5 Finest Identification and Entry Administration Software program I Belief

In my years writing about cybersecurity, I’ve realized one common fact: nobody wakes up enthusiastic about id and entry administration (IAM), however everybody regrets ignoring it.

Between staff reusing weak passwords, phishing makes an attempt focusing on credentials, and the rising internet of SaaS purposes, conserving accounts safe with out irritating customers is less complicated stated than carried out.

Throw in distant work, third-party integrations, and compliance audits into the combination, and it’s no shock that IAM looks like an limitless recreation of catch-up. The problem isn’t nearly safety—it’s about discovering the correct IAM software that truly works with out including complexity to each day operations.

If you happen to’re a safety chief, IT supervisor, or enterprise decision-maker, discovering the finest id and entry administration software program on your group can really feel overwhelming. With so many choices promising hermetic safety and seamless integration, how have you learnt which one really delivers? 

I’ve carried out all this analysis, so that you don’t should. I spoke with IAM specialists, reviewed G2 experiences, and gathered insights from my very own IT and safety group (who’ve seen sufficient unhealthy IAM setups to final a lifetime). After evaluating 15 main IAM options, I’ve narrowed it all the way down to the highest 5 that truly stand out—for safety, scalability, and value.

Whether or not you’re upgrading your IAM technique or selecting an answer for the primary time, this information will enable you discover the very best match on your group.

5 finest id and entry administration software program I like to recommend  

I’ve seen firsthand how essential id and entry administration software program is for companies. With out it, managing consumer entry is like handing out keys to an workplace and shedding observe of who has them or the place they’re getting used.

IAM software program is what retains that chaos in test. It controls who will get entry to what, when, and the way securely, so IT groups can implement safety insurance policies, forestall unauthorized entry, and cut back threat with out turning each login try right into a assist ticket.

I’ve seen my fair proportion of IAM software program in all styles and sizes, from cloud-focused ones to on-premises options and from extremely customizable techniques for giant enterprises to easy choices for rising groups.

From my analysis and conversations with IAM specialists, I’ve realized that the very best IAM software program isn’t nearly safety. It is in regards to the steadiness between safe consumer authentication, granular entry controls for implementing the least privilege, and easy integration with current techniques.

What makes the very best id and entry administration software program: My standards

Based mostly on every thing I’ve realized, right here’s the guidelines I used to guage the highest IAM answer:

• Robust authentication with out friction: Authentication must be strong, nevertheless it shouldn’t create pointless complications. If logging in looks like a chore, customers will take shortcuts—reusing passwords, writing them down, or bypassing safety altogether. I regarded for IAM options that supply multi-factor authentication (MFA) past the fundamentals, with choices like biometric verification, passwordless login, and adaptive authentication that adjusts safety necessities based mostly on threat. Single sign-on (SSO) was one other massive issue because it reduces login fatigue whereas sustaining safety. Threat-based authentication additionally stood out—options that analyze conduct, location, and system to set off further safety when wanted scored larger on my record.
• Granular entry controls and role-based administration: It’s not nearly who can log in—it’s about what they will entry as soon as inside. IAM options that supply robust role-based entry management (RBAC) made the minimize, permitting IT groups to handle permissions at scale with out manually adjusting each consumer’s entry. I additionally checked out instruments with attribute-based entry management (ABAC), which considers context like system kind, location, and login conduct to make smarter entry selections. Simply-in-time entry was one other function that stood out, limiting high-privilege entry solely when it’s completely needed, decreasing long-term publicity to delicate techniques.
• Integration with current safety infrastructure: An IAM system isn’t helpful if it doesn’t match into the broader safety ecosystem. I prioritized options that combine easily with id suppliers like Energetic Listing and Azure AD, in addition to SIEM platforms for real-time authentication monitoring. IAM also needs to join with HR and ITSM techniques for automated provisioning and de-provisioning of accounts—as a result of guide account administration is a recipe for errors and safety gaps.
• Compliance and audit-readiness: For organizations coping with strict rules, IAM isn’t only a safety software—it’s a compliance requirement. I targeted on options that supply built-in audit logs, detailed compliance reporting, and governance options like entry critiques and certification workflows. Assembly trade requirements like SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR was one other main issue. Safety leaders want IAM instruments that don’t simply assist them safe identities but additionally make compliance audits much less of a nightmare.
• Scalability and suppleness for rising organizations: An excellent IAM answer ought to develop with the enterprise, not maintain it again. I evaluated how effectively these instruments assist hybrid IT environments and whether or not they supply multi-tenant assist for enterprises managing a number of subsidiaries or divisions. API-driven customization was one other key issue—organizations want IAM techniques that enable them to automate workflows and combine with different safety instruments as a substitute of forcing a inflexible, one-size-fits-all method.
• Person expertise: IAM safety solely works if individuals really use it. I regarded for IAM options that supply clear, intuitive admin dashboards that IT groups can navigate with out intensive coaching. Self-service password reset was one other main issue—IT groups don’t have time to always unlock accounts simply because somebody forgot a password. The perfect options cut back friction whereas nonetheless implementing robust safety insurance policies.

