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Databases · head to head

DataStax vs Keycloak

DataStax logo

DataStax

Databases

The real-time data company for AI applications

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit DataStaxFull review
Keycloak logo

Keycloak

Developer Tools

Open-source identity and access management server.

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit KeycloakFull review

The short version

  • Keycloak is an open-source IAM platform supporting OpenID Connect, OAuth 2.
  • Both are free.
  • 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 DataStax and Keycloak actually diverge.

Attributes where DataStax and Keycloak differ
AttributeDataStaxKeycloak
Pricing modelFreemiumOpen-source
PlatformsWeb, Aws, Azure, GcpSelf-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 DataStax

  • Cassandra Compatible
  • Vector Search
  • Serverless
  • Multi-cloud
  • Streaming
  • CDC
  • GraphQL API
  • LangChain

Only in Keycloak

Nothing recorded that DataStax does not also cover.

What people use each for

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

DataStax

  • Real-time applicationsnot Keycloak
  • Content managementnot Keycloak
  • User profilesnot Keycloak
  • Mobile backendsnot Keycloak
  • Cachingnot Keycloak

Keycloak

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

Where each one falls short

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

DataStax

  • DataStax's own Astra DB documentation states the Enterprise plan is an annual, contract-based plan with negotiated pricing, meaning list prices are not published for that tier
  • DataStax's Astra DB documentation directs Standard plan customers to IBM's watsonx.data pricing for exact consumption-based rates following the DataStax/IBM deal, rather than publishing them on DataStax's own site

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

DataStax

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 5GB storage
    • 40M read/write ops
    • Vector search
  • Pay As You GoFree
    • Usage-based pricing
    • Multi-region
    • Enterprise support

Keycloak

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

Which should you pick?

Choose DataStax if

  • You need cassandra compatible.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Aws, Azure, Gcp.
  • You also want vector search.
DataStax review

Choose Keycloak if

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

Questions people ask

Is DataStax or Keycloak better?
Neither clearly leads. DataStax 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, DataStax or Keycloak?
DataStax starts at Free and Keycloak at Free.
Does DataStax or Keycloak run on more platforms?
DataStax runs on Web, Aws, Azure, Gcp. Keycloak runs on Self-hosted, Linux, Windows, API.
Can I use DataStax for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is DataStax best used for?
DataStax is most often used for real-time applications, content management, user profiles, mobile backends. Of those, real-time applications and content management are not what Keycloak is typically brought in for.
What can DataStax do that Keycloak cannot?
DataStax covers Cassandra Compatible, Vector Search, Serverless, Multi-cloud.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

DataStax: Is DataStax available as a managed service?

Yes, DataStax is available as Astra DB, a managed database service. Users can sign up for Astra DB directly to create accounts and access the platform.

Source
Keycloak: What protocols does Keycloak support?

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

Source
DataStax: How is DataStax priced?

DataStax (now part of IBM) does not publish pricing on its documentation homepage. Pricing information would need to be obtained through the Astra DB signup page or by contacting IBM directly.

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
DataStax: Is there an enterprise licensing option?

DataStax is now part of IBM. Enterprise customers should contact IBM directly for licensing agreements and enterprise-specific pricing.

Source
Keycloak: Is Keycloak free?

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

Source
DataStax: Can I try DataStax without an account?

To use DataStax Astra DB, account creation is required. The documentation does not mention a free trial or demonstration environment that does not require signup.

Source
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