Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to AWS Cognito · 🔐 security
AWS Cognito vs Authentik
authentik is an open-source identity provider that offers self-hosted authentication, authorization, and user management for businesses of all sizes. Here is how Authentik ($0/mo open source) stacks up against AWS Cognito ($6/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Authentik is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for AWS Cognito. Switching from AWS Cognito ($6/mo) saves $72/yr per solo seat, or $360/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Auth0.
Authentik
$0.00/mo · Open Source
AWS Cognito vs Authentik Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | AWS Cognito (Paid) | Authentik (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $6 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $72 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $72) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $360 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $360) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $720 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $720) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 26.3k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from AWS Cognito to Authentik
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Auth0.
How to deploy Authentik
Clone https://github.com/goauthentik/authentik or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
Where your data lives
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
Why fork Authentik instead of vibe-coding a AWS Cognito clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for AWS Cognito or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 12 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Hanko.
AWS Cognito vs Authentik FAQ
Is Authentik a good free alternative to AWS Cognito?+
Yes. Authentik is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for AWS Cognito. authentik is an open-source identity provider that offers self-hosted authentication, authorization, and user management for businesses of all sizes.
What is the catch when switching from AWS Cognito to Authentik?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Auth0.
How much do you save switching from AWS Cognito to Authentik?+
AWS Cognito costs $6/mo ($72/yr) per seat, whereas Authentik is $0/mo. Switching saves $72/yr for a solo user, $360/yr for a 5-person team, and $720/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Authentik instead of AWS Cognito?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/goauthentik/authentik or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
