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AWS IAM vs Keycloak vs Azure AD Comparison

Last updated:

AWS IAM

4.4(66 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Free Trial
  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) lets user use AWS services in a way that provides strong security for applications, without requiring to become an AWS security expert. IAM supports the use of multiple authentica…

Keycloak

4.3(80 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Medium Business
  • Small Business

Keycloak is a thin identity and access management layer (IAM) for modern applications. Keycloak is built to handle enterprise needs and offer a simple experience to developers, it protects identities with strong two-fact…

Azure AD

4.3(367 reviews)

Starting at $6 /User/Month

  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) is an identity and access management solution that helps to: keep user identities and access secure, reduce help desk calls by providing self-service capabilities for users, and enhance…

AWS IAM leads on user satisfaction with a 4.4-star rating across 66 reviews.

AWS IAM vs Keycloak vs Azure AD — at a glance

FeatureAWS IAMKeycloakAzure AD
Rating4.4 / 54.3 / 54.3 / 5
Reviews6680367
Starting priceContact for pricingContact for pricing$6 /User/Month
Free trial Yes No No
Free version No No No
Best forLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessMedium Business, Small BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business
CategoryIdentity and Access Management (IAM) SoftwareIdentity and Access Management (IAM) SoftwareIdentity and Access Management (IAM) Software
PlatformsSaaS/Web/CloudSaaS/Web/CloudSaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows
APIAvailableAvailable
Support modesOnlineOnlineBusiness Hours, Online
CertificationsSOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001GDPR
Data residencyUSGlobal

Key differences between AWS IAM and Keycloak

  • Free trial: AWS IAM offers a free trial; Keycloak does not.
  • Target audience: AWS IAM is built for Large Enterprises and Medium Business, while Keycloak targets Medium Business and Small Business.
  • User satisfaction: AWS IAM scores higher with a 4.4-star average.
  • Deployment: AWS IAM supports SaaS/Web/Cloud; Keycloak supports SaaS/Web/Cloud.

Compare AWS IAM vs Keycloak vs Azure AD — and walk away knowing which one fits.

01

Which tool fits your team best

02

Which is actually cheaper for your team size

03

Where each product wins, per real buyers

Most Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.

AWS IAM
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Keycloak - Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software
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Azure AD - Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software
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Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

AWS IAM

Best for secure, granular AWS access management in medium-sized tech companies.

Choose if
  • You need fine-grained, role-based access control tightly integrated with AWS services.
  • Your team includes IT admins or security engineers familiar with AWS environments.
  • You require multi-factor authentication and temporary credentials for enhanced security.
Consider alternatives if
  • Your organization does not primarily use AWS cloud services.
  • You have a small team lacking dedicated security or AWS expertise.

Keycloak

Open-source IAM ideal for enterprises needing strong security and developer flexibility.

Choose if
  • You need robust multi-factor authentication and fine-grained access control.
  • Your team includes developers and IT admins comfortable with medium-complexity setup.
  • You want a flexible, configurable IAM solution tailored for modern applications.
Consider alternatives if
  • Your organization requires turnkey solutions with comprehensive commercial support and SLAs.
  • You are a very small business with minimal identity management needs.

Azure AD

Best for

Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business

AWS IAM: Best for secure, granular AWS access management in medium-sized tech companies. Keycloak: Open-source IAM ideal for enterprises needing strong security and developer flexibility.

Description

AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) lets user use AWS services in a way that provides strong security for applications, without requiring to become an AWS security expert. IAM supports ... Read More about AWS IAM

Keycloak is a thin identity and access management layer (IAM) for modern applications. Keycloak is built to handle enterprise needs and offer a simple experience to developers, it protects ... Read More about Keycloak

Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) is an identity and access management solution that helps to: keep user identities and access secure, reduce help desk calls by providing self-service ... Read More about Azure AD

Entry Level Pricing

  • Not Available
  • Not Available
  • Starts from $6

Free Trial Availability

  • Free Trial available
  • No free trial
  • No free trial

Spotsaas Score

What's this? ↗

8.6/10

8.7/10

9.0/10

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

4.4

(66)

4.3

(80)

Best Company Size

50 to 10,000 employeesMedium Business
50 to 500 employees501 to 5,000 employees
50 to 10,000 employees
Get pricing help
Get pricing help
Get pricing help

Where each option fits best

See where each product is strongest, which teams it fits, and what causes buyers to keep looking — before you commit.

