Top 10 Okta competitors and alternatives

Identity and access management may not be a hot topic for every team at your company, but for IT admins tasked with security, it’s a critical framework of policies and processes to implement, regardless of business size. Think of it as the backstage pass system for your company's digital assets. Especially if you bear in mind that around 70% of companies still rely on the risky combination of username + password to protect their data.

Now, you've probably heard of Okta. They're like the headliner in the world of access management, but here's the thing—just because a tool is a big name, doesn't mean it's the best fit for every business. In fact, there's a whole lineup of robust alternatives that rival Okta's feature set and functionality.

Whether you're a startup, a growing mid-size company, or a large enterprise, there's likely an identity and access management solution out there that's tailor-made for your needs.

To help you choose tech that best serves your business, we're going to take you on a tour of Okta alternatives that could potentially save you money, streamline your operations, and make your IT team breathe a sigh of relief.

What is Okta?

Okta is a cloud-based identity and access management (IAM) platform that's been a major player in the field since 2009.

At its core, Okta helps businesses manage and secure user authentication across various applications, both cloud-based and on-premises. It acts as a central hub for user identities, streamlining and automating access while maintaining security.

In 2021, Okta acquired Auth0, an identity and access management platform that provides secure, scalable authentication and authorization solutions for web, mobile, and legacy applications. It helps developers easily implement features like single sign-sn (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and user management to protect their apps and users.

Key benefits of Okta

Let’s take a look at why users may prefer Okta:

1. Okta's SSO allows your team to access multiple apps with just one set of credentials, simplifying the login workflow and reducing password fatigue.
2. Okta secures your data by adding extra layers of verification, such as biometrics or one-time codes, providing robust protection against unauthorized access.
3. With detailed audit trails and reports, Okta helps businesses stay compliant with various regulations, making audits and reporting more manageable.
4. Okta automates the workflows of user administration and access control from account creation to deletion, helping with efficient user management, from onboarding to offboarding.

Drawbacks of using Okta

That said, there are some downsides to using Okta, like the following:

1. Setting up Okta can be challenging and often requires specialized IT expertise or consultants, which may not be ideal for all businesses, especially smaller teams.
2. Some actions in Okta cannot be carried out in bulk, which can be an obstacle for large teams and enterprise companies.
3. Okta's pricing structure can be expensive, particularly for smaller businesses or those requiring advanced features.

Okta alternatives for identity and access management

Whether you're looking for something more budget-friendly, easier to implement, or just a better fit for your unique business needs, this lineup of Okta competitors has got you covered.

1. Rippling

Rippling isn't just another IAM solution—it's a full-stack, cloud-based HR and IT management platform for global teams that puts identity at the core of your business operations. It unifies HR, device management, inventory management, endpoint security, and third-party apps to create a single source of truth for all your user identities.

Rippling’s solution restricts user access to only the data and systems they need, which minimizes the risk of unauthorized access. To ensure additional security, Rippling tracks user activity across your systems and provides  visibility into potential security threats and enables quick response.

Key features:

• Centralized identity management with a unified HRIS and IdP
• Dynamic access controls based on hundreds of user attributes
• Automated user lifecycle management from onboarding to offboarding
• Built-in password manager for secure credential sharing
• Simplified management of diverse authentication and authorization protocols (from LDAP and AD to OIDC, RADIUS, and custom SCIM and SAML apps)

Benefits:

• Centralized management of all things IT in a single place
• Airtight security without sacrificing usability
• Customizable workflows and triggers for API calls
• User data in sync across systems
• Total visibility into your digital ecosystem
• Over 600 pre-built integrations with tools like Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom, Zendesk, Asana, and many more

What makes Rippling a good alternative for Okta?
As an Okta alternative, Rippling stands out by offering more than just IAM, but its features are sure on par with Okta. It's a comprehensive solution that tackles HR, payroll, and device management alongside robust identity controls. This integrated approach eliminates silos, reduces administrative overhead, and provides a level of automation and insight that traditional IAM solutions can't match.

2. OneLogin

OneLogin offers a comprehensive identity and access management solution designed to secure and centralize applications, devices, and end-users in one platform. As a cloud-based service, OneLogin provides robust security features while maintaining ease of use.

Key features:

• SSO for cloud and on-premises apps
• MFA with SmartFactor Authentication
• Advanced Directory synchronization across multiple sources
• Identity lifecycle management for automated user provisioning
• Extensive app catalog with 6,000+ pre-built integrations

Benefits:

• Easy setup and fast implementation
• Support for both employees and external users
• A scalable authentication and authorization solution
• Unified access across cloud and on-premises apps

What makes OneLogin a good alternative for Okta?

As an Okta alternative, OneLogin offers competitive pricing and a breadth of functionality that rivals more expensive solutions. Its focus on ease of use, coupled with strong service and support, makes it an attractive option for organizations looking to simplify their IAM strategy without compromising on security.

