OIDC Trumps XML Bloat: Which Self-Host SSO Tool Beats Authelia's YAML Setup?

Post date: March 24, 2026 · Discovered: April 17, 2026 · 3 posts, 28 comments

OpenID Connect (OIDC) is the established standard for modern Single Sign-On (SSO), with users emphatically rejecting SAML due to its verbose, XML-based structure.

The conflict centers on defining 'easiest.' badlotus advocates for Authelia, citing its simple YAML files and Traefik support. Conversely, Chaser pushed Pocket ID for its initial simplicity, but Lemmchen slammed this approach for failing on non-browser clients like Android TV. Authentik and Kanidm are also proposed, with Tinkerer praising Authentik’s documentation, while stratself points to Kanidm for clean OAuth2 scoping.

The consensus favors OIDC protocols over SAML complexity. The major fault line is between Authelia’s documented setup ease and the inherent, sometimes brutal, limitations of Passkey reliance in tools like Pocket ID.

Key Points

SUPPORT

OIDC is vastly superior to SAML.

MrPnut stated OIDC is technically simpler because it uses JWTs rather than convoluted XML namespaces.

SUPPORT

Authelia is recommended for setup simplicity.

badlotus gave it high marks for its guides, especially integrating with Traefik via simple YAML.

OPPOSE

Pocket ID's Passkey dependency creates major hurdles.

Lemmchen warned that Pocket ID's Passkey reliance breaks down for platforms like Android TV.

SUPPORT

Authentik offers good documentation for homelabs.

Tinkerer praised its documentation, and generaldenmark called it manageable despite the learning curve.

SUPPORT

Kanidm is a simple, container-based OAuth2 alternative.

stratself suggested it, noting its clear examples for mapping OAuth2 scopes and groups.

Source Discussions (3)

This report was synthesized from the following Lemmy discussions, ranked by community score.

58
points
Easiest to set up IAM solution? (OIDC, OAuth2, SSO, etc.)
[email protected]·28 comments·3/24/2026·by Lemmchen
24
points
[Project] GitHub - voidauth/voidauth: An Easy to Use and Self-Host Single Sign-On Provider 🐈‍⬛🔒
[email protected]·4 comments·7/12/2025·by notquitenothing·github.com
6
points
What is OAuth?
[email protected]·2 comments·2/21/2026·by cm0002·leaflet.pub