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# AWS Directory Service vs Microsoft Entra ID Comparison - What are their main differences?

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AWS Directory ServiceMicrosoft Entra ID[+ Add Product](#)

Pricing

**AWS Directory Service**
No pricing available

**Microsoft Entra ID**
Free Trial

**Free** · Azure Active Directory Free

**Free** · Office 365

**$6.00** 1 User Per Month · Azure Active Directory Premium P1

**$9.00** 1 User Per Month · Azure Active Directory Premium P2

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**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Perceived Cost

**AWS Directory Service**
Not enough reviews yet

**Microsoft Entra ID**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**AWS Directory Service**
Not enough reviews yet

**Microsoft Entra ID**
13%

Uncover valuable pricing insights from real user feedback to improve your shopping experience.
See it for free

Time to Implement

**AWS Directory Service** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**Microsoft Entra ID** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

Return on Investment

**AWS Directory Service** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**Microsoft Entra ID** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**Pros & Cons**
from reviews

**AWS Directory Service**
Not enough data

**Microsoft Entra ID**

Ease of Use (129)

Security (122)

Complexity (56)

Expensive (53)

Integrations

**AWS Directory Service**
[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_cacdec8b8edeace9b3c89e0c2cded695/amazon-ec2.jpg "Product Avatar Image")

Amazon EC2

](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-ec2/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_cacdec8b8edeace9b3c89e0c2cded695/amazon-elastic-container-service-amazon-ecs.jpg "Product Avatar Image")

Amazon Elastic Container...

](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-elastic-container-service-amazon-ecs/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_504423766e296a0eeef13491cb738385/amazon-fsx.png "Product Avatar Image")

Amazon FSx

](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-fsx/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_b3390b4cc3d92e87d570895f7358c003/aws-identity-and-access-management-iam.jpg "Product Avatar Image")

AWS IAM

](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-identity-and-access-management-iam/reviews)[
View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-directory-service/integrations)

**Microsoft Entra ID**
[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_aa32fa23598dc6c153bb17435c1c1d13/activedirectory-domain-controller-for-windows-2016.png "Product Avatar Image")

ActiveDirectory Domain...

](https://www.g2.com/products/activedirectory-domain-controller-for-windows-2016/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_5a7938ffd6497884772dc39786f9e1e2/adobe-analytics.png "Product Avatar Image")

Adobe Analytics

](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-analytics/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_e8556e2066b427bbe86f729effc6bef0/azure-kubernetes-service-aks.png "Product Avatar Image")

Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)

](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-kubernetes-service-aks/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_2ac0e7b10e1efb64107026cb2b241d53/azure-pipelines.jpg "Product Avatar Image")

Azure Pipelines

](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-pipelines/reviews)[
View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-entra-id/integrations)

Screenshots

**AWS Directory Service**
No screenshot available

**Microsoft Entra ID**
 ![Microsoft Entra ID screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/196921/AAD.jpg)

**Ratings**
from reviews

Meets Requirements

**AWS Directory Service**

**8.9** /10

Based on 14 responses

**Microsoft Entra ID**

**9.2** /10

Based on 716 responses

Ease of Use

**AWS Directory Service**

**8.6** /10

Based on 14 responses

**Microsoft Entra ID**

**8.8** /10

Based on 722 responses

Ease of Setup

**AWS Directory Service**

**9.3** /10

Based on 10 responses

**Microsoft Entra ID**

**8.6** /10

Based on 445 responses

Ease of Admin

**AWS Directory Service**

**8.9** /10

Based on 9 responses

**Microsoft Entra ID**

**8.8** /10

Based on 399 responses

Quality of Support

**AWS Directory Service**

**8.5** /10

Based on 11 responses

**Microsoft Entra ID**

**8.7** /10

Based on 655 responses

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**AWS Directory Service**

**9.0** /10

Based on 8 responses

**Microsoft Entra ID**

**9.0** /10

Based on 385 responses

Product Direction (% positive)

**AWS Directory Service**

**9.2** /10

Based on 14 responses

**Microsoft Entra ID**

**9.4** /10

Based on 693 responses

**Features**
ratings from reviews

User Provisioning and Governance Tools

Not enough data

**8.9** /10

Based on 94 responses

Single Sign-On (SSO)

Not enough data

**8.9** /10

Based on 273 responses

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Not enough data

**8.4** /10

Based on 213 responses

Uncover more feature rated insights from real users to improve your shopping experience.

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Cloud Directory Services

Not enough data

**8.8** /10

Based on 205 responses

Privileged Access Management (PAM)

Not enough data

**9.1** /10

Based on 102 responses

Passwordless Authentication

Not enough data

**8.6** /10

Based on 120 responses

Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Not enough data

**9.0** /10

Based on 325 responses

User Insights

**Reviewers' Company Size**

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
16.7%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
55.6%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
27.8%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
16.7%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
55.6%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
27.8%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
22.8%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
40.4%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
36.8%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
22.8%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
40.4%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
36.8%

**Reviewers' Industry**

[![AWS Directory Service](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1528476471/aws-directory-service.svg "AWS Directory Service")](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-directory-service/reviews)
AWS Directory Service

Utilities
11.1%

Financial Services
11.1%

Computer Software
11.1%

Consulting
5.6%

Telecommunications
5.6%

Other
55.6%

[![Microsoft Entra ID](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a8a99a96fda235658139f710592f8a53/microsoft-entra-id.svg "Microsoft Entra ID")](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-entra-id/reviews)
Microsoft Entra ID