3. JumpCloud

JumpCloud offers a comprehensive open directory platform that centralizes identity and access management across all resources, users, and devices. It provides a single, secure identity for users to access virtually any IT resource, from devices and applications to cloud infrastructure and networks.

Key features:

• SSO for SAML and OIDC-based applications
• MFA with JumpCloud Protect
• Automated identity lifecycle management
• Conditional access policies for dynamic access control
• Open integration capabilities for unified identity management

Benefits:

• Simplified credential management and enhanced security
• Open directory platform for seamless integration with existing tools and systems
• Adaptable to evolving organizational needs
• Zero Trust security model that verifies every access attempt regardless of location or network

What makes JumpCloud a good alternative for Okta?

As an Okta alternative, JumpCloud offers a more holistic approach to identity management. It goes beyond traditional IAM solutions by incorporating device management and network access control into a single platform. With this unified approach, JumpCloud can significantly reduce the complexity and costs associated with managing multiple point solutions.

4. Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD)

Microsoft offers two solutions for teams looking to boost security across systems and devices: Intune and Entra ID (formerly Azure AD).

Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based unified endpoint management (UEM) solution that primarily focuses on comprehensive device and application management across various platforms. Microsoft Entra ID provides unified identity and access management across the cloud, offering seamless user experiences and robust security features.

As part of Microsoft's Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) suite, Intune and Entra ID work together to provide an enterprise-level alternative to Okta for companies seeking integrated device management and security both on cloud and on premise.

Key features:

• Cross-platform device management (Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Linux)
• Mobile application management
• App protection policies
• Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 ecosystem
• Remote assistance capabilities

Benefits:

• Risk-based conditional access policies
• High accessibility for users thanks to SSO and third-party integrations
• Scalable solution for organizations of all sizes
• Ability to isolate company data from personal data on unmanaged devices

What makes Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Entra ID good alternatives for Okta?

Intune provides a more comprehensive endpoint management solution alongside identity and access management. It offers stronger device management capabilities, making it particularly suitable for companies prioritizing a holistic approach to device security. Microsoft Entra ID may also be a more cost-effective solution for businesses currently invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.

5. miniOrange

MiniOrange is a security platform that provides several IAM features that improve security for employees, customers, and partners. It offers secure and seamless access to applications and services across various industries, including finance, healthcare, government, retail, and education. 

Key features:

• SSO and adaptive MFA for enhanced security and safe access
• Identity Brokering for seamless integration with third-party IDPs
• Privileged Access Management (PAM) to control high-level access
• User Lifecycle Management for automated onboarding and offboarding

Benefits:

• Highly skilled support engineers
• Works for OAuth integration
• Simple to install and use; clean and useful interface
• Integrations with over 6,000 applications, such as WordPress, Atlassian, Salesforce, Microsoft Office 365, and more

What makes miniOrange a good alternative for Okta?

MiniOrange is a cost-effective alternative to Okta. It offers strong security features, extensive app integrations, and high customization. With 24/7 global support and a focus on robust MFA and PAM options, it's ideal for businesses of all sizes. 

6. Duo Security

Duo Security, a part of Cisco, is an MFA and access security solution known for its simplicity and effectiveness in protecting against unauthorized access. It offers some IAM features, although it’s not a full-stack IAm system. 

Key features:

• Adaptive access controls based on user roles, devices, and locations
• Device trust verification and health monitoring
• Duo Passport for secure access across trusted devices
• Risk-based authentication and complete device visibility

Benefits:

• Ease of use
• 24/7 customer support
• Works seamlessly on iOS and Android
• Integrations support protocols like SAML, LDAP, RADIUS, and more

What makes Duo Security a good alternative for Okta?

Duo is a good alternative to Okta for companies that aren’t looking for a full-fledged solution,   but an easy-to-use tool with strong security features, especially in phishing-resistant MFA, SSO, and device trust. Duo integrates smoothly with many other tools, provides adaptive access controls, and is often more affordable than Okta.

7. Ping Identity

Ping Identity is a comprehensive identity management platform designed to simplify and secure access across various industries. It offers best-in-class tools for user registration, onboarding, SSO, MFA, and identity governance and supports over 6,500 orchestrated capabilities with 350+ connectors.

Key features:

• User registration, onboarding, and profile management with drag-and-drop integrations
• SSO and MFA
• Orchestration tools for customizable identity flows
• Flexible deployment options and extensive IAM standards support

Benefits: 

• Provides multiple solutions for SaaS users
• Flexible and API-based approach
• A scalable authentication and authorization solution

What makes Ping Identity a good alternative for Okta?

Ping Identity offers greater customization, flexibility, integration capabilities, and scalability, which makes it a strong alternative to Okta, particularly for businesses looking to modernize legacy systems and implement advanced IAM strategies like Zero Trust.

8. RSA

RSA is a trusted identity security provider for some of the world’s most security-sensitive organizations. It offers robust identity management, authentication, authorization, access, and governance solutions. This platform delivers automated identity intelligence powered by AI, helping organizations detect threats and respond in real-time. It offers industry-leading security with 99.99% availability and supports over 60 million identities across various environments. 

