Auth0 vs Keycloak is really about focus and approach. Auth0 is primarily a CIAM solution. It makes managing customer identities simple and fast while still offering IAM features for broader access needs.
Keycloak is primarily an IAM solution. It gives full control over identity and access across an organization but requires more setup and ongoing management. Both handle authentication and authorization well.
The choice comes down to whether your priority is speed and ease with Auth0 or flexibility and control with Keycloak.
Auth0 vs Keycloak: A Detailed Comparison
What is Auth0?
Auth0 is a cloud-based platform primarily designed as a CIAM solution. It helps businesses manage customer identities and access while also supporting broader IAM needs. The company started in 2013 and became part of Okta in 2021.
- Auth0 works with key identity standards like OAuth, OpenID Connect, and SAML to keep logins secure and seamless.
- Its strength lies in developer friendliness. Clear guides and SDKs make it easy to integrate login features quickly without complex setup. Features focus on customer identity needs. Single sign-on lets users access multiple apps with one login.
- Multi-factor authentication adds strong security layers. Social logins connect customers through popular platforms. User account management keeps identities organized.
- Universal Login provides a consistent experience across all touchpoints. Auth0 runs fully in the cloud, so companies do not manage servers or build identity systems from scratch.
What is Keycloak?
Keycloak is an open-source platform. It manages login and access for modern apps. The platform supports common standards. These include OpenID Connect, OAuth 2.0, and SAML.
- Red Hat first created Keycloak. It's now part of Cloud Native Computing Foundation. Over time, many large companies adopted it.
- Being open source means no licensing costs. Keycloak offers many identity management features. User federation connects different systems. Identity brokering links multiple providers. Social logins work with popular platforms.
- Flexibility stands out as Keycloak's strength. It runs on company servers. It also works in the cloud. Data storage and compliance become manageable.
Auth0 vs Keycloak: A Detailed Breakdown for 2025
Key Features of Auth0 vs Keycloak
Our business needs identity tools that keep users secure but do not slow down the team. Auth0 and Keycloak solve this problem differently.
What Auth0 Gives Your Business:
- Managed cloud service with 99.99% uptime
- Universal Login with custom branding
- Integrates with 50+ social providers
- Advanced security including anomaly detection
- Built-in compliance (SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR)
Auth0 makes it easy to get started quickly. Users log in once and access multiple apps. Security and compliance are handled automatically.
What Keycloak Gives Your Business
- Fully open-source platform with no license costs
- Visual editor for custom authentication flows
- Fine-grained permissions and UMA 2.0 authorization
- Identity brokering and user federation
- Flexible deployment with theming clustering and customization
Keycloak gives full control to your tech team. Teams can manage every login step and security rule. The business can customize user experiences and access rules to fit exactly how it works.
Both support OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, and SAML. They handle the core requirements of identity and access management. The difference is in approach. Auth0 focuses on ease and managed services. Keycloak offers control and open-source freedom.
MFA, SSO & Passwordless Authentication
The way people log in is changing fast and new standards are becoming common. In two years phishing resistant methods will dominate and users will rely on stronger ways to sign in. Both Keycloak vs Auth0 platforms are adapting to this shift and they give businesses safer options to protect accounts.
Authentication is how users prove who they are. Both Auth0 and Keycloak offer ways to keep accounts safe while making login simple.
Auth0 Authentication
- Full authentication toolkit with multi-factor authentication
- Works with SMS. Email. Voice. Push notifications. One-time passwords and WebAuthn
- WebAuthn lets users log in without passwords using device biometrics or security keys
- Universal Login keeps login experience the same everywhere
- Single Sign-On enables seamless access across multiple applications with one login
- Recovery codes let users get back into accounts if needed
Keycloak Authentication
- MFA includes Passkeys by default and can be enabled easily
- Works with Google Authenticator. SMS. Email and WebAuthn
- WebAuthn allows passwordless login with security keys or biometrics
- Visual flow editor lets teams build custom login steps
- Single Sign-On provides centralized authentication with automatic logout across all applications
- Google Authenticator generates time-based one-time codes
- Email verification confirms accounts and resets passwords
- Recovery codes help users regain access if they are locked out
Integrations & Deployment
Auth0 vs Keycloak platforms follow different styles. These differences show how platforms are built. They reveal how companies expect to use them.
Auth0's Ecosystem
Auth0 uses an API-first design. It connects easily to apps and services. Third-party tools integrate smoothly. The platform has hundreds of ready-made integrations that work out of the box. New features get added quickly.
Deployment is simple because Auth0 runs mainly as a cloud service. Companies do not manage servers or infrastructure. This saves time and resources and lets teams focus on building apps. Auth0 fits into popular tech stacks fast.
Keycloak's Approach
Keycloak supports main identity standards. OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, and SAML work well. Direct connections to LDAP work easily. Active Directory integration helps existing setups. Some integrations are smooth. Others need more effort and manual configuration.
