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Cybersecurity · head to head

authentik vs IAR Embedded Workbench

authentik logo

authentik

Cybersecurity

Open-source identity provider with flexible authentication flows

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Full reviewWebsite
IAR Embedded Workbench logo

IAR Embedded Workbench

Developer Tools

Complete toolchain for embedded software development

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; IAR Embedded Workbench no pricing information published on product page; prospective customers directed to free trial or sales contact only
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which authentik and IAR Embedded Workbench actually diverge.

Attributes where authentik and IAR Embedded Workbench differ
AttributeauthentikIAR Embedded Workbench
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelOpen-source core with a paid enterprise tierquote
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsDocker, Kubernetes, Linux, Self-hostedWeb
CategoryCybersecurityDeveloper Tools

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 IAR Embedded Workbench

Nothing recorded that authentik does not also cover.

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 IAR Embedded Workbench
  • Putting authentication in front of applications that have none, via the proxynot IAR Embedded Workbench
  • Teams who tried Keycloak and wanted something less heavynot IAR Embedded Workbench

IAR Embedded Workbench

  • Embedded software development and debuggingnot authentik
  • Compiler and linker tools for embedded systemsnot authentik
  • Multi-architecture embedded development supportnot 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

IAR Embedded Workbench

  • No pricing information published on product page; prospective customers directed to free trial or sales contact only
  • Pricing model not specified; customers must request quote or try free trial to understand licensing costs
  • Embedded development tools typically require expensive licenses, but specific IAR costs unavailable online

Pricing, plan by plan

authentik

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

IAR Embedded Workbench

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the IAR Embedded Workbench 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 IAR Embedded Workbench if

Nothing in the data separates IAR Embedded Workbench from authentik on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

IAR Embedded Workbench review

Questions people ask

Is authentik or IAR Embedded Workbench better?
Neither clearly leads. authentik starts at Free and IAR Embedded Workbench at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, authentik or IAR Embedded Workbench?
authentik has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for authentik and On request for IAR Embedded Workbench.
Does authentik or IAR Embedded Workbench run on more platforms?
authentik runs on Docker, Kubernetes, Linux, Self-hosted. IAR Embedded Workbench runs on Web.
Can I use authentik for free?
Yes. authentik has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. IAR Embedded Workbench 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 IAR Embedded Workbench is typically brought in for.
What can authentik do that IAR Embedded Workbench cannot?
authentik covers Configurable flows, Protocol support, Application proxy, Modern admin interface.

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.

IAR Embedded Workbench: How much does IAR Embedded Workbench cost?

IAR Embedded Workbench pricing is not published on the product page. Prospective customers are directed to free trials or must contact the sales team to request pricing.

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.

IAR Embedded Workbench: Does IAR Embedded Workbench offer a free trial?

Free trials are available for IAR Embedded Workbench evaluation at https://www.iar.com/embedded-development-tools/free-trials, though specific trial length and limitations are not detailed on the product page.

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.

IAR Embedded Workbench: What is the pricing model for IAR Embedded Workbench?

The pricing model is not disclosed on the product page. Customers must contact the sales team to obtain quotes and understand licensing terms.

Source
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