Key features:

• A comprehensive platform for MFA, SSO, directory services, and access management on the cloud
• Support for hybrid and on-premises environments
• On-premises products that balance strong security with convenient authentication
• Tools to manage secure access and reduce the identity attack surface
• Compliance throughout the user lifecycle

Benefits:

• Integrations with hundreds of technology partners like Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and IBM
• Real-time threat investigation across data from multiple sources via analytics feature
• Available in mobile and desktop app

What makes RSA a good alternative for Okta?

RSA is a strong alternative to Okta, particularly for organizations with high-security needs. It excels in automated identity intelligence and governance, which makes it ideal for government, financial services, and healthcare industries that require rigorous security and compliance. RSA provides a comprehensive and secure access management solution with AI-powered threat detection and broad integration capabilities.

9. SecureAuth

SecureAuth is an advanced identity and access management (IAM) platform that prioritizes security without compromising user experience. It offers AI-driven, context-aware authentication and authorization solutions tailored for workforce and customer identity needs.

Key features:

• Adaptive authentication that adjusts based on user context and risk levels
• AI/ML-driven behavioral risk modeling for proactive threat detection
• Passwordless authentication options to enhance security and user convenience
• Identity orchestration to automate and coordinate identity processes across systems

Benefits:

• SSO to streamline access across multiple applications
• Adaptive authentication and AI-driven risk modeling for improved user experience
• Integrates with Microsoft, AWS, and popular cloud services
• Easily customizable

What makes SecureAuth a good alternative for Okta?

SecureAuth offers more advanced adaptive authentication and AI-driven threat detection, providing a more tailored and proactive approach to identity security. Its focus on passwordless authentication and real-time risk assessment makes it a stronger choice for organizations needing top-tier security and a seamless user experience.

10. CyberArk

CyberArk is a leading identity security platform that specializes in privileged access management and comprehensive identity protection. It offers a robust suite of solutions designed to secure and manage digital identities across diverse IT environments, including on-premises, cloud, and hybrid infrastructures.

Key features:

• Privileged Access Management (PAM)
• SSO and MFA
• Endpoint Privilege Security
• Identity lifecycle management

Benefits:

• Advanced protection for high-risk privileged accounts
• Comprehensive security across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments
• Intelligent privilege controls and just-in-time access
• Over 300 out-of-the-box integrations

What makes CyberArk a good alternative for Okta?

As an alternative to Okta, CyberArk provides a more specialized focus on securing privileged accounts and managing secure access across various IT environments. CyberArk is also particularly well-suited for organizations with complex security requirements or those in highly regulated industries.

Streamline your identity and access management with Rippling

While Okta has long been a leader in the identity and access management space, innovative alternatives like Rippling are emerging as strong competitors, offering granular access controls across user lifecycle and a holistic approach to global workforce management.

Rippling stands out as a particularly compelling Okta alternative, thanks to:

• Integration of identity management with HR and IT systems, which makes it an all-in-one global workforce management platform)
• One-click automated user provision and deprovision across 600+ apps
• Unified identity management for Mac, Windows, and cloud platforms
• Integrated monitoring tools that provide detailed compliance reports and audit trails
• Total visibility into your device and user data
• Hyper-custom triggers for advanced workflows
• User-friendly interface 

For companies looking to streamline IAM workflows while gaining deeper insights and control over their workforce, Rippling presents an innovative, end-to-end alternative to traditional solutions like Okta.

FAQs

Why should I consider identity and access management software for my company?

Think of identity and access management (IAM) as your digital bouncer. It keeps the good guys in and the bad guys out! IAM software streamlines user authentication, strengthens security, and saves you from the nightmare of password post-it notes.

What makes Rippling a great competitor to Okta?

Rippling isn't just an Okta alternative; it's a whole new ball game. It’s an all-in-one HR, IT, and payroll management platform with advanced IAM features. Rippling links identity across systems, giving you granular visibility and control, not just over user access to company systems, but also the physical devices employees use. It also automates user provisioning and deprovisioning across 600+ apps and enables role-based access depending on employee’s department, location, and employment type.

What are the best Okta alternatives for small businesses?

For small businesses looking to dip their toes in the IAM pool without breaking the bank, Rippling could be the ideal go-to solution, given that it’s the only platform that also allows you to manage HR and payroll for your team.

You could also consider like JumpCloud or MiniOrange. They offer robust features at wallet-friendly prices.

What is the Microsoft equivalent of Okta?

The Microsoft equivalent of Okta is Entra ID, formerly known as Azure AD. It's Microsoft's cloud-based identity and access management service, which provides features like SSO, MFA, and user management. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, Azure, and other cloud services, offering secure access to both on-premises and cloud-based apps.

This blog is based on information available to Rippling as of August 27, 2024.

Disclaimer: Rippling and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide or be relied on for tax, accounting, or legal advice. You should consult your own tax, accounting, and legal advisors before engaging in any related activities or transactions.