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WSO2 Identity Server vs WSO2 API Manager Comparison

Last updated:

WSO2 Identity Server

4.3(73 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

WSO2 Identity Server is an open source, cloud ready identity and access management server with role-based access control, enterprise single sign-on, attribute based authorization and multi-domain support. It is the indus…

WSO2 API Manager

4.1(126 reviews)

Starting at $2,000

  • Free Trial
  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

WSO2 API Manager is an open source API management platform that enables enterprises to expose their APIs for business-to-consumer and business-to-business services, via a well-designed user interface. A well-designed pro…

WSO2 Identity Server leads on user satisfaction with a 4.3-star rating across 73 reviews.

WSO2 Identity Server vs WSO2 API Manager — at a glance

FeatureWSO2 Identity ServerWSO2 API Manager
Rating4.3 / 54.1 / 5
Reviews73126
Starting priceContact for pricing$2,000
Free trial No Yes
Free version No No
Best forLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business
CategoryIdentity and Access Management (IAM) SoftwareAPI Management Software
PlatformsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows, Installed - MacSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android
APIAvailableAvailable
Support modes24/7 (Live rep), Online24/7 (Live rep)
CertificationsGDPRGDPR
Data residencyGlobalGlobal

Key differences between WSO2 Identity Server and WSO2 API Manager

  • Pricing: WSO2 API Manager starts at $2,000. WSO2 Identity Server pricing is not publicly listed.
  • Free trial: WSO2 API Manager offers a free trial; WSO2 Identity Server does not.
  • User satisfaction: WSO2 Identity Server scores higher with a 4.3-star average.
  • Deployment: WSO2 Identity Server supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac; WSO2 API Manager supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android.

WSO2 Identity Server vs WSO2 API Manager — find the better fit before you commit.

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.

WSO2 Identity Server - Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software
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WSO2 API Manager - API Management Software
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Talk to an expert

Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

WSO2 Identity Server

Best for scalable, secure federated identity management in mid-sized enterprises.

Choose if
  • You need robust federated login across multiple corporate and third-party domains.
  • Your organization requires comprehensive security features like multi-factor authentication and single sign-on.
  • You want an open source, cost-effective IAM solution with flexible, configurable workflows.
Consider alternatives if
  • You are a very small business with minimal identity management needs.
  • You prefer turnkey IAM solutions with simple, out-of-the-box setup and transparent fixed pricing.

WSO2 API Manager

Best for large enterprises needing highly customizable, secure API management.

Choose if
  • You require deep customization and flexible API lifecycle management.
  • Your organization needs robust, native security features like OAuth and JWT.
  • You have dedicated technical teams to handle complex setup and configuration.
Consider alternatives if
  • You are a small team or startup seeking simple, out-of-the-box API management.
  • Your organization lacks technical resources for initial complex configuration and ongoing maintenance.

WSO2 Identity Server: Best for scalable, secure federated identity management in mid-sized enterprises. WSO2 API Manager: Best for large enterprises needing highly customizable, secure API management.

Description

WSO2 Identity Server is an open source, cloud ready identity and access management server with role-based access control, enterprise single sign-on, attribute based authorization and ... Read More about WSO2 Identity Server

WSO2 API Manager is an open source API management platform that enables enterprises to expose their APIs for business-to-consumer and business-to-business services, via a well-designed user ... Read More about WSO2 API Manager

Entry Level Pricing

  • Not Available
  • Starts from $2,000

Free Trial Availability

  • No free trial

Spotsaas Score

What's this? ↗

8.6/10

9.2/10

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

4.3

(73)

Best Company Size

50-500 employees501-5,000 employees
51-500 employees500+ employees
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

WSO2 Identity Server

  • Seamless User Management: WSO2 Identity Server empowers organizations to effortlessly manage user identities and access across various applications, ensuring that you maintain control and enhance security without compromising user experience.
  • Robust Security Features: With advanced authentication mechanisms, including multi-factor authentication (MFA) and single sign-on (SSO), WSO2 Identity Server enhances your organization’s security posture, protecting sensitive data while simplifying access for users.
  • Scalable Architecture: Designed to grow with your business, WSO2 Identity Server's scalable architecture allows you to handle increased user loads without compromising performance, ensuring that your identity management solution evolves alongside your organization.
Best fit

Best fit

WSO2 Identity Server

  • 50-5,000 employees.
  • Industries include Fintech, SaaS, E-commerce, Healthcare, and Telecommunications.
  • Typical users are IT Administrators, Security Officers, Compliance Managers, and Software Developers.
Watchouts

Reasons buyers look elsewhere

WSO2 Identity Server

  • Users may seek alternatives if they require a more user-friendly interface, as WSO2 Identity Server can be complex for teams without extensive technical expertise, leading to longer onboarding and implementation times.
  • Organizations with specific compliance or regulatory needs might explore other solutions that offer tailored features or certifications that align more closely with their industry requirements.
  • Some users may find performance limitations with WSO2 Identity Server under high-load scenarios, prompting them to consider options that provide better scalability and faster response times for large user bases.