I needed to guage IAM options from a security-first perspective whereas additionally contemplating how IT groups and staff work together with them each day. After checking every software towards this guidelines and cross-referencing it with professional insights, real-world suggestions, and AI-driven evaluate evaluation, I recognized the highest 5 IAM options.

The record beneath comprises real consumer critiques from the IAM software program class. To be included on this class, an answer should:

• Provision and de-provision of consumer identities.
• Assign entry based mostly on particular person position, group membership, and different components.
• Implement consumer entry rights based mostly on permissions.
• Confirm consumer id with authentication, which can embrace multi-factor authentication strategies.
• Combine with directories that home worker information.

*This information was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some critiques could have been edited for readability.  

In relation to IAM options, Microsoft Entra ID (previously Azure Energetic Listing) is usually one of many first identify that comes up—and for good motive. It’s deeply built-in into the Microsoft ecosystem.

And right here’s what makes it much more interesting in my view. If an organization is already utilizing Microsoft providers like Azure, Dynamics 365, Intune, or Energy Platform, Entra ID comes included at no cost. Which means there’s built-in assist for MFA, limitless SSO throughout SaaS apps, fundamental reporting, and self-service password modifications for cloud customers with none additional price. For companies already within the Microsoft ecosystem, this can be a big benefit.

From my analysis and conversations with IT professionals, Entra ID stands out for its robust authentication, highly effective safety controls, and versatile conditional entry insurance policies. Mix it additional with Intune, Microsoft’s cloud-based endpoint administration answer, we get a sturdy system for unified entry management and endpoint administration.

One among its largest strengths is conditional entry in my view. IT groups love the flexibility to implement safety insurance policies based mostly on consumer conduct, location, and threat stage. This implies customers logging in from an unknown system is likely to be prompted for MFA, whereas trusted customers on managed gadgets can entry assets with out pointless friction. It’s a sensible method that balances safety with usability.

I additionally discovered that we might join on-premise Energetic Listing with Entra ID utilizing Entra Join and simplify entry administration throughout cloud and on-premise. I feel that is significantly helpful for organizations transitioning to the cloud however nonetheless sustaining on-premises infrastructure.

However that stated, there are some drawbacks too. One of many largest challenges I’ve come throughout with Microsoft Entra ID is the setup and configuration course of. If you happen to’re already working a Microsoft-heavy surroundings, issues are inclined to fall into place extra easily. However for corporations with a combined IT infrastructure or these transitioning from a non-Microsoft setup, getting every thing correctly configured can take time. 

Licensing prices are one other factor that stood out to me. Entra ID does include a free tier for those who’re already utilizing Microsoft providers, however the extra superior security measures below id safety, governance, and privileged entry administration are solely accessible in higher-tier licenses like Entra ID P2 or the Suite. That’s the place issues get difficult in my view.

For smaller organizations that truly want these options however don’t have the funds for premium licensing, it may be a tricky name. If you happen to’re searching for a fully-featured IAM answer with out spending additional, you actually should dig into which Entra ID tier matches your safety and compliance wants.

Regardless of these cons, Microsoft Entra ID is a strong IAM to contemplate, particularly if you’re already within the Microsoft ecosystem and are cloud-native.

