JumpCloud vs Kinde — Pricing, Plans, and Verified Costs (2026)
JumpCloud starts at $19/mo. Kinde starts at $25/mo. JumpCloud is $6/mo cheaper on the entry tier than Kinde.
Open directory platform combining identity management (SSO, MFA), device management (MDM for Mac/Windows/Linux), and password management in one tool. Positioned as the SMB-friendly alternative to running Okta + Jamf + LastPass separately. Distinctive for supporting Linux devices natively (rare among MDM tools) and offering a free tier for up to 10 users + 10 devices. Priced modularly ($11-$25/user/mo) or bundled in Platform ($19) or Platform Prime ($25). Popular with 20-500 person tech companies without dedicated IT ops. $2.56B valuation (2021 Series F).
Australian authentication platform positioned as the value alternative to Clerk and Auth0 for founders who want auth + billing + feature flags in one dashboard. Distinctive for its extra-generous free tier (10,500 MAU + billing + feature flags included). Pro $25/mo. Popular with solo founders and small teams shipping SaaS quickly — the 'auth + adjacent tooling' bundle no other provider offers at this price point.
All plans compared
| Tier role | Plan | JumpCloud monthly | JumpCloud annual | Kinde monthly | Kinde annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free / starter | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Entry paid | Device Management / Pro | $11 | $11 | $25 | $25 |
| Mid tier 1 | Core Directory / — | $15 | $15 | — | — |
| Mid tier 2 | Platform / — | $19 | $19 | — | — |
| Pro / power | Platform Prime / Scale | $25 | $25 | $149 | $149 |
| Enterprise | — / Enterprise | — | — | Custom | Custom |
Tier names differ across vendors. Rows are aligned by tier role, not name. Full tier structures on each tool's page.
What each is best for
JumpCloud is worth it if… growing tech companies (10-500 employees) that need identity + device + password management in one tool — particularly if you're running Mac + Linux + Windows without dedicated IT staff. Free covers up to 10 users + 10 devices (real free tier); Core Directory adds unified identity for larger teams; Platform ($19/user) bundles everything (identity + MDM + apps + patching + password manager); Platform Prime ($25) adds 24/7 support and cert management.
Kinde is worth it if… Kinde is the auth-as-a-service alternative to Auth0 and Clerk for developers who want simpler pricing and multi-language SDKs — particularly if Clerk feels too React-focused. Free tier covers up to 10K MAUs; Pro adds SSO and higher limits; Scale for larger orgs; new Plus tier launched 2026 sits between.
Bottom line: Similar positioning, closer to a preference call than a strategic one.
Choose JumpCloud over Kinde if…
Choose JumpCloud if…
- You're comfortable with JumpCloud's from $19/mo entry point.
- You match the profile JumpCloud is built for: growing tech companies (10-500 employees) that need identity + device + password management in one tool — particularly if you're running Mac + Linux + Windows without dedicated IT staff.
- You need a general-purpose developer & infrastructure option rather than a vertical-specific one.
Choose Kinde if…
- You're comfortable with Kinde's from $25/mo entry point.
- You match the profile Kinde is built for: the auth-as-a-service alternative to Auth0 and Clerk for developers who want simpler pricing and multi-language SDKs — particularly if Clerk feels too React-focused.
- You need a general-purpose developer & infrastructure option rather than a vertical-specific one.
At a glance
| JumpCloud | Kinde | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Entry price | $19/mo | $25/mo |
| Enterprise available | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | — | — |
| Verification | Pricing under review | Checked September 25, 2026 |
| Full pricing | View full pricing | View full pricing |
Pricing last verified September 25, 2026. Tracked daily.