CyberArk vs Teleport -- PAM & Identity Compared

CyberArk vs Teleport

Teleport takes a fundamentally different approach from CyberArk by providing identity-based, zero-trust access to infrastructure without traditional credential vaulting. While CyberArk excels in comprehensive PAM for regulated enterprises, Teleport appeals to cloud-native organizations that want to eliminate standing credentials entirely and provide developers with seamless access.

The Verdict

Teleport is the top alternative for cloud-native and engineering-driven organizations that want modern, zero-trust infrastructure access without traditional PAM complexity. CyberArk remains essential for enterprises needing comprehensive credential management, deep compliance, and broad identity governance.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureTeleportCyberArk
Access ModelCertificate-based zero-trustCredential vaulting and checkout
SSH AccessNative SSH with short-lived certsPSM proxy-based SSH sessions
Kubernetes AccessNative K8s RBAC integrationK8s access via Conjur and PAM
Database AccessDirect DB access with auto-authDatabase credential management
Session RecordingBuilt-in session recordingAdvanced PSM recording and replay
DeploymentMinutes to deploy, single binaryWeeks to months for full deployment
Open SourceApache 2.0 licensed coreProprietary closed-source
Identity GovernanceBasic RBAC and access requestsFull identity security platform

When to Choose Each Tool

Choose Teleport when:

  • +You want to eliminate VPNs and shared credentials entirely
  • +Your infrastructure is primarily cloud-native and Kubernetes-based
  • +Developer experience and self-service access are top priorities
  • +You prefer open-source solutions with community transparency
  • +You need fast deployment without complex infrastructure setup

Choose CyberArk when:

  • +You need comprehensive privileged credential vaulting and rotation
  • +Traditional PAM compliance requirements drive your decision
  • +You require deep identity governance and certification workflows
  • +Your environment includes significant legacy or on-premises systems
  • +You need the broadest enterprise integration ecosystem

Pros & Cons Comparison

Teleport

Pros

  • +Open-source with transparent security model
  • +Modern, developer-friendly experience
  • +No standing credentials or VPNs required
  • +Strong Kubernetes and cloud-native support
  • +Fast deployment and time-to-value

Cons

  • Less mature in traditional PAM use cases
  • Smaller enterprise feature set than CyberArk
  • Limited identity governance capabilities
  • Community edition has feature limitations

CyberArk

Pros

  • +Industry-leading PAM solution
  • +Comprehensive privilege management
  • +Strong compliance and audit capabilities
  • +Deep enterprise integration ecosystem
  • +Proven in highly regulated industries

Cons

  • Complex deployment and configuration
  • Expensive licensing model
  • Steep learning curve for administrators
  • Legacy architecture in some components
  • Long implementation timelines

CyberArk vs Teleport FAQ

Common questions about choosing between CyberArk and Teleport.

What is the main difference between CyberArk and Teleport?

Teleport takes a fundamentally different approach from CyberArk by providing identity-based, zero-trust access to infrastructure without traditional credential vaulting. While CyberArk excels in comprehensive PAM for regulated enterprises, Teleport appeals to cloud-native organizations that want to eliminate standing credentials entirely and provide developers with seamless access.

Is Teleport better than CyberArk?

Teleport is the top alternative for cloud-native and engineering-driven organizations that want modern, zero-trust infrastructure access without traditional PAM complexity. CyberArk remains essential for enterprises needing comprehensive credential management, deep compliance, and broad identity governance.

How much does Teleport cost compared to CyberArk?

Teleport pricing: Free (Community) / From $20/resource/month (Enterprise). CyberArk pricing: Custom enterprise pricing / From $2/user/month (basic). Teleport's pricing model is per-resource subscription, while CyberArk uses per-user subscription + modules pricing.

Can I migrate from CyberArk to Teleport?

Yes, you can migrate from CyberArk to Teleport. The migration process depends on your specific setup and the features you use. Both platforms offer APIs that can facilitate automated migration. Consider running both tools in parallel during the transition to ensure zero downtime.

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