# authentik vs Portnox CORE: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[authentik](https://cybersectools.com/tools/authentik) is a commercial [access management](https://cybersectools.com/categories/access-management) solution by [Authentik](https://cybersectools.com/companies/authentik). [Portnox CORE](https://cybersectools.com/tools/portnox-core) is a commercial [network access control](https://cybersectools.com/categories/nac) solution by [Portnox](https://cybersectools.com/companies/portnox). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

Need the answer fast? [Best Access Management Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-access-management-solutions) picks Microsoft Entra ID, Okta Single Sign-On, Ping Identity Platform and 4 more.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | authentik | Portnox CORE |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial |
| Category | Access Management | Network Access Control |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Hybrid | On-Premises |
| Company size fit | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | Authentik | Portnox |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | authentik | Portnox CORE |
|---|---|---|
| Authentication | Yes | – |
| Single Sign On | Yes | – |
| MFA | Yes | – |
| Open Source | Yes | – |
| Active Directory | Yes | – |
| Network Visibility | – | Yes |
| BYOD | – | Yes |
| IoT Security | – | Yes |

### Core features

**authentik**

10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**Portnox CORE**

10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

### Integrations

**authentik**

27 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**Portnox CORE**

6 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

## Which one fits you

Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source.

- [authentik](https://cybersectools.com/tools/authentik) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options and you are a startup.
- [Portnox CORE](https://cybersectools.com/tools/portnox-core) fits if you need to run it on your own servers.

## authentik vs Portnox CORE FAQ

Common questions when comparing authentik vs Portnox CORE for access management.

### What is the difference between authentik and Portnox CORE?

**authentik**: Open-source identity provider with SSO, MFA, and application proxy capabilities. Built by Authentik.

**Portnox CORE**: On-premise NAC solution for device visibility and network access control. Built by Portnox.

The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.

### Who makes authentik and Portnox CORE?

**authentik** is made by Authentik. **Portnox CORE** is made by Portnox. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is authentik a good alternative to Portnox CORE?

In part. authentik and Portnox CORE are not in the same category on CybersecTools. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [authentik vs Cerebra mPass sso](https://cybersectools.com/compare/authentik-vs-cerebra-mpass-sso)
- [authentik vs OneLogin Virtual LDAP Service](https://cybersectools.com/compare/authentik-vs-onelogin-virtual-ldap-service)
- [authentik vs Ubisecure Workforce Identity & Access Management](https://cybersectools.com/compare/authentik-vs-ubisecure-workforce-identity-and-access-management)
- [Portnox CORE vs Cerebra mPass sso](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cerebra-mpass-sso-vs-portnox-core)
- [Portnox CORE vs OneLogin Virtual LDAP Service](https://cybersectools.com/compare/onelogin-virtual-ldap-service-vs-portnox-core)
- [Portnox CORE vs Ubisecure Workforce Identity & Access Management](https://cybersectools.com/compare/portnox-core-vs-ubisecure-workforce-identity-and-access-management)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all authentik alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/authentik)
- [See all Portnox CORE alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/portnox-core)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/authentik-vs-portnox-core

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More on authentik and Portnox CORE: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=compare-md