Active Directory

Directory service in Windows Server that stores users, groups and computers and authenticates them over Kerberos and LDAP. A closed product from Microsoft.

Side by side

2 open source alternatives to Active Directory
Tool	Fit	Stars	Licence	Terms	Self-hosted	Language	Latest	Last push
FreeIPA	Full replacement	1.3k	GPL-3.0	Open source	Yes	Python	4.13.2	2026-10-06
LLDAP	Partial	6.5k	GPL-3.0	Open source	Yes	Rust	v0.6.3	2026-09-26

Every alternative

2 alternatives

FreeIPA Full replacement

Mirror of FreeIPA, an integrated security information management solution

LDAP directory, Kerberos, DNS and a CA for Linux fleets, with trusts to Active Directory domains.

Language: Python
Licence: GPL-3.0
Stars: 1.3k
Latest: 4.13.2
Last push: 2026-10-06

LLDAP Partial

Light LDAP implementation

Users and groups over LDAP for self-hosted apps, without Kerberos, group policy or domain joins.

Language: Rust
Licence: GPL-3.0
Stars: 6.5k
Latest: v0.6.3
Last push: 2026-09-26

Head to head

FreeIPA vs LLDAP

About Active Directory

Vendor: Microsoft

Active Directory website ↗