Microsoft Active Directory
5.4#18 in public key infrastructure softwareFrom $1,176 a monthWindows
VisitMicrosoft Active Directory vs OpenCA PKI
OpenCA PKI
7.4#4 in public key infrastructure softwareFree planFree planWebLinuxmacOSSelf-hosted
VisitWhat both publish
| Fact | Microsoft Active Directory | OpenCA PKI |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1975 | 1998 |
Microsoft Active Directory plans
- Windows Server 2025 Standard$1,176 a month
- Windows Server 2025 Datacenter$6,771 a month
- Windows Server pay-as-you-go$33.58 a month
OpenCA PKI plans
- OpenCA PKIFree
Pick Microsoft Active Directory if…
Active Directory suits organizations managing identities and access in Windows Server environments. It fits deployments needing Kerberos or NTLM single sign-on and smart-card MFA.
Pick OpenCA PKI if…
It suits organizations that need to run their own certificate authority and PKI on Linux, macOS, or a self-hosted web setup. Teams should be prepared to install its named prerequisites and work with limited, partly outdated documentation.