What I dislike about Microsoft Entra ID:

• From what I noticed, organising Entra ID isn’t precisely a easy trip. If you happen to’re not already locked into Microsoft’s ecosystem, count on some additional effort and time to get every thing configured correctly.
• Based mostly on my analysis, licensing price is one other ache level. Whereas the free tier covers the fundamentals, a few of the options that safety groups really need are locked behind Entra ID P2, which isn’t low-cost.

What G2 customers dislike about Microsoft Entra ID: 

“Customers who should not aware of Microsoft merchandise will face difficulties in understanding the combination of this product, and the identical goes for corporations utilizing non-Microsoft platforms. The price of implementing Microsoft Entra ID could possibly be a priority for low-budget corporations together with this, the businesses that pose challenges in environments with unstable web entry can face issues as a result of Entra ID is cloud-based.” 

– Microsoft Entra ID Overview, Sahil C.

JumpCloud stands out to me as a versatile, cloud-first IAM answer that’s designed for organizations that need to transfer past conventional on-prem id administration.

What I like about it’s that JumpCloud follows an open listing method which provides the liberty to handle identities throughout Home windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux—all from one platform. It doesn’t simply work with Azure or Energetic Listing—it additionally integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace, AWS, and third-party SaaS apps. That makes it a powerful selection for multi-cloud and hybrid setups.

I additionally like that JumpCloud combines IAM with cellular system administration (MDM), listing providers, and endpoint safety right into a single platform. Managing customers, gadgets, and safety insurance policies from one place makes life simpler, particularly for IT groups juggling a number of working techniques.

From a usability standpoint, JumpCloud positively will get my reward for its clear and user-friendly interface. Onboarding new customers is straightforward, and SSO and MFA are straightforward to deploy throughout a company.

One other factor I’ve discovered is that JumpCloud has an intensive data base with step-by-step tutorials and movies. This makes it straightforward to arrange and implement safety insurance policies. And if one thing does go fallacious, buyer assist has a strong status.

Nevertheless, there are some things that may be improved. From what I noticed, some options are lacking, like self-service for account unlocks, which implies IT groups should step in each time a consumer will get locked out. There’s additionally room for enchancment in current options like distant help, which is a bit clunky to work with.

Additionally, from my perspective, JumpCloud does supply MDM, however for those who’re managing a big fleet of gadgets, particularly in Apple-heavy environments, it may not have the identical stage of granular management and automation that Jamf or different MDM supplies.

That stated, I might say JumpCloud’s energy lies in its unified method of integrating IAM, listing providers, and MDM right into a single platform. If you happen to’re searching for an all-in-one answer relatively than a standalone enterprise-grade possibility of IAM and MDM, Jumpcloud remains to be a strong selection, particularly for small and medium companies, even at a better value level.

What I dislike about JumpCloud:

• From my commentary, some options are nonetheless lacking. For instance, I discovered it lacks self-service account unlocks. Each time a consumer will get locked out, IT has to step in, which feels pointless when different IAM options supply self-service choices.
• I additionally assume sure options want enchancment. As an example, distant Help feels clunky, and whereas MDM works, it doesn’t supply the identical granular management and automation as devoted instruments like Jamf.

What G2 customers dislike about JumpCloud:

“Jumpcloud has but to develop superior options like self-service for Account unlocks, Person orchestration, and governance capabilities, that are needed on this period of enterprise safety administration.“

– Jumpcloud Overview,  Gangadhara S. 

From my expertise, Okta is without doubt one of the most versatile and scalable IAM options, particularly for organizations that want robust safety, seamless integrations, and superior authentication controls. Okta can be vendor-neutral—similar to JumpCloud, and I’ve discovered it to be an excellent match for corporations managing multi-cloud environments or dealing with a posh mixture of SaaS purposes that require deep integration and automation. 

One factor that actually impressed me is how effectively Okta integrates with different instruments. Whether or not you’re working Microsoft, Google Workspace, AWS, or managing a lot of SaaS purposes, Okta handles SSO, adaptive authentication, and automatic consumer provisioning effortlessly.

One other space the place Okta shines is consumer expertise. The interface is a breeze to work with for each IT groups and finish customers, and from what I’ve seen, it presents one of many smoothest SSO experiences on the market. 

