Keycloak vs Ory Hydra
Single sign-on and user federation for applications. 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 | Keycloak | Ory Hydra |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Single sign-on and user federation for applications. | A certified OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect server that uses your own login screens. |
| Documented capabilities | Single sign-on, OIDC and SAML, User federation | OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect flows, Token issuance and validation, OpenID Connect certified, Bring-your-own login and consent UI |
| Best-fit workflow | Platform teams putting one login in front of several applications. | Teams that already manage users and need a standards-compliant token server. |
| Check before choosing | Keycloak is an identity system, not a drop-in widget. Plan themes, realms, and upgrades. | Hydra does not store users or render login pages. You build or connect the login and consent app. |
| Deployment options | Docker, Kubernetes | Docker, Linux, macOS, and Windows binaries, Ory Network |
| GitHub stars | 37,379 | 17,614 |
| License | Apache-2.0 | Apache-2.0 |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Docker noted | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud / hosted | Not recorded | Yes |
| Primary language | Java | Go |
| Last commit | 2026-10-16 | 2026-07-29 |
| Difficulty | Advanced | Advanced |
| Content source | Editorial catalog entry | Editorial catalog entry |
| Metadata checked | 2026-10-16 | Check the current repository |
| Forks | 9.1k | 1.6k |
| Star growth | +301 (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 Keycloak
Platform teams putting one login in front of several applications.
Keycloak is an identity system, not a drop-in widget. Plan themes, realms, and upgrades.
Keycloak 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 sourceKeycloak vs Ory Hydra questions
- What is Keycloak?
- Single sign-on and user federation for applications.
- What is Ory Hydra?
- A certified OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect server that uses your own login screens.
- Can you self-host Keycloak and Ory Hydra?
- Both can be self-hosted.
- What licenses do Keycloak and Ory Hydra use?
- Keycloak uses the Apache-2.0 license. Ory Hydra uses the Apache-2.0 license.
- Which has more GitHub stars, Keycloak or Ory Hydra?
- Keycloak has 37k stars and Ory Hydra has 18k. Stars show attention; check recent commits and releases for maintenance.
- What languages are Keycloak and Ory Hydra written in?
- Keycloak is mainly written in Java. Ory Hydra is mainly written in Go.