| Website | cerbos.dev |
| Category | Authorization |
| License | Open Source (Apache-2.0) |
| Pricing | Free open-source core; paid Cloud and Enterprise plans with usage-based or subscription pricing. |
Overview
Cerbos separates authorization from application code with declarative policies, SDKs, and a scalable decision engine.
Pros
- Declarative policy-as-code model
- Strong separation of authorization from app logic
- Good SDK support for common stacks
- Suitable for microservices and modern architectures
- Clear auditability of policy decisions
Cons
- Initial policy modeling can feel abstract
- Less mature than some enterprise IAM incumbents
- Advanced enterprise features may require paid plans
- Learning curve for teams new to policy engines
Verdict
Cerbos is a strong choice for teams that want centralized, maintainable authorization without embedding complex rules in application code. It is especially useful for API-heavy products and microservices. The main trade-off is the need to invest time in policy design and tooling adoption.
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