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Keel vs ZenStack
Keel provides a backend platform with built-in services, while ZenStack focuses on schema-first modeling and auto-generated CRUD with fine-grained access control.
KeelThe backend for your apps, the tools for your teams
ZenStackBuild scalable web apps with minimal code Which to pick
Pick Keel if you want…
- Code-first backend with built-in internal tools
- Backend-as-a-service platform
- Integrations with VSCode extension (on Keel's list, not ZenStack's)
Pick ZenStack if you want…
- Secure, schema-first data modeling with auto-generated CRUD
- Integrations with TypeScript (on ZenStack's list, not Keel's)
Side by side
- What it is
- Keel:Keel provides a code-first backend platform with instant internal tools, schema-driven APIs, and full-stack operations features.
- ZenStack:ZenStack is an open-source DSL on top of Prisma that adds schema-first modeling, type-safe ORM and built-in access control with auto-generated APIs.
- Best for
- Keel:Code-first backend with built-in internal tools
- ZenStack:Secure, schema-first data modeling with auto-generated CRUD
- Who it’s for
- Keel:Engineers building operational backends and internal tools for fast-moving teams
- ZenStack:Full-stack developers building TypeScript apps who need secure, scalable data layers.
- Pricing
- Keel:Contact sales
- ZenStack:Open source
- Open source
- Keel:Yes
- ZenStack:Yes, 2,947 GitHub stars
- Works with
- Keel:VSCode extension
- ZenStack:TypeScript
Keel features
- Schema-driven data model. Define data models, actions, and permissions in a clear schema that generates APIs and internal tools.
- TypeScript extensions. Write custom functions, jobs, and durable functions in TypeScript with full type safety.
- Version-controlled environments. Create multiple environments, branch deployments, and PR previews with audit trails.
- Built-in testing framework. Generate type-safe end-to-end tests from the schema for actions, functions, and jobs.
- Instant internal tools. Automatically generate UI tools for ops teams that stay in sync with schema changes.
- Serverless infrastructure. Managed, multi-region PostgreSQL and serverless runtime scales from first to millionth user.
ZenStack features
- Schema-first modeling. Define a concise, expressive data model using a DSL compatible with Prisma schema.
- Type-safe ORM with access control. Provides a type-safe ORM that enforces row-level and column-level security rules.
- Automated secure CRUD service. Generates a full CRUD API automatically, respecting defined access policies.
- Framework-agnostic integration. Works with any front-end framework or deployment platform you choose.
- Modern data browser & editor. Includes a UI for browsing and editing data directly from the schema.
Keel vs ZenStack FAQ
Is Keel or ZenStack free?+
ZenStack is free and open source.
Is Keel or ZenStack open source?+
Yes, both are open source: Keel (teamkeel/keel on GitHub) and ZenStack (zenstackhq/zenstack on GitHub, MIT license).
Do Keel and ZenStack integrate with the same tools?+
Their integration lists don't overlap: Keel lists VSCode extension; ZenStack lists TypeScript.
On DevHunt
Based on each tool's website and DevHunt data. Details may change; check the official sites.