The story changes with Keycloak vs Auth0 because Keycloak works differently. Deployment is flexible. Keycloak can run on company servers or in the cloud.
This gives businesses full control. Teams can decide exactly where systems run. Strict data rules and compliance requirements are easier to manage.
User Lifecycle Management & Governance
As companies grow, tracking user accounts becomes increasingly important. Compliance rules are strict, so systems must ensure safe access. When employees join, leave, or change roles, updates must happen immediately.
Auth0's Governance Approach
Auth0 manages users through dashboards. APIs provide additional control options. It supports imports and exports. Basic tasks work well. Creating, updating, deleting accounts is simple.
Advanced governance features need extra work. Companies often set up additional tools. Third-party services provide missing capabilities.
Keycloak's Governance Approach
Keycloak combines identity and access management. It acts as a standalone provider. Apps don't carry their own security logic.
The user federation works across directories. Different account systems get handled together. Fine-grained permissions give detailed control.
Pricing Model & Support
When comparing Auth0 vs Keycloak it is important to understand their pricing models. This helps businesses plan costs and support needs before choosing a solution.
Auth0 pricing
Auth0 charges based on Monthly Active Users. Costs rise quickly as your user base grows. Support is included with commercial plans. Teams get guaranteed response times and help when needed.
- Free Plan. Up to 7,500 MAUs. Basic login features included.
- Essentials Plan. Starts at $35 per month for 500 MAUs. Adds custom domains and SMS authentication.
- Professional Plan. Starts at $240 per month for 1,000 MAUs. Includes MFA and advanced security.
- Enterprise Plan. Custom pricing for unlimited MAUs. Premium support and features included.
Auth0 pricing can jump fast. Even a small user increase can multiply monthly costs. Planning ahead is important
Keycloak Pricing
Keycloak is open-source. There are no licensing fees. Hosting and maintenance costs apply. Support comes mostly from community forums and documentation. Paid enterprise support is available from third-party vendors.
- Self-Hosting. Requires servers and databases. Costs start around $50 per month and grow with scale.
- Maintenance. Needs monitoring and updates regularly.
- Managed Services. Some providers offer plans starting under $10 per month.
Keycloak is cheaper in licensing but requires DevOps effort and infrastructure investment.
Use Cases of Auth0 and Keycloak
Auth0 Ideal Scenarios
Auth0 is best when you need a quick start and want results without delay. Startups and small businesses benefit the most but medium businesses also find strong value.
- Startups and small businesses benefit most because they can implement authentication without large DevOps teams.
- Auth0 supports many apps and services out of the box so integration takes very little time.
- Teams that prefer managed services can rely on Auth0 to handle security updates and infrastructure so they can focus on building products
Keycloak Ideal Scenarios
Keycloak is a good fit for large companies that deal with complex login requirements. These situations demand flexibility because strict data rules require full control over how systems are managed.
- You get complete control over authentication flows and security rules so every step fits your business needs.
- If your data must stay in specific locations or meet strict compliance rules Keycloak allows full customization.
- Companies with skilled DevOps teams can handle setup and maintenance efficiently and take advantage of the platform’s flexibility.
Limitations and Challenges of Keycloak vs Auth0
Auth0 Limitations
- Costs can rise quickly as your user base grows and usage increases
- Pricing can be hard to predict and may create sudden spikes
- Managed services create some dependency on the vendor
- Customization is limited compared to self-hosted solutions
- Some enterprise features are only available on higher plans
- Third-party services must stay available for full functionality
Keycloak Limitations
- Keycloak can use a lot of memory and CPU especially for large setups.
- Running big deployments often needs substantial hardware which increases overall costs
- Setup and configuration can be complex and usually require skilled DevOps teams
- Official documentation has gaps making it harder to solve some issues quickly
- Performance tuning and scaling need experience and dedicated resources
- Maintenance and problem-solving can take significant time for large organizations
Why Infisign Stands Out as an Auth0 and Keycloak Alternative?
Most identity tools solve one side of the problem. Some focus only on customer logins while others only handle workforce access. This split forces businesses to use multiple platforms and deal with high costs and complex management.
Infisign removes that divide. It offers a full IAM Suite for workforce, privileged and machine identities. Alongside this Infisign brings UniFed which is a dedicated solution for customer identity.
Together they create one unified platform that secures every user and every system. You get adaptive MFA, passwordless login, single sign on and automated lifecycle management without hidden charges or heavy setup. Infisign keeps operations fast, security strong and compliance simple.
SSO (Single Sign-On)
Infisign sets up SSO in under four hours for employees and customers. SCIM provisioning updates and removes accounts automatically across all apps. With SSO and SCIM together password reset requests drop sharply. Companies see 50 to 70 percent fewer reset tickets for both workforce and customer logins.
