Authentik vs Ory Hydra
An identity provider with flows you can edit. A certified OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect server that uses your own login screens. Compare the capabilities you need, then check hosting, licensing and maintenance.
| Attribute | Authentik | Ory Hydra |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | An identity provider with flows you can edit. | A certified OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect server that uses your own login screens. |
| Documented capabilities | Visual login flows, SSO and proxy auth, LDAP and OAuth sources | OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect flows, Token issuance and validation, OpenID Connect certified, Bring-your-own login and consent UI |
| Best-fit workflow | Teams that want SSO and are willing to run Docker or Kubernetes. | Teams that already manage users and need a standards-compliant token server. |
| Check before choosing | Check which identity features are included in the community edition and plan for reliable deployment and backups. | Hydra does not store users or render login pages. You build or connect the login and consent app. |
| Deployment options | Docker Compose, Kubernetes | Docker, Linux, macOS, and Windows binaries, Ory Network |
| GitHub stars | 25,972 | 17,614 |
| License | Custom | Apache-2.0 |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Docker noted | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud / hosted | Not recorded | Yes |
| Primary language | Python | Go |
| Last commit | 2026-10-15 | 2026-07-29 |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Advanced |
| Content source | Editorial catalog entry | Editorial catalog entry |
| Metadata checked | 2026-10-16 | Check the current repository |
| Forks | 2.1k | 1.6k |
| Star growth | +177 (2026-10-01 to 2026-10-16) | Not recorded |
| Alternative to | Auth0, Okta | Not recorded |
This comparison uses recorded capabilities, not hands-on performance tests. A capability missing from one record does not mean that product lacks it. Confirm edition, version and current pricing in the official documentation.
When to consider Authentik
Teams that want SSO and are willing to run Docker or Kubernetes.
Check which identity features are included in the community edition and plan for reliable deployment and backups.
Authentik documentation and sourceWhen to consider Ory Hydra
Teams that already manage users and need a standards-compliant token server.
Hydra does not store users or render login pages. You build or connect the login and consent app.
Ory Hydra documentation and sourceAuthentik vs Ory Hydra questions
- What is Authentik?
- An identity provider with flows you can edit.
- What is Ory Hydra?
- A certified OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect server that uses your own login screens.
- Can you self-host Authentik and Ory Hydra?
- Both can be self-hosted.
- What licenses do Authentik and Ory Hydra use?
- Authentik uses a custom license. Ory Hydra uses the Apache-2.0 license.
- Which has more GitHub stars, Authentik or Ory Hydra?
- Authentik has 26k stars and Ory Hydra has 18k. Stars show attention; check recent commits and releases for maintenance.
- What languages are Authentik and Ory Hydra written in?
- Authentik is mainly written in Python. Ory Hydra is mainly written in Go.