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Cybersecurity · head to head

authentik vs iDenfy

authentik logo

authentik

Cybersecurity

Open-source identity provider with flexible authentication flows

From
Free
Rated
-
iDenfy logo

iDenfy

Cybersecurity

Identity verification and AML screening bundled into a single per-verification price

From
On request
Rated
-

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; iDenfy rates are quoted rather than published on an accessible page, so despite the marketing emphasis on transparency you still need a sales conversation to get a number.
  • They diverge on capability: authentik covers Configurable flows, iDenfy covers Document verification.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which authentik and iDenfy actually diverge.

Attributes where authentik and iDenfy differ
AttributeauthentikiDenfy
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelOpen-source core with a paid enterprise tierPer verification
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsDocker, Kubernetes, Linux, Self-hostedWeb, iOS, Android, API

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

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 iDenfy

  • Document verification
  • Human review on all cases
  • AML screening
  • Business verification
  • Proof of address
  • NFC chip reading

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

iDenfy

  • A European fintech that needs KYC and AML screening and wants one price rather than four line itemsnot authentik
  • A gambling operator in a regulated EU market needing age and identity assurance with EU data processingnot authentik
  • A crypto platform with modest volume that cannot meet the minimum commitments larger vendors requirenot authentik
  • A marketplace wanting NFC passport chip reading for higher assurance without an enterprise contractnot 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

iDenfy

  • Rates are quoted rather than published on an accessible page, so despite the marketing emphasis on transparency you still need a sales conversation to get a number.
  • It is a smaller vendor than the market leaders, which makes it a harder sell through enterprise vendor-risk review even when the product performs well.
  • Human review on every case caps throughput in a way fully automated competitors are not constrained by, which shows up as latency during volume spikes.
  • Coverage and accuracy are strongest on European documents; performance on some Asian, African and Latin American document types trails specialists in those regions.
  • The bundled AML screening uses its chosen data sources, so institutions mandated to use a specific list provider such as Dow Jones cannot substitute it and end up paying twice.

Pricing, plan by plan

authentik

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

iDenfy

On request
  • iDenfy Verification$undefined/verification
    • Volume-tiered per-verification rates quoted on request
    • AML screening bundled rather than charged per check
    • No monthly minimum advertised

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.

Choose iDenfy if

  • You need document verification.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android, API.
  • You also want human review on all cases.

Questions people ask

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

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.

iDenfy: Is AML screening included in the verification price?

That is the pitch, screening bundled rather than sold as a per-check add-on. Confirm which sanctions and PEP data sources are behind it before you rely on it.

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.

iDenfy: Is there a monthly minimum?

iDenfy markets itself as having no monthly minimum, in contrast to competitors charging $49 to $299 a month. Get that in writing in the contract.

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.

iDenfy: Where is data processed?

iDenfy is established in Lithuania and processes in the EU, which simplifies GDPR transfer assessments compared with United States-headquartered vendors.

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