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Cybersecurity · head to head

authentik vs DocuWare

authentik logo

authentik

Cybersecurity

Open-source identity provider with flexible authentication flows

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Full reviewWebsite
DocuWare logo

DocuWare

Government

Document Management and Workflow Automation

From
On request
Free plan
No
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only authentik has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: authentik smaller project than Keycloak, with a correspondingly smaller community and fewer integration guides; DocuWare complex setup requiring significant IT effort before full functionality is achieved
  • They diverge on capability: authentik covers Configurable flows, DocuWare covers Document Storage.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which authentik and DocuWare actually diverge.

Attributes where authentik and DocuWare differ
AttributeauthentikDocuWare
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelOpen-source core with a paid enterprise tierUnknown
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsDocker, Kubernetes, Linux, Self-hostedWeb, iOS, Android
CategoryCybersecurityGovernment
FoundedUnknown1988

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in authentik

  • Configurable flows
  • Protocol support
  • Application proxy
  • Modern admin interface

Only in DocuWare

  • Document Storage
  • Intelligent Indexing
  • Workflow Automation
  • Mobile Access
  • Electronic Signatures
  • Microsoft 365
  • SAP
  • QuickBooks

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

authentik

  • Self-hosted SSO across internal services without commercial identity pricingnot DocuWare
  • Putting authentication in front of applications that have none, via the proxynot DocuWare
  • Teams who tried Keycloak and wanted something less heavynot DocuWare

DocuWare

  • Citizen Servicesnot authentik
  • Records Managementnot authentik
  • Public Safetynot authentik
  • Civic Engagementnot authentik

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

authentik

  • Smaller project than Keycloak, with a correspondingly smaller community and fewer integration guides
  • The flow model is flexible but conceptually unfamiliar, and simple setups can feel over-abstracted
  • Enterprise support and some governance features sit behind the paid tier
  • Self-hosted identity is still yours to secure, patch and keep available

DocuWare

  • Complex setup requiring significant IT effort before full functionality is achieved
  • Limited user interface customization restricting tailored workflows and branding
  • Performance slowdowns when processing large document volumes or handling many simultaneous users
  • Search requires exact matches and is case-sensitive, limiting usability
  • Limited offline access with mobile app offering reduced functionality
  • Integration challenges with major ERP platforms
  • Steep initial investment, particularly for migrating older systems

Pricing, plan by plan

authentik

Free
  • Open sourceFree
    • Full identity provider
    • All protocols
    • Community support

DocuWare

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the DocuWare review.

Which should you pick?

Choose authentik if

  • You need configurable flows.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Docker, Kubernetes, Linux, Self-hosted.
  • You also want protocol support.
authentik review

Choose DocuWare if

  • You need document storage.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want intelligent indexing.
DocuWare review

Questions people ask

Is authentik or DocuWare better?
Neither clearly leads. authentik starts at Free and DocuWare at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, authentik or DocuWare?
authentik has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for authentik and On request for DocuWare.
Does authentik or DocuWare run on more platforms?
authentik runs on Docker, Kubernetes, Linux, Self-hosted. DocuWare runs on Web, iOS, Android.
Can I use authentik for free?
Yes. authentik has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. DocuWare starts at On request.
What is authentik best used for?
authentik is most often used for self-hosted sso across internal services without commercial identity pricing, putting authentication in front of applications that have none, via the proxy, teams who tried keycloak and wanted something less heavy. Of those, self-hosted sso across internal services without commercial identity pricing and putting authentication in front of applications that have none, via the proxy are not what DocuWare is typically brought in for.
What can authentik do that DocuWare cannot?
authentik covers Configurable flows, Protocol support, Application proxy, Modern admin interface. DocuWare covers Document Storage, Intelligent Indexing, Workflow Automation, Mobile Access.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

authentik: Is authentik free?

The open-source edition is free and complete for most use. An enterprise tier adds support and additional features.

DocuWare: Is DocuWare available as cloud or on-premises?

DocuWare is available as both a cloud-based SaaS solution and as an on-premises deployment option.

Source
authentik: authentik or Keycloak?

authentik is generally reported as easier to run and administer; Keycloak is more established with a larger community and Red Hat behind it.

DocuWare: What platforms does DocuWare support?

DocuWare is available as a web-based platform accessible via browser, with mobile apps available on iOS and Android.

Source
authentik: Can authentik protect apps with no login of their own?

Yes. Its application proxy places authentication in front of services that have no built-in authentication.

DocuWare: Does DocuWare offer offline access?

DocuWare has limited offline access capabilities. The mobile app offers fewer features compared to the desktop version.

Source
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