Head-to-head · Authentication Software
Keycloak vs PingOne
Keycloak leads on 0 checks, PingOne on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreKeycloak · 9.0/10
- Free trialonly PingOne
- Most featuresKeycloak · 1 of 2
Keycloak scores higher on our rubric for authentication software: 9.0 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #8.
Keycloak is the better fit for teams wanting self-hosted, open-source identity. PingOne is the better fit for workforces needing adaptive SSO and provisioning.
- Keycloak fits best
Teams wanting self-hosted, open-source identity
- PingOne fits best
Workforces needing adaptive SSO and provisioning
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Side by side
| Feature | Keycloak 9.0/10 Visit ↗ | PingOne 8.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.0 | 8.2 |
| Ranking | #3 in Authentication Software | #8 in Authentication Software |
| Best for | Teams wanting self-hosted, open-source identity | Workforces needing adaptive SSO and provisioning |
| Pricing model | Free | Paid |
| Starting price | Open source | $3/user/mo |
| Free plan | Not checked yet | — |
| Free trial | — | 30 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Self-hosted | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, Linux | Web |
| Integrations | 10 integrations | 4 integrations |
| Features Keycloak 1/2 · PingOne 0/2 | ||
| Passkey sign-in | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Directory sync | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Monthly active users | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Auth protocols | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| MFA methods | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Deployment | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Keycloak is an open-source identity and access management server for teams securing web applications, REST services, and other applications. Its self-hosted approach suits organizations that want to manage identity infrastructure… Read the review → |
PingOne is Ping Identity’s cloud identity platform for workforce and customer access. It combines single sign-on, directory services, an employee application portal, SaaS application access, and customer identity orchestration. Workforce… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Keycloak — where it wins
- Supports OpenID Connect, OAuth 2.0, and SAML 2.0.
- Offers LDAP and Active Directory federation plus social login.
- Includes TOTP, HOTP, WebAuthn/passkeys, and authorization policies.
Where it doesn't
- Organizations must deploy and manage the server themselves.
- SCIM user and group management is a preview feature.
- SCIM is disabled by default.
PingOne — where it wins
- Supports SAML, OIDC, OAuth 2.0, and SCIM provisioning
- Adds adaptive MFA, passwordless authentication, and risk-based access
- Connects Microsoft 365, Active Directory, LDAP, Kerberos, and RADIUS
Where it doesn't
- Workforce pricing requires annual billing and a 5,000-user minimum
- Customer Passwordless pricing requires contacting sales
- Cloud-only deployment with email listed as the support channel
- Keycloak9.0/10 · Open source
A self-hosted, open-source identity server with broad protocol and MFA support.
Visit KeycloakFull verdict → - PingOne8.2/10 · 30-day trial
Adaptive SSO, MFA, passwordless access, and provisioning for workforce and customer identities.
Visit PingOneFull verdict →
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- IBM Verify vs PingOne
- RSA ID Plus vs PingOne
All authentication software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update







