Overview
Kastra and Patch serve fundamentally different purposes in the security landscape. Kastra is a runtime authorization layer for AI agents, designed to enforce policies on every action an AI takes before it executes. It targets developers and enterprises deploying AI systems, offering sub-millisecond decision latency and compliance certifications. Patch, on the other hand, is a personal security app for Mac and iPhone, aimed at individuals who want to manage their online security without technical complexity. It checks for breaches, scams, and data broker exposure, and provides step-by-step guidance to fix issues.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Kastra | Patch |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Runtime authorization for AI agents | Personal security center for individuals |
| Target Audience | Developers, platform teams, enterprises | Individual consumers, non-technical users |
| Deployment | Cloud, self-hosted, air-gap; integrates with coding agents | Mac and iPhone apps; no account needed |
| Key Capabilities | Sub-ms policy decisions, audit trail, human checkpoints, Recon | Breach checks, password checks, scam detection, data broker removal, credit freeze guidance, 2FA setup |
| Integration | Works with Claude Code, Cursor, Codex, OpenClaw, Anthropic SDK, OpenAI SDK; supports TS, Python, Go, Rust, Java, Swift | Native macOS and iOS; syncs between devices |
| Pricing Model | Free tier for solo developers; enterprise custom | Free tier; paid plans from $1.99/mo; one year free promo |
| Security & Compliance | SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR, EU AI Act, FedRAMP prep; signed audit logs | No account, no server storage; passwords never leave device; Apple notarized |
| User Interface | Control plane dashboard with real-time decision traces | Simple, guided UI with home security center and AI advisor |
Pricing
Kastra: Offers a free tier for solo developers, with enterprise pricing likely custom based on usage and deployment. Specific pricing details are not publicly listed, but the free tier includes a Local Edge agent and OpenAI-compatible proxy.
Patch: Has a free tier with basic breach and password checks. Paid plans: Patch $1.99/mo or $19.99/yr, Premium $3.99/mo or $39.99/yr, Family $6.99/mo or $69.99/yr. One year free through August 8, 2027, after which the free tier remains.
Pros and Cons
Kastra
Pros:
- Sub-millisecond latency for real-time authorization
- Comprehensive compliance certifications (SOC 2, ISO 27001, etc.)
- Supports multiple agent frameworks and languages
- Includes Recon for auditing past agent actions
- Human checkpoints for sensitive actions
Cons:
- Complex setup for non-technical users
- Pricing not transparent for enterprise
- Requires integration with existing AI infrastructure
Patch
Pros:
- Extremely easy to use, even for non-technical people
- No account or server storage, ensuring privacy
- Affordable pricing with a generous free tier
- Covers a wide range of personal security needs
- AI advisor powered by Claude for guidance
Cons:
- Limited to Mac and iPhone (no Windows/Android)
- No enterprise or team features
- Does not address AI agent governance
Verdict
Choose Kastra if you're a developer or enterprise needing to enforce security policies on AI agents in production, with sub-millisecond latency and compliance. Choose Patch if you're an individual looking for a simple, private, and affordable way to manage personal online security on Apple devices.