authentik.html

Authentik

Modern open-source self-hosted IDP. Python-based, lighter than Keycloak.

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Quick facts

  • CategorySelf-hosted
  • LanguagePython
  • PricingOpen source
  • LicenseMIT
  • Created2020
  • GitHub stars17.6k
  • HIPAA-eligibleNo
  • SSO / SAMLOut of box

What it is

Authentik is a younger, Python-based open-source IDP. SSO, OAuth, SAML, LDAP, conditional access policies. Lighter than Keycloak, growing fast, MIT-licensed. Used heavily in homelab / self-hosted communities and increasingly in production.

Best for

  • Self-hosted SSO without the JVM operational footprint
  • Smaller teams that want a modern stack for identity
  • Homelab / personal-cloud setups

When not to pick it

Skip Authentik for very large enterprise deployments — Keycloak has the battle-test there. For small to mid-market self-hosted, Authentik wins.

My take

Authentik is the modern answer for self-hosted SSO. If Keycloak feels like overkill, this is the right next step.

Links

Similar tools you should also consider

Keycloak

Open-source Java-based IDP. Enterprise-grade self-hosted SSO + SAML, heavy to operate.

Read the take →

FusionAuth

Self-hosted auth from a US team. Lighter than Keycloak, paid for support, free for self-hosting.

Read the take →

If Authentik is your pick — the next conversation is short

The 30-min call is where your auth choice becomes a real architecture, a migration plan if you are switching, and a price range you can take to your stakeholders. Describe your stack, your scale, your compliance constraints. I tell you whether Authentik is genuinely your fit.