# Gradient for Users vs ZITADEL: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[Gradient for Users](https://cybersectools.com/tools/gradient-for-users) is a commercial [MFA & passwordless](https://cybersectools.com/categories/user-authentication) solution by [Gradient](https://cybersectools.com/companies/gradient). [ZITADEL](https://cybersectools.com/tools/zitadel) is a commercial [CIAM](https://cybersectools.com/categories/ciam) solution by [ZITADEL](https://cybersectools.com/companies/zitadel). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

Need the answer fast? [Best MFA and Passwordless Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-mfa-passwordless-solutions) picks Okta Adaptive MFA, Duo Security Cisco Duo Passwordless, Beyond Identity Phishing-Resistant MFA and 4 more.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | Gradient for Users | ZITADEL |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial |
| Category | MFA & Passwordless | CIAM |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Cloud | Hybrid |
| Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | Gradient | ZITADEL |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Gradient for Users | ZITADEL |
|---|---|---|
| MFA | Yes | Yes |
| Authentication | Yes | Yes |
| SSO | Yes | Yes |
| Single Sign On | Yes | Yes |
| MITM | Yes | – |
| Zero Trust Architecture | Yes | – |
| ZTNA | Yes | – |
| Windows | Yes | – |
| BYOD | Yes | – |
| Authorization | – | Yes |
| RBAC | – | Yes |
| Multi Tenancy | – | Yes |
| Open Source | – | Yes |
| Passwords | – | Yes |
| REST API | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Gradient for Users**

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

**ZITADEL**

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

### Integrations

**Gradient for Users**

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

**ZITADEL**

3 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.

- [Gradient for Users](https://cybersectools.com/tools/gradient-for-users) fits if you want a cloud product.
- [ZITADEL](https://cybersectools.com/tools/zitadel) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options and you are a startup.

## Gradient for Users vs ZITADEL FAQ

Common questions when comparing Gradient for Users vs ZITADEL for MFA & passwordless.

### What is the difference between Gradient for Users and ZITADEL?

**Gradient for Users**: Passwordless MFA SaaS plugin for SSO that anchors identities to devices, built by Gradient.

**ZITADEL**: Open-source, multi-tenant identity platform for authn, authz, and SSO, built by ZITADEL.

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

### Who makes Gradient for Users and ZITADEL?

**Gradient for Users** is made by Gradient. **ZITADEL** is made by ZITADEL. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is Gradient for Users a good alternative to ZITADEL?

In part. Gradient for Users and ZITADEL are not in the same category on CybersecTools. Both cover Authentication, SSO, MFA. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [Gradient for Users vs Circle Security Circle Access](https://cybersectools.com/compare/circle-security-circle-access-vs-gradient-for-users)
- [Gradient for Users vs Privakey SSO & IdS](https://cybersectools.com/compare/gradient-for-users-vs-privakey-sso-and-ids)
- [Gradient for Users vs Cyphercor MFA Solutions](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cyphercor-mfa-solutions-vs-gradient-for-users)
- [ZITADEL vs Circle Security Circle Access](https://cybersectools.com/compare/circle-security-circle-access-vs-zitadel)
- [ZITADEL vs Privakey SSO & IdS](https://cybersectools.com/compare/privakey-sso-and-ids-vs-zitadel)
- [ZITADEL vs Cyphercor MFA Solutions](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cyphercor-mfa-solutions-vs-zitadel)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Gradient for Users alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/gradient-for-users)
- [See all ZITADEL alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/zitadel)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/gradient-for-users-vs-zitadel

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

More on Gradient for Users and ZITADEL: 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