Adaptive MFA & Multi-Authentication Methods
Infisign’s Adaptive MFA protects employees and customers. Infisign reacts automatically to threats. Fingerprints, face scans and passcodes work together to create strong security. Suspicious logins are blocked instantly. Employees make fewer mistakes. Customers experience safer and smoother access. Overall security improves for the entire business.
Integrations
Many platforms claim integration but older software often breaks and causes frustration. Custom setups can take weeks before systems work properly. Infisign comes with over 6000 pre-built app integrations. Connections are instant. IT teams save time. Systems work smoothly. Downtime is reduced. Business runs more reliably.
Automated Lifecycle Management
Automated lifecycle management keeps employees and customers updated automatically. New hires get access on their first day. Exiting staff lose access immediately.
Role changes update across all apps immediately and user provisioning happens in a seamless way. Compliance reports generate on their own so teams do not waste time writing them. Security gaps disappear and daily work flows better for everyone.
AI Access Assist
Infisign AI Access Assist lets teams approve requests instantly within Slack and Teams. Suspicious activity is flagged immediately. Admin work goes down by sixty percent. Teams focus on critical tasks. Security stays strong across the organization.
Non-Human Identity Management
Non-human identity management protects machines, bots and APIs for employees and customers. Infisign checks all machine accounts every day. Fake programs cannot trick the system. Automation stays secure. Digital workers always have the right access. All systems remain safe and reliable at all times.
Zero Knowledge Authentication
Many platforms store passwords or secrets which can be risky. Infisign uses Zero Knowledge Proof technology. Authentication happens safely on user devices. Login details are never stored centrally. Even if systems are hacked the credentials stay secure. Zero Knowledge Proof keeps access private and strong.
Reusable Digital Identity
Reusable digital identity helps employees and customers verify their identity just once. Infisign allows the same login to be used everywhere. This saves hours every week. Daily work becomes faster and easier for everyone.
Passwordless Authentication
Passwords are hard to remember and they can often be weak. Infisign’s passwordless authentication lets users log in using their face and fingers. No more passwords are needed. Biometric authentication makes login simple and convenient while keeping security much stronger for everyone.
Privileged Access Management
Other identity systems provide very little protection for administrators. Infisign gives temporary access and monitors admin actions carefully. This lowers risk and ensures that sensitive operations are safe.
Infisign’s Privileged access management keeps critical work protected and reduces the chance of mistakes or breaches.
Compliance Support
Some platforms give partial GDPR help. HIPAA and SOX support is limited. Infisign handles all rules automatically. Audit reports write themselves. Companies avoid fines. Compliance is easy.
MPWA Support
Legacy system support protects employees and customers using older software. Infisign’s MPWA updates legacy software with advanced security. Legacy apps keep working. All systems stay protected. Nothing is left unprotected.
Network Access Gateway
Remote work can be risky. Infisign protects office connections, remote connections and on-premise applications. Cloud-based identity management blocks hackers. Safe tunnels keep data secure. Other tools may need complicated VPNs. Infisign makes secure access simple for all systems.
Directory Sync
User info must be updated everywhere. Infisign syncs Active Directory automatically. One change updates all apps. Errors are fewer. Work is smoother.
Conditional Access Policies
Other identity systems only provide general access rules which can leave gaps. Infisign checks device health and considers location and time for every login attempt.
Attribute-based access control blocks unauthorized access with precision so security is exact. Teams no longer need to check manually and the system enforces rules automatically.
24/7 Security Monitoring
Many platforms only send alerts. Infisign watches every human and machine. This happens every day. Suspicious activity triggers immediate action. Zero trust security works when teams are offline. Everyone stays protected.
Keycloak vs Auth0 comparison highlights different approaches to identity management. Infisign brings ease, flexibility and full control together in one unified platform. Secure every user and system, simplify compliance and reduce manual work. Try Infisign today and take full control of access!
FAQs
What is the difference between Keycloak and Auth0?
Auth0 is cloud-based and fully managed. This makes it easy to set up. Keycloak is open-source. It can run on-premises. This gives more control. Auth0 costs grow with users. Keycloak is free. But it needs servers and staff.
What are the disadvantages of Keycloak?
Keycloak can be hard to manage. It needs lots of memory and CPU. Big setups require substantial resources. Setting up servers is complex. This slows work down. Support documents are limited.
Companies must handle updates themselves. Patches need manual installation. Scaling requires experience.
What are the best Auth0 Alternatives?
Top Auth0 alternatives include Okta for cloud identity, CyberArk for admin security, Infisign for AI-powered access, Keycloak for open-source control, and Microsoft Entra ID for strong Microsoft ecosystem integration.
What are the best Keycloak Alternatives?
The best Keycloak alternatives depend on your needs. Auth0 is easy to use but pricing can rise with scale. Infisign offers modern enterprise features and predictable pricing. Identity governance solutions like Gluu and Authentik are open-source. Okta suits large companies and provides extensive features.
