Okta costs $6/mo.
These cost $0.
5 free alternatives to Okta, checked for license, recent activity and real adoption. Each one tells you the catch, so you can switch with your eyes open.
Okta vs Free Alternatives Matrix
Quick side-by-side comparison · $0/mo vs $6/mo
| Alternative | Type | License | Where It Runs | Stars | Head-to-Head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Authentik | open source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 26.2k | Okta vs Authentik → |
| Zitadel | open source | cm0zftngg00pz94snxajamc81 | Self-host | ★ 15.5k | Okta vs Zitadel → |
| ORY | open source | cm0zfrz5200pu94snwyqzpqx7 | Self-host | ★ 17.6k | Okta vs ORY → |
| Supertokens | open source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 15.3k | Okta vs Supertokens → |
| Cerbos | open source | cm0zfrz5200pu94snwyqzpqx7 | Self-host | ★ 4.6k | Okta vs Cerbos → |
The picks
5 open source · ranked by fit
- 01
Authentik
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host26.2knov 2026Open-source Identity Provider with flexibility.
The catch vs OktaRequires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Okta.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- install
- Clone https://github.com/goauthentik/authentik or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- your data
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- checked
- 2026-11-04
- 02
Zitadel
open sourcecm0zftngg00pz94snxajamc81Self-host15.5knov 2026Streamline app development with our identity suite.
The catch vs OktaRequires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Okta.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- install
- Clone https://github.com/zitadel/zitadel or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- your data
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- checked
- 2026-11-04
- 03
ORY
open sourcecm0zfrz5200pu94snwyqzpqx7Self-host17.6kjul 2026Ory: Modular IAM with unmatched UX.
The catch vs OktaRequires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Okta.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- install
- Clone https://github.com/ory/hydra or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- your data
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- checked
- 2026-11-04
- 04
Supertokens
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host15.3koct 2026Build fast. Maintain control. Save budget.
The catch vs OktaRequires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Okta.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- install
- Clone https://github.com/supertokens/supertokens-core or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- your data
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- checked
- 2026-11-04
- 05
Cerbos
open sourcecm0zfrz5200pu94snwyqzpqx7Self-host4.6knov 2026Externalized, policy-based, runtime authorization for your applications.
The catch vs OktaRequires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Okta.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- install
- Clone https://github.com/cerbos/cerbos or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- your data
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- checked
- 2026-11-04
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers · Okta open-source replacements
What is the best free alternative to Okta?+
The top free alternative to Okta is Authentik (open source, Open Source). Open-source Identity Provider with flexibility. Other popular Okta replacements include Zitadel, ORY, Supertokens.
Can I self-host a free replacement for Okta?+
Yes. Of the 5 free alternatives to Okta, 5 can be self-hosted on your own server or local machine: Authentik (Open Source), Zitadel (cm0zftngg00pz94snxajamc81), ORY (cm0zfrz5200pu94snwyqzpqx7), Supertokens (Open Source), Cerbos (cm0zfrz5200pu94snwyqzpqx7).
How much does switching from Okta to a free alternative save?+
Okta starts at $6/month per seat ($72/year). Switching a 5-person team to a free alternative like Authentik saves $360 per year in software subscription fees.
Should I vibe-code or build my own Okta clone from scratch?+
Our build verdict for Okta is NOT REALLY (use a free alternative, save the tokens). Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Okta or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 5 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Authentik or Zitadel.
What is the catch when switching from Okta to Authentik?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Okta.
