Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Okta · 🔐 security
Okta vs Zitadel
Streamline app development with our identity suite. Here is how Zitadel ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Okta ($6/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Zitadel
$0.00/mo · cm0zftngg00pz94snxajamc81
Okta vs Zitadel Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-11-04
| Dimension | Okta (Paid) | Zitadel (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 cm0zftngg00pz94snxajamc81 |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 15.5k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Okta to Zitadel
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Okta.
How to deploy Zitadel
Clone https://github.com/zitadel/zitadel 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 Zitadel instead of vibe-coding a Okta clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Okta or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 5 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Authentik or Zitadel.
Okta vs Zitadel FAQ
Is Zitadel a good free alternative to Okta?+
Yes. Zitadel is a verified open-source (cm0zftngg00pz94snxajamc81) replacement for Okta. Streamline app development with our identity suite.
What is the catch when switching from Okta to Zitadel?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Okta.
How much do you save switching from Okta to Zitadel?+
Okta costs $6/mo ($72/yr) per seat, whereas Zitadel 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 Zitadel instead of Okta?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/zitadel/zitadel or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.