and authentik received 5,375, so authentik is the more actively developed of the two right now. Stars measure interest, not fit, so weigh them against the differences above.
