Softwr

Databases · head to head

Couchbase vs Keycloak

Couchbase logo

Couchbase

Databases

The modern database for enterprise applications

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit CouchbaseFull review
Keycloak logo

Keycloak

Developer Tools

Open-source identity and access management server.

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit KeycloakFull review

The short version

  • Couchbase is a distributed NoSQL cloud database; Keycloak is an open-source IAM platform supporting OpenID Connect, OAuth 2.
  • Both are free.
  • Where Couchbase falls short: the free tier is a single node with 8 GB of storage and forum support only.
  • Where Keycloak falls short: requires self-hosted deployment and operational expertise to install, configure and maintain.
  • Prices and features on this page were last checked on 13 November 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Couchbase and Keycloak actually diverge.

Attributes where Couchbase and Keycloak differ
AttributeCouchbaseKeycloak
Pricing modelFreemiumOpen-source
PlatformsLinux, Windows, macOS, Self-hosted, WebSelf-hosted, Linux, Windows, API
CategoryDatabasesDeveloper Tools

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes).

Not yet recorded: founded for Keycloak.

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 Couchbase

  • JSON Document Model
  • SQL++ Query
  • Full-text Search
  • Eventing
  • Analytics
  • Mobile Sync
  • Multi-dimensional Scaling
  • Kafka

Only in Keycloak

Nothing recorded that Couchbase does not also cover.

What people use each for

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

Couchbase

  • Running a distributed NoSQL document database as a managed servicenot Keycloak
  • Mobile sync and offline first applications backed by a cloud databasenot Keycloak

Keycloak

  • Organisations requiring self-hosted identity infrastructure for compliance or data residencynot Couchbase
  • Companies with existing LDAP/Active Directory systems needing federated authenticationnot Couchbase
  • Open-source projects and communities requiring free IAM without licensing costsnot Couchbase
  • Enterprises building custom identity workflows requiring fine-grained authorisationnot Couchbase
  • Teams with sufficient operational expertise to manage infrastructurenot Couchbase

Where each one falls short

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

Couchbase

  • The free tier is a single node with 8 GB of storage and forum support only
  • Node rates are hourly and quoted as starting figures, from $0.15 an hour on Basic to $0.49 on Enterprise
  • The Developer Pro and Enterprise plans require 3 nodes, so the hourly rate multiplies before any usage
  • Backup storage is billed separately at $0.07 per GB a month, and analytics backups at $0.14
  • Support response time is a plan feature, at 8 hours on Developer Pro against 30 minutes on Enterprise
  • AI and analytics run as separately priced planes at up to $0.86 an hour per node

Keycloak

  • Requires self-hosted deployment and operational expertise to install, configure and maintain
  • No managed cloud option provided by Red Hat; organisations must operate infrastructure themselves or use third-party distributions
  • Clustering and high-availability configurations require additional operational knowledge
  • Community support only; commercial support requires third-party vendors or distributions

Pricing, plan by plan

Couchbase

Free
  • CommunityFree
    • Full features
    • Community support
    • Self-managed
  • Capella FreeFree
    • Managed service
    • Limited resources
    • Cloud hosted

Keycloak

Free
  • Open-sourceFree
    • Full platform functionality
    • Self-hosted deployment
    • Community support

Which should you pick?

Choose Couchbase if

  • You need json document model.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Windows, macOS, Self-hosted, Web.
  • You also want sql++ query.
Couchbase review

Choose Keycloak if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Self-hosted, Linux, Windows, API.
Keycloak review

Questions people ask

Is Couchbase or Keycloak better?
Neither clearly leads. Couchbase starts at Free and Keycloak at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Couchbase or Keycloak?
Couchbase starts at Free and Keycloak at Free.
Does Couchbase or Keycloak run on more platforms?
Couchbase runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, Self-hosted, Web. Keycloak runs on Self-hosted, Linux, Windows, API.
Can I use Couchbase for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Couchbase best used for?
Couchbase is most often used for running a distributed nosql document database as a managed service, mobile sync and offline first applications backed by a cloud database. Of those, running a distributed nosql document database as a managed service and mobile sync and offline first applications backed by a cloud database are not what Keycloak is typically brought in for.
What can Couchbase do that Keycloak cannot?
Couchbase covers JSON Document Model, SQL++ Query, Full-text Search, Eventing.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Couchbase: Does Couchbase offer a free tier?

Yes, Couchbase offers a free tier option. Users can start for free from the main website.

Source
Keycloak: What protocols does Keycloak support?

Keycloak supports OpenID Connect, OAuth 2.0 and SAML 2.0 protocols for authentication and authorisation.

Source
Couchbase: How do I access Couchbase pricing details?

Couchbase maintains a dedicated pricing page, but detailed tier information and costs are not available on the homepage. You can visit the pricing page or contact their sales team.

Source
Keycloak: Can Keycloak integrate with existing user directories?

Yes. Keycloak supports user federation with LDAP and Active Directory systems, allowing organisations to leverage existing user directories.

Source
Keycloak: Is Keycloak free?

Yes. Keycloak is fully open-source and free to deploy and use. No licensing fees are required.

Source
Share

Related pages

More on Couchbase

More on Keycloak

Keep looking

Other head to heads