Based on buyer reviews and verified product data collected by Spotsaas.

Strengths

Key strengths

AWS IAM

  • Granular Access Control: With AWS IAM, we can define fine-grained permissions tailored to individual users and roles. This means you'll have the power to grant only the necessary access, ensuring a secure environment for your organization's sensitive data.
  • Centralized Management: By using IAM, we streamline user and permission management from a single platform. This not only simplifies administrative tasks but also reduces the risk of errors that can arise from managing multiple systems.
  • Enhanced Security Posture: IAM integrates seamlessly with other AWS services, allowing us to enforce security best practices such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and password policies. This proactive approach to security helps protect our cloud resources against unauthorized access.

Keycloak

  • Streamlined Identity Management: Keycloak simplifies user authentication and authorization processes, enabling your team to focus on core business objectives without the hassle of managing complex identity systems.
  • Single Sign-On (SSO) Convenience: With Keycloak's SSO capabilities, your users enjoy seamless access across multiple applications with just one set of credentials. This not only enhances user satisfaction but also reduces password fatigue.
  • Robust Security Features: Built with security in mind, Keycloak offers features like multi-factor authentication and fine-grained access control, helping you protect sensitive data and comply with industry standards.

Azure AD

  • Streamlined Identity Management: With Azure AD, we can simplify user identity management across our organization. It allows administrators to effortlessly manage user access to applications and resources, ensuring that the right people have the right access at all times.
  • Enhanced Security Features: We all want to protect our sensitive data, and Azure AD offers advanced security measures like multi-factor authentication and conditional access policies. This means we can confidently safeguard our systems against unauthorized access while maintaining a seamless user experience.
  • Seamless Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem: If your organization relies on Microsoft services, you'll appreciate how Azure AD integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products, such as Office 365 and Dynamics 365. This fosters collaboration and enhances productivity without the hassle of juggling multiple logins.
Best fit

Best fit

AWS IAM

  • 50 to 10,000 employees
  • Technology, Fintech, SaaS, Consulting, and Cloud Services
  • IT Administrators, Security Engineers, Cloud Architects, Compliance Officers, and Systems Administrators

Keycloak

  • 50 to 5,000 employees
  • SaaS, Fintech, Healthcare, E-commerce, and Consulting
  • IT Administrators, Software Developers, Security Engineers, and DevOps Professionals

Azure AD

  • 50 to 10,000 employees
  • Fintech, SaaS, Consulting, Healthcare, and Education
  • IT Administrators, Security Managers, Compliance Officers, and HR Managers
Watchouts

Reasons buyers look elsewhere

AWS IAM

  • Users may seek alternatives to AWS IAM due to cost concerns, as managing multiple AWS accounts can lead to higher expenses, prompting a search for more budget-friendly identity and access management solutions.
  • Some organizations prefer alternatives for enhanced flexibility and customization, allowing them to tailor access controls and policies to meet specific business requirements that AWS IAM may not fully support.
  • Security compliance is a critical concern, leading users to explore alternatives that offer more robust auditing and reporting capabilities, ensuring they meet industry regulations and internal governance standards.

Keycloak

  • Users may seek alternatives to Keycloak due to its complexity in setup and configuration, particularly for smaller teams or projects that require a more straightforward identity management solution.
  • Some organizations might prefer alternatives that offer better integration with specific cloud services or platforms, especially if they are heavily invested in a particular ecosystem.
  • Performance concerns could lead users to explore other options, particularly if they experience scalability issues or latency with Keycloak in high-demand environments.

