Okta vs. Microsoft Entra ID — What is Better for Cybersecurity

Explore key differences between Okta and Microsoft Entra ID for cybersecurity. Discover enhanced identity management & network protection.

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Jeff Harms

Reviewed by Jeff Harms

Director, Advisory Services at OCD tech

Updated September, 18

Usability & Integration: Okta vs Microsoft Entra ID

Discover how Okta and Microsoft Entra ID compare on usability and integration for business productivity.

Okta Usability and Integration for Business

Okta offers a remarkably intuitive user experience that simplifies secure logins for employees by enforcing security best practices such as MFA prompts and role-based access, ensuring that security is never compromised for ease of use. Its administrative interface allows IT teams to seamlessly manage critical settings, including conditional access policies and encryption defaults, making setup and ongoing configuration both straightforward and reliable. The platform integrates smoothly with a variety of enterprise solutions like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Slack/Teams, multiple CRM tools, and supports robust SSO, APIs, and automation tools, maintaining rigorous security standards across all integrations. Additionally, Okta’s practical considerations such as smooth migration processes, comprehensive data portability, and secure mobile/desktop access further bolster its reputation as a trusted, all-encompassing identity and access management solution.

Microsoft Entra ID Usability and Integration for Business

 

Microsoft Entra ID offers an intuitive user experience with streamlined and secure access for employees via features like MFA prompts, secure logins, and role-based access, ensuring that security best practices are firmly in place while maintaining ease of use. Its administration is practical and efficient, enabling IT teams to easily configure critical security settings such as conditional access policies and encryption defaults without compromising usability. The platform boasts robust integration capabilities with tools like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Slack/Teams, CRM systems, and other applications via SSO, APIs, and automation tools, effectively closing potential security gaps during data exchange and system interactions. Moreover, migration, data portability, and seamless mobile/desktop use further enhance its appeal by providing secure and consistent access across diverse environments.

 

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Security and Compliance: Okta vs Microsoft Entra ID

See how Okta and Microsoft Entra ID compare on security and compliance, including data protection, regulations, and business trust.

Okta

Data Security & Encryption

Microsoft Entra ID

Data Security & Encryption

Data Protection is a critical aspect of safeguarding sensitive information, and encryption ensures that data remains secure both at rest and in transit. Microsoft Entra ID leverages advanced encryption protocols to protect user data from unauthorized access. The service maintains robust security measures to meet evolving threats, ensuring that data integrity is prioritized at every layer of protection.

Okta

Authentication & Access Control

Microsoft Entra ID

Authentication & Access Control

Authentication and access control are fundamental in verifying user identity and managing permissions across platforms. Microsoft Entra ID employs multi-factor authentication and conditional access policies to enforce strict access controls. These mechanisms reduce potential vulnerabilities by ensuring that only authorized users can access critical resources.

Okta

Compliance & Certifications

Microsoft Entra ID

Compliance & Certifications

Regulatory Compliance and certifications serve as a framework to meet legal and industry standards while safeguarding data privacy. Microsoft Entra ID adheres to a wide range of compliance mandates through regular audits and certifications, providing assurance to organizations regarding its security practices. This adherence not only bolsters confidence but also streamlines the compliance process for businesses operating in regulated environments.

Okta

Incident Response & Reliability

Microsoft Entra ID

Incident Response & Reliability

Incident Response and risk management are essential to quickly mitigate and recover from security incidents. Microsoft Entra ID integrates comprehensive monitoring and automated alerts to detect threats early. In the event of an incident, its robust response protocols and risk management strategies help minimize damage and support rapid recovery.

Cost and Value: Okta vs Microsoft Entra ID

Compare the cost and value of Okta and Microsoft Entra ID to see which offers better pricing, affordability, and long-term benefits.

Okta’s licensing and subscription costs generally range from $2 to $4 per user per month for basic services like Single Sign-On, while advanced features such as Multi-Factor Authentication or Lifecycle Management can push pricing into the $8 to $15 per user per month bracket. It is important to note that these figures can vary based on the service tier and specific organizational needs, so businesses should consider these ranges when planning their budgets. The initial investment in Okta also involves potential hidden costs, including professional setup, employee training, and additional security add-ons that may require extra fees.

From a cybersecurity perspective, the implementation of Okta can lead to significant cost savings by reducing the risks of data breaches or compliance fines—issues that, according to IBM, can exceed $4M per incident. The platform’s robust security features help minimize downtime and mitigate external threats, enhancing overall ROI in a measurable way. Ultimately, while the upfront costs of Okta might seem substantial, the long-term value provided by improved data security and streamlined identity management offers compelling financial and operational benefits.

 

Cost & Value for Microsoft Entra ID

 

Microsoft Entra ID offers a flexible range of licensing and subscription costs designed to suit organizations of different sizes. Typically, the free tier provides essential identity management, while premium plans range from around $6/user/month for basic advanced security to approximately $9/user/month or higher for full-featured, enterprise-grade protection. Organizations should also account for hidden costs such as initial setup, training, and integration of security add-ons that may require additional investment in time and resources.

From a cybersecurity standpoint, investing in Microsoft Entra ID can lead to significant savings by reducing the risk of costly data breaches and compliance fines—breaches that, according to IBM, can exceed $4M in potential damages. The robust security features, including multi-factor authentication and conditional access, help minimize downtime and prevent unauthorized access, ultimately delivering a strong return on investment. Business owners find that streamlined licensing, enhanced protection, and lower long-term risk not only justify the upfront costs but also improve overall operational efficiency.

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Final Recommendation: Okta vs Microsoft Entra ID for Cybersecurity

 

Final Recommendation

 

In the “Okta vs Microsoft Entra ID for cybersecurity” comparison, both solutions offer distinct advantages with Okta delivering exceptional usability and streamlined cloud integrations, while Microsoft Entra ID excels in native integration within the broader Microsoft ecosystem and competitive pricing. Okta is particularly well-suited for businesses prioritizing flexible, user-friendly identity management and rapid deployment across diverse applications. On the other hand, Microsoft Entra ID is a strong candidate for enterprises that require deep integration with Microsoft products and robust security compliance frameworks. The decision largely depends on aligning your identity management strategy with your existing infrastructure and long-term IT goals. Although both tools bring solid security capabilities, the nuances in their operational integrations and cost structures may sway the choice for different organizational profiles. Ultimately, weighing these differences carefully will ensure that your chosen solution offers maximum overall value and a tailored fit for your business needs.

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Read How to Enable MFA on these tools

Enabling MFA is one of the most effective ways to strengthen account security. We’ll walk through how to turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA), making it clear which steps are required and how the user experience compares across the two tools.

How to enable 2FA/MFA on an Okta account?

Learn how to enable 2FA/MFA on your Okta account with this easy step-by-step guide and boost your account security in minutes.

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IT Audit | Cybersecurity | IT Assurance | IT Security Consultants – OCD Tech is a technology consulting firm serving the IT security and consulting needs of businesses in Boston (MA), Braintree (MA) and across New England. We primarily serve Fortune 500 companies including auto dealers, financial institutions, higher education, government contractors, and not-for-profit organizations with SOC 2 reporting, CMMC readiness, IT Security Audits, Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessments. We also provide dark web monitoring, DFARS compliance, and IT general controls review.

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