Side by side
Descope vs Gluu Server
Both stand on identity and access management software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Descope combines visual authentication-flow design with SDKs, APIs, and a broad range of authentication methods. Its free plan has defined user and connection limits, and the listed paid plans are billed annually.
Visit DescopeChoose Gluu Server if you need a free, self-hosted identity platform with broad protocol support and Docker or Kubernetes deployment guidance. Look elsewhere if delegated administration, role definition, approvals, or workflow features are required. Linux package access requires a support contract; free up-to-date binaries are available through Janssen Project releases.
Visit Gluu ServerThe facts
| Descope | Gluu Server | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, API, iPhone, Self-hosted, Web | API, Linux, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Pro: $249 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | descope.com | gluu.org |
| On identity and access management software | #7 of 45 | #11 of 45 |
Descope: what it does well
- Visual flow builder creates authentication journeys without code.
- Supports multiple authentication methods, including passkeys and SSO.
- SDKs are open source.
- Free plan includes 7,500 MAUs.
What to know first
- Pro costs $249 a month, billed annually.
- Free plan includes only three SSO connections.
- Paid plans list usage-based overages.
Gluu Server: what it does well
- Free open-source IAM platform at no cost.
- Supports OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, SAML 2.0, and other standards.
- Default authentication scripts include FIDO2, OTP, smart cards, and Duo.
- Deployment guides cover Docker and Kubernetes.
- Supports directory sync, lifecycle provisioning, and adaptive access policies.
What to know first
- Linux packages require a support contract for access.
- Identity data is stored locally and needs a server-side copy.
- No delegated administration, role definition, approvals, or workflows.
- Community support tickets are public.
Alternatives to Descope Alternatives to Gluu Server The whole list