Azure AD

  • Organizations may seek alternatives to Azure AD due to concerns over vendor lock-in, preferring solutions that offer more flexibility and integration with diverse applications and services across various platforms.
  • Cost is a significant factor; some users find that alternative identity management solutions provide more competitive pricing structures or better align with their budgetary constraints without sacrificing essential features.
  • Users looking for enhanced customization and control over their identity and access management processes might explore alternatives that allow for tailored configurations to meet specific organizational needs.

Software Demo

Demo

No software demo available

AWS IAM has not given any software demo yet

If you're the owner of this profile, add your demo.Contact us

No software demo available

Keycloak has not given any software demo yet

If you're the owner of this profile, add your demo.Contact us

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Step 1 of 4

How big is your team?

We tailor recommendations to companies your size.

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How do AWS IAM, Keycloak and Azure AD Compare on Features?

Total Features

9 Features

9 Features

10 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

No unique features

Get Quote
Get Quote
Get Quote

Compare AWS IAM, Keycloak and Azure AD on pricing

Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.

Pricing Option

        Starting From

        • Not Available
        • Not Available
        • $6

        Pricing Plans

        • Not Available
        • Not Available
        • Not Available

        Pricing Page

        Pricing information not available

        Pricing information not available

        Azure AD pricing

        Other Details

        Organization Types supported

        • Freelancers
        • Large Enterprises
        • Medium Business
        • Small Business
        • Individuals
        • Freelancers
        • Large Enterprises
        • Medium Business
        • Small Business
        • Individuals
        • Freelancers
        • Large Enterprises
        • Medium Business
        • Small Business
        • Individuals

        Platforms Supported

        • Browser Based (Cloud)
        • Mobile - Android
        • Mobile - iOS
        • Installed - Windows
        • Installed - Mac
        • Browser Based (Cloud)
        • Browser Based (Cloud)
        • Mobile - Android
        • Mobile - iOS
        • Installed - Windows
        • Installed - Mac
        • Browser Based (Cloud)
        • Browser Based (Cloud)
        • Mobile - Android
        • Mobile - iOS
        • Installed - Windows
        • Installed - Mac
        • Browser Based (Cloud)

        Modes of support

        • 24/7 (Live rep)
        • Business Hours
        • Online
        • 24/7 (Live rep)
        • Business Hours
        • Online
        • 24/7 (Live rep)
        • Business Hours
        • Online

        API Support

        • Not Available
        • Available
        • Available
        Get help choosing
        Get help choosing
        Get help choosing

        Security & Compliance

        Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.

        SOC 2

        ✓ Yes

        HIPAA

        ✓ Yes

        GDPR

        ✓ Yes
        ✓ Yes

        ISO 27001

        ✓ Yes

        Single Sign-On (SSO)

        ✓ Yes
        ✓ Yes

        Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

        ✓ Yes
        ✓ Yes

        Data Encryption

        ✓ Yes
        ✓ Yes

        Audit Logs

        ✓ Yes
        ✓ Yes

        Data Residency

        🇺🇸 US
        🌐 Global

        AWS IAM vs Keycloak User Reviews & Rating Comparison

        User Ratings

        Rating Distribution

        47

        17

        0

        2

        0

        10

        8

        0

        0

        0

        55

        21

        4

        3

        1

        Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

        Buyer sentiment

        Users appreciate AWS IAM's robust security features and granular control but note a learning curve and complexity for smaller teams.

        What buyers like

        • Granular access control
        • Centralized permission management
        • Security integration with AWS services

        Common complaints

        • Complexity for non-experts
        • Lack of transparent pricing

        Buyer sentiment

        Users generally appreciate Keycloak's strong security features and flexible identity management, though some find setup and support challenging.

        What buyers like

        • Security and access control
        • Single sign-on convenience
        • Flexibility and configurability

        Common complaints

        • Complex setup process
        • Limited commercial support

        Buyer sentiment

        Buyer sentiment is positive across 84 reviews, with strong overall satisfaction.