Whereas it has Okta Confirm as a strong built-in possibility for MFA, I discover it precious that it additionally helps third-party MFA and token suppliers, giving corporations the liberty to combine what works finest for them. I additionally like that Okta presents a user-customized SSO portal. It’s easy and environment friendly and makes managing a number of apps a lot simpler.

Now, there are some downsides. Whereas Okta is filled with enterprise-grade safety and IAM options, I’ve seen that pricing could be a hurdle for smaller companies and startups. Okta presents a la carte pricing, so corporations can decide and select the options they want. For small companies and startups, these prices can add up, particularly when a number of providers are wanted.

Whereas Okta is highly effective, getting it absolutely arrange isn’t straightforward. There are numerous settings, insurance policies, and integrations that want cautious configuration, and the preliminary setup can really feel overwhelming, based mostly on my observations. Undoubtedly, Okta presents good documentation and assist, nevertheless it nonetheless takes effort and time to fine-tune every thing for safety, entry controls, and automation. However as soon as it’s up and working, it’s extremely efficient.

What I dislike about Okta:

• From what I noticed, the setup isn’t precisely fast. Okta is highly effective, however getting every thing configured takes time. There are lots of settings to fine-tune, and the training curve can really feel steep for those who’re new to IAM. As soon as it’s working, it’s nice—however don’t count on to flip a swap and be carried out.
• Price could be a problem for smaller companies, in my view. With a $1,500 annual contract minimal, it may possibly really feel out of attain for startups or small IT groups that solely want a couple of core options.

What G2 customers dislike about Okta: 

 “Okta is dear and unsuitable for smaller companies. Pricing plans are a la carte and complicated. Configuring directories and consumer synchronization will take lots of time and effort.” 

– Okta Overview, Qual A. 

I will be trustworthy and admit right here that once I consider IAM options, Salesforce isn’t the primary identify that involves thoughts. I imply, they’re recognized for his or her buyer relationship administration (CRM) system. That was it for me. However after digging in, I spotted that Salesforce Identification, supplied by way of the Salesforce Platform, is definitely a strong IAM possibility—particularly if your corporation is already working on Salesforce.

It has all of the necessities I’d count on from an IAM answer—SSO, MFA, linked apps, and centralized consumer administration.

Salesforce additionally has App Launcher, which lets customers entry all their enterprise apps, be it Salesforce apps like Salesforce Coud, Mulesoft, Quip, Tableau merchandise or different vendor apps from one place with out logging in individually. Even when the corporate makes use of Energetic Listing for consumer administration, you should use Identification Connect with handle Salesforce accounts.That’s an enormous win for usability and safety, in my view.

I like the extent of management Salesforce supplies over information entry. Utilizing linked apps and OAuth, you’ll be able to outline precisely who sees what, making it straightforward to limit buyer account entry to gross sales and assist groups whereas guaranteeing different departments solely see what they want. Plus, id monitoring providers assist observe and handle who’s accessing techniques, providers, and information, which is a giant win for safety groups searching for higher visibility into consumer exercise.

 I additionally discovered Buyer Identification to be a powerful add-on, particularly for giant companies with hundreds of consumers to trace them throughout all channels. Prospects can self-register, log in, and securely entry apps with a single id. The perfect half is that it’s absolutely customizable to suit an organization’s branding and workflows, making Salesforce not simply an IAM answer but additionally a robust Buyer Identification and Entry Administration (CIAM) and advertising software on the identical time.

Whereas Salesforce Identification has lots going for it, there are a couple of areas the place I see some challenges. Setting every thing up isn’t as simple as you’d expecte—there are lots of configurations, permissions, and integrations to fine-tune, which may make onboarding time-consuming. Not like devoted IAM options like Okta or JumpCloud, that are constructed particularly for id administration, Salesforce Identification is extra like a chunk of a bigger system, so it takes additional effort to get every thing working easily.

Additionally, based mostly on my observations, the platform can really feel sluggish, particularly when coping with massive datasets or advanced workflows. It’s not a dealbreaker, however for those who’re anticipating on the spot entry and quick response occasions on a regular basis, this is likely to be one thing to bear in mind.

After which there’s pricing. For my part, Salesforce Identification is sensible for giant companies and enterprises already invested within the Salesforce ecosystem. However, for small to mid-sized corporations, it may not be probably the most budget-friendly possibility.

