# authentik vs ViewDS Cobalt IAM: 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). [ViewDS Cobalt IAM](https://cybersectools.com/tools/viewds-cobalt-iam) is a commercial [access management](https://cybersectools.com/categories/access-management) solution by [ViewDS](https://cybersectools.com/companies/viewds). 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 | ViewDS Cobalt IAM |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial |
| Category | Access Management | Access Management |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Company size fit | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | Authentik | ViewDS |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | authentik | ViewDS Cobalt IAM |
|---|---|---|
| Authentication | Yes | – |
| Single Sign On | Yes | Yes |
| MFA | Yes | – |
| Open Source | Yes | – |
| Active Directory | Yes | – |
| RBAC | – | Yes |
| Multi Tenancy | – | Yes |

### Core features

**authentik**

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

**ViewDS Cobalt IAM**

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

### Integrations

**authentik**

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

**ViewDS Cobalt IAM**

No integrations listed.

## 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 are a startup.

## authentik vs ViewDS Cobalt IAM FAQ

Common questions when comparing authentik vs ViewDS Cobalt IAM for access management.

### What is the difference between authentik and ViewDS Cobalt IAM?

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

**ViewDS Cobalt IAM**: Multi-tenant IAM platform for MSPs and CSPs with SSO, MFA, and RBAC/ABAC. Built by ViewDS.

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

### Who makes authentik and ViewDS Cobalt IAM?

**authentik** is made by Authentik. **ViewDS Cobalt IAM** is made by ViewDS. 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 ViewDS Cobalt IAM?

Often, yes. authentik and ViewDS Cobalt IAM are both Access Management products, and both cover Single Sign On. 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)
- [ViewDS Cobalt IAM vs Cerebra mPass sso](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cerebra-mpass-sso-vs-viewds-cobalt-iam)
- [ViewDS Cobalt IAM vs OneLogin Virtual LDAP Service](https://cybersectools.com/compare/onelogin-virtual-ldap-service-vs-viewds-cobalt-iam)
- [ViewDS Cobalt IAM vs Ubisecure Workforce Identity & Access Management](https://cybersectools.com/compare/ubisecure-workforce-identity-and-access-management-vs-viewds-cobalt-iam)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all authentik alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/authentik)
- [See all ViewDS Cobalt IAM alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/viewds-cobalt-iam)

---

Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/authentik-vs-viewds-cobalt-iam

For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/authentik.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md.

More on authentik and ViewDS Cobalt IAM: 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