Java Authentication Libraries
Libraries for Java
GitHub Star Comparison
| No | Name | GitHub Stars | Description | Trend | License | Type | Official Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spring Security | ⭐ 9.3k | Comprehensive security framework for Spring Framework. Industry standard for authentication and authorization with OAuth2, SAML, LDAP support | Maintaining overwhelming share in Java enterprise applications. Continuing growth as core of Spring ecosystem in 2025 | Apache-2.0 | Comprehensive Security | Official |
| 2 | Apache Shiro | ⭐ 4.4k | Lightweight and easy-to-understand Java security framework. Integrates authentication, authorization, cryptography, and session management | Strong support in projects prioritizing simplicity. Continued adoption in less complex applications | Apache-2.0 | Simple Security Framework | Official |
| 3 | pac4j | ⭐ 2.5k | Java security library supporting diverse frameworks. Supports authentication mechanisms including OAuth, SAML, CAS, and OpenID Connect | Expanding adoption valued for framework neutrality. Increasing demand in multi-framework environments | Apache-2.0 | Framework-Neutral Security | Official |
| 4 | Okta Java SDK | ⭐ 152 | Official Java SDK for Okta authentication service. Easy integration with enterprise IDaaS (Identity as a Service) | Growing with expansion of cloud authentication service usage. Increasing demand with corporate digital transformation | Apache-2.0 | IDaaS Integration | Official |
| 5 | Nimbus JOSE + JWT | - | Comprehensive JWT and JOSE implementation library for Java. High-performance solution specialized in JWS, JWE, and JWK processing | High technical evaluation as JWT-specialized library, expanding adoption in microservices environments | Apache-2.0 | JWT/JOSE Library | Official |
| 6 | Keycloak Java Adapter | - | Official Java adapter for Red Hat Keycloak. Enterprise authentication integration compliant with OpenID Connect and OAuth2.0 | Increasing enterprise adoption as open-source authentication infrastructure. Growing with integrated authentication demand in large-scale systems | Apache-2.0 | Identity Provider Client | Official |