My suggestion could be to make use of Salesforce Identification if you’re already closely invested within the platform, particularly if you’re utilizing considered one of Skilled, Enterprise, Limitless, and Efficiency Version of their CRM software program. 

What I dislike about Salesforce Platform:

• To me, getting Salesforce Identification absolutely configured takes time. There are lots of settings to tweak, permissions to handle, and integrations to arrange, which may make onboarding extra sophisticated in comparison with devoted IAM options like Okta or JumpCloud. Efficiency will be gradual –
• As I see it, sure processes really feel sluggish, particularly when working with massive datasets or advanced workflows on Salesforce. So, for those who’re anticipating quick response occasions throughout the board, this is likely to be a ache level.

What G2 customers like about Salesforce Platform: 

“As a consumer, what I do not like about Salesforce is that it is rather costly, espically for small bussiness and startups. As a developer, if you end up coping with great amount of knowledge, the experiences and dashboard can run slowly and generally governor restrict can limit the advanced operation.”

– Salesforce Platform Overview, Dhruv G.

Once I first explored Cisco Duo, I used to be impressed by its simple method to safety. What actually stood out to me is how easy but efficient it’s. MFA, SSO, and adaptive authentication are at their core, and in contrast to some IAM instruments that really feel bloated with options you’ll by no means use, Duo retains issues targeted and straightforward to handle.

What stands out to me is how straightforward Duo is to make use of. Some IAM platforms include a steep studying curve, however Duo retains issues simple based mostly on my analysis. It’s additionally extremely versatile, integrating with a variety of purposes and platforms, which makes deployment much less of a headache—one thing I can’t all the time say for different IAM instruments.

One other cool function is Duo Passport, which makes life simpler for customers by sharing remembered system periods throughout purposes. Which means fewer repeated logins and much less friction for workers who want fast entry to a number of techniques.

What I like probably the most is that Duo presents a free plan, which isn’t one thing you see typically with IAM options. You’ll be able to add as much as 10 customers for free of charge and nonetheless get entry to robust MFA, seamless integrations, and Duo’s free authenticator app. It’s an effective way for small groups or startups to get began with safe entry controls with out worrying about funds constraints. Plus, it allows you to check Duo’s options earlier than committing to a paid plan, which is all the time a plus.

One subject I’ve observed is that its offline entry is proscribed, which will be irritating for customers who must authenticate however don’t have an web connection. I additionally assume there’s room for enchancment in Duo’s UI and design. Whereas it’s purposeful, it could possibly be extra intuitive and trendy. Duo feels a bit utilitarian compared to different platforms. A extra polished interface would make the expertise even higher.

Irrespective of those cons, Cisco Duo is a strong selection for organizations looking for dependable MFA and SSO options with seamless integration capabilities

What I dislike about Cisco Duo:

• Based mostly on my analysis, if a consumer doesn’t have an web connection, Duo doesn’t supply some ways to authenticate, which could be a downside for individuals who journey or work remotely in low-connectivity areas.
• From what I noticed, the UI feels just a little outdated – It really works, nevertheless it’s not probably the most trendy or intuitive interface I’ve seen. A refresh would make the expertise smoother, particularly for IT groups managing massive deployments.

What G2 customers dislike about Cisco Duo: 

“The arrange of on-line and offline will be complicated for finish customers. Additionally, if time desyncs, it turns into a HUGE downside.”

– Cisco Duo Overview, Jonathan M.

Now, there are a couple of extra choices, as talked about beneath, that did not make it to this record however are nonetheless value contemplating, in my view:

• AWS Verified Entry: Finest for securing AWS environments with Zero Belief entry controls.
• Google Cloud Identification: Finest for organizations deep within the Google ecosystem needing seamless IAM.
• Oracle Identification Cloud Service: Finest for hybrid cloud IAM with robust enterprise integrations.
• Rippling: Finest for combining IAM with HR and payroll administration in a single platform.
• IBM Confirm: Finest for AI-driven id safety and superior risk detection.
• SailPoint: Finest for enterprise-level id governance and compliance administration.

Nonetheless on the hunt? Discover our classes of id administration techniques to search out the very best match on your safety wants.