Keycloak vs SuperTokens
Single sign-on and user federation for applications. An auth server for email-password, passwordless, and social login with sessions. Compare the capabilities you need, then check hosting, licensing and maintenance.
| Attribute | Keycloak | SuperTokens |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Single sign-on and user federation for applications. | An auth server for email-password, passwordless, and social login with sessions. |
| Documented capabilities | Single sign-on, OIDC and SAML, User federation | Email-password, passwordless, and social login, Session management, Multi-factor authentication, User roles and a user management dashboard |
| Best-fit workflow | Platform teams putting one login in front of several applications. | App teams that want login and sessions built into their own product. |
| Check before choosing | Keycloak is an identity system, not a drop-in widget. Plan themes, realms, and upgrades. | Code in the ee directory is under a separate license. Check which features need a paid plan before you deploy. |
| Deployment options | Docker, Kubernetes | Docker, SuperTokens managed service |
| GitHub stars | 37,379 | 15,350 |
| License | Apache-2.0 | Custom |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Docker noted | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud / hosted | Not recorded | Yes |
| Primary language | Java | Java |
| Last commit | 2026-10-16 | 2026-10-16 |
| Difficulty | Advanced | Moderate |
| Content source | Editorial catalog entry | Editorial catalog entry |
| Metadata checked | 2026-10-16 | Check the current repository |
| Forks | 9.1k | 835 |
| Star growth | +301 (2026-10-01 to 2026-10-16) | Not recorded |
| Alternative to | Auth0, Okta | Auth0 |
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 SuperTokens
App teams that want login and sessions built into their own product.
Code in the ee directory is under a separate license. Check which features need a paid plan before you deploy.
SuperTokens documentation and sourceKeycloak vs SuperTokens questions
- What is Keycloak?
- Single sign-on and user federation for applications.
- What is SuperTokens?
- An auth server for email-password, passwordless, and social login with sessions.
- Can you self-host Keycloak and SuperTokens?
- Both can be self-hosted.
- What licenses do Keycloak and SuperTokens use?
- Keycloak uses the Apache-2.0 license. SuperTokens uses a custom license.
- Which has more GitHub stars, Keycloak or SuperTokens?
- Keycloak has 37k stars and SuperTokens has 15k. Stars show attention; check recent commits and releases for maintenance.
- What languages are Keycloak and SuperTokens written in?
- Both are mainly written in Java.