# Keycloak vs authentik

> 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.

## 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 Keycloak: Enterprises needing a battle-tested, standards-focused IAM server
- Best for authentik: Homelabs and small teams that want SSO with a modern UI and proxy auth

## Key differences

| 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 numbers

| Metric | Keycloak | authentik |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub stars | 37,156 | 25,859 |
| Forks | 9,012 | 2,058 |
| Commits, last 12 months | 3,157 | 5,375 |
| Last commit | Oct 6, 2026 | Oct 6, 2026 |
| Latest release | 26.8.0 | version/2026.8.3 |
| License | Apache-2.0 | MIT |
| License type | Open source | Open source |
| Language | Java | Python |
| Docker image | Yes | Yes |
| Repository | https://github.com/keycloak/keycloak | https://github.com/goauthentik/authentik |

App pages: [Keycloak](https://appsgit.com/apps/keycloak), [authentik](https://appsgit.com/apps/authentik)

## FAQ

### 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.

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Canonical page: https://appsgit.com/compare/keycloak-vs-authentik
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