        What buyers like

        • **Streamlined Identity Management**: With Azure AD, we can simplify user identity management across our organization. It allows administrators to effortlessly manage user access to applications and resources, ensuring that the right people have the right access at all times.
        • **Enhanced Security Features**: We all want to protect our sensitive data, and Azure AD offers advanced security measures like multi-factor authentication and conditional access policies. This means we can confidently safeguard our systems against unauthorized access while maintaining a seamless user experience.
        • **Seamless Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem**: If your organization relies on Microsoft services, you'll appreciate how Azure AD integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products, such as Office 365 and Dynamics 365. This fosters collaboration and enhances productivity without the hassle of juggling multiple logins.

        Common complaints

        • Organizations may seek alternatives to Azure AD due to concerns over vendor lock-in, preferring solutions that offer more flexibility and integration with diverse applications and services across various platforms.
        • Cost is a significant factor; some users find that alternative identity management solutions provide more competitive pricing structures or better align with their budgetary constraints without sacrificing essential features.
        • Users looking for enhanced customization and control over their identity and access management processes might explore alternatives that allow for tailored configurations to meet specific organizational needs.

        Pros and Cons

        • Granular access control with fine-tuned permissions per user and role

        • Centralized user and permission management reducing administrative errors

        • Seamless integration with AWS services enabling multi-factor authentication and security policies

        • Requires familiarity with AWS ecosystem and IAM concepts

        • No publicly listed pricing, making cost estimation difficult

        • Streamlined identity management simplifying authentication and authorization

        • Single Sign-On (SSO) capabilities improving user experience across applications

        • Robust security features including multi-factor authentication and fine-grained access control

        • Requires technical expertise for setup and customization

        • Lack of publicly available pricing may complicate budgeting

        • **Streamlined Identity Management**: With Azure AD, we can simplify user identity management across our organization. It allows administrators to effortlessly manage user access to applications and resources, ensuring that the right people have the right access at all times.

        • **Enhanced Security Features**: We all want to protect our sensitive data, and Azure AD offers advanced security measures like multi-factor authentication and conditional access policies. This means we can confidently safeguard our systems against unauthorized access while maintaining a seamless user experience.

        • **Seamless Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem**: If your organization relies on Microsoft services, you'll appreciate how Azure AD integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products, such as Office 365 and Dynamics 365. This fosters collaboration and enhances productivity without the hassle of juggling multiple logins.

        • Organizations may seek alternatives to Azure AD due to concerns over vendor lock-in, preferring solutions that offer more flexibility and integration with diverse applications and services across various platforms.

        • Cost is a significant factor; some users find that alternative identity management solutions provide more competitive pricing structures or better align with their budgetary constraints without sacrificing essential features.

        Positive Reviews

        No reviews available for the product

        No reviews available for the product

        No reviews available for the product

        Negative Reviews

        No reviews available for the product

        No reviews available for the product

        No reviews available for the product

        List of Customers

        Customers

        No Customers information available.

        No Customers information available.

        monday.com

        monday.com

        BP

        BP

        Uniper

        Uniper

        Media and Screenshots

        Screenshots

        prod Stage Editor

        2 Screenshots

        Admin Console

        6 Screenshots

        No screenshots available.

        Videos

        No videos available.

        No videos available.

        video-0

        2 Videos

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        Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].

        Frequently asked questions

        Which is better, AWS IAM or Keycloak?
        AWS IAM edges out the other on user ratings (4.4 vs 4.3). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
        Do AWS IAM and Keycloak offer a free trial?
        AWS IAM offers a free trial. Keycloak does not.
        What is the starting price of AWS IAM vs Keycloak?
        AWS IAM starts at Contact for pricing. Keycloak starts at Contact for pricing.
        What are the top alternatives to AWS IAM?
        Top alternatives to AWS IAM include Oracle Identity Management, Keycloak, One Identity, Alloy, Visual Guard.
        What are the top alternatives to Keycloak?
        Top alternatives to Keycloak include Okta, Oracle Identity Management, Cognito, SailPoint IdentityIQ, AWS IAM.

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