Software Demo

Demo

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How do WSO2 Identity Server and WSO2 API Manager Compare on Features?

Total Features

10 Features

10 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

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Get Quote

Compare WSO2 Identity Server and WSO2 API Manager 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
      • $2,000

      Pricing Plans

      • Not Available
      • TRIAL

        • API calls per month: 1 million

        • Number of pre-prod environments included: 0

      • MICRO

        • API calls per month: 20 million

        • Number of pre-prod environments included: 0

      • STANDARD

        • API calls per month: 100 million

        • Number of pre-prod environments included: 1

      • Browse all pricing plans

      Pricing Page

      Pricing information not available

      WSO2 API Manager pricing

      Other Details

      Organization Types supported

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

      Platforms Supported

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

      Modes of support

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

      API Support

      • Available
      • Available
      Get help choosing
      Get help choosing

      Security & Compliance

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

      GDPR

      ✓ Yes
      ✓ Yes

      Single Sign-On (SSO)

      ✓ Yes
      ✓ Yes

      Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

      ✓ Yes

      Data Encryption

      ✓ Yes
      ✓ Yes

      Audit Logs

      ✓ Yes
      ✓ Yes

      Data Residency

      🌐 Global
      🌐 Global

      WSO2 Identity Server User Reviews & Rating Comparison

      User Ratings

      Rating Distribution

      3

      5

      0

      0

      0

      49

      18

      0

      0

      0

      Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

      Buyer sentiment

      Overall positive sentiment highlights strong security features and scalability, with some concerns about pricing transparency and setup complexity.

      What buyers like

      • Security robustness
      • Scalability
      • Federated login capabilities

      Common complaints

      • Pricing opacity
      • Complex setup

      Buyer sentiment

      Overall positive sentiment highlighting flexibility, security, and comprehensive features, tempered by concerns about setup complexity and documentation.

      What buyers like

      • Flexibility and customizability
      • Security features
      • Ease of use

      Common complaints

      • Complex configuration
      • Documentation quality

      Pros and Cons

      • Robust support for federated login across multiple domains

      • Comprehensive security features including multi-factor authentication and single sign-on

      • Scalable architecture that supports growing user bases without performance loss

      • Pricing is quotation-based and not publicly transparent

      • Requires technical expertise to configure and maintain

      • Highly flexible and customizable platform

      • Comprehensive API lifecycle management features including security and analytics

      • Strong security mechanisms such as OAuth, JWT, and API key support

      • Complex initial configuration requiring multiple file changes

      • Documentation quality and clarity needing improvement

      Positive Reviews

      No reviews available for the product

      No reviews available for the product

      List of Customers

      Customers

      StubHub

      StubHub

      HCA

      HCA

      West

      West

      American Express

      American Express

      ebay

      ebay

      Motorola

      Motorola

      Media and Screenshots

      Screenshots

      IS Analytics

      1 Screenshots

      Pizza Shack API

      4 Screenshots

      Videos

      video-0

      2 Videos

      video-0

      3 Videos

      Top Alternatives to WSO2 Identity Server and WSO2 API Manager in 2026

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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, WSO2 Identity Server or WSO2 API Manager?
      WSO2 Identity Server edges out the other on user ratings (4.3 vs 4.1). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
      Do WSO2 Identity Server and WSO2 API Manager offer a free trial?
      WSO2 API Manager offers a free trial. WSO2 Identity Server does not.
      What is the starting price of WSO2 Identity Server vs WSO2 API Manager?
      WSO2 Identity Server starts at Contact for pricing. WSO2 API Manager starts at $2,000.
      What are the top alternatives to WSO2 Identity Server?
      Top alternatives to WSO2 Identity Server include SailPoint IdentityIQ, ForgeRock Identity Platform, AWS IAM, Keycloak, Ping Identity.
      What are the top alternatives to WSO2 API Manager?
      Top alternatives to WSO2 API Manager include 3scale, Dell Boomi API Management, Apigee Edge, IBM API Connect, Kong.

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