Information Technology and Services
26.3%

Computer Software
9.5%

Computer & Network Security
6.4%

Financial Services
4.5%

Hospital & Health Care
2.9%

Other
50.4%

Alternatives

**AWS Directory Service Alternatives**

 ![JumpCloud](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/fa23ee0364cbcc0d2ea2729498b45992/jumpcloud.svg "JumpCloud")

[
JumpCloud
](/products/jumpcloud/reviews)

 ![Okta](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/fc3b8f792177eb1565971fd0bb450896/okta.svg "Okta")

[
Okta
](/products/okta/reviews)

 ![OneLogin](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565710/onelogin.svg "OneLogin")

[
OneLogin
](/products/onelogin/reviews)

 ![Rippling IT](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/e45591524abb0a8b874bc8ddc14a2b82/rippling-it.svg "Rippling IT")

[
Rippling IT
](/products/rippling-it/reviews)

**Microsoft Entra ID Alternatives**

 ![JumpCloud](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/fa23ee0364cbcc0d2ea2729498b45992/jumpcloud.svg "JumpCloud")

[
JumpCloud
](/products/jumpcloud/reviews)

 ![OneLogin](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565710/onelogin.svg "OneLogin")

[
OneLogin
](/products/onelogin/reviews)

 ![1Password](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/44a92221962a61e97eaf7f9b7327e4fc/1password.svg "1Password")

[
1Password
](/products/1password/reviews)

 ![IBM Verify CIAM](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_86c48d9c3cc2a4a3647453cf9f5be07d/ibm-verify-ciam.jpg "IBM Verify CIAM")

[
IBM Verify CIAM
](/products/ibm-verify-ciam/reviews)

## AWS Directory Service vs Microsoft Entra ID FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 15, 2026

### What is the difference between Microsoft Entra ID vs AWS Directory Service?

Microsoft Entra ID stands out for its higher G2 rating, broader reviewer base, and stronger support for integrations, while AWS Directory Service is favored for its ease of setup and reliability in hybrid AWS environments.

| [Microsoft Entra ID](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-entra-id/reviews) | [AWS Directory Service](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-directory-service/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.5/5 (912 reviews) | 4.1/5 (21 reviews) |
| Mid-Market | Mid-Market |
| 8.6 | 9.3 |
| 8.7 | 8.5 |
| Single Sign-On and Security (all-time mentions: 90 and 122) | Centralized authentication for AWS workloads |

### How do the pricing models of Microsoft Entra ID and AWS Directory Service compare?

Microsoft Entra ID receives more critical feedback on pricing, while AWS Directory Service is viewed as a stronger value by reviewers, reflected in satisfaction scores.

- **Microsoft Entra ID:** In recent reviews, many cite high licensing costs and complex tiering as a drawback, especially for advanced security features.
- **AWS Directory Service:** Reviewers highlight that AWS Directory Service pricing is competitive for managed directory needs, though it may be higher than self-managed AD for very small environments.
- **Switching reasons:** Reviewers mention switching to AWS Directory Service for simplified management and integration with AWS workloads, reducing the need for on-premises domain controllers.

### What are the best alternatives to Microsoft Entra ID and AWS Directory Service?

The top three alternatives to Microsoft Entra ID and AWS Directory Service are JumpCloud, CyberArk Workforce Identity, and OneLogin.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Microsoft Entra ID](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-entra-id/reviews) | 4.5/5 (912 reviews) | Mid-Market | High licensing costs for advanced features | Single Sign-On and Security (all-time mentions: 90 and 122) |
| [AWS Directory Service](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-directory-service/reviews) | 4.1/5 (21 reviews) | Mid-Market | Competitive for managed directory needs | Centralized authentication for AWS workloads |
| [JumpCloud](https://www.g2.com/products/jumpcloud/reviews) | 4.5/5 (4064 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Flexible cloud directory platform |
| [CyberArk Workforce Identity](https://www.g2.com/products/cyberark-workforce-identity/reviews) | 4.5/5 (130 reviews) | Enterprise | — | Enterprise-grade identity security |
| [OneLogin](https://www.g2.com/products/onelogin/reviews) | 4.4/5 (292 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Strong SSO and access management |

### Which Identity and Access Management (IAM) features should I prioritize when comparing Microsoft Entra ID and AWS Directory Service?

Buyers should prioritize Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), integrations, centralized identity management, and security controls when comparing Microsoft Entra ID and AWS Directory Service.

- **Single Sign-On (SSO):** Microsoft Entra ID: 90 all-time mentions; AWS Directory Service: supports SSO for AWS workloads.
- **Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):** Microsoft Entra ID: 61 all-time mentions; AWS Directory Service: supports MFA for AWS environments.
- **Integrations:** Microsoft Entra ID: 80 all-time mentions; AWS Directory Service: integrates with AWS services such as Amazon EC2 and FSx.
- **Centralized Identity Management:** Microsoft Entra ID: 89 all-time mentions; AWS Directory Service: cited for centralized authentication across AWS workloads.
- **Security Controls:** Microsoft Entra ID: 122 all-time mentions; AWS Directory Service: praised for reliability and compliance in AWS environments.

### What are the pros and cons of Microsoft Entra ID vs AWS Directory Service?

Microsoft Entra ID's headline strength is its robust security and SSO capabilities, while AWS Directory Service excels in ease of setup and AWS integration.

- **Microsoft Entra ID strengths:** Security (all-time mentions: 122), Single Sign-On (90), Identity Management (89), Integrations (80), MFA (61), Access Control (55), Easy Management (55).
- **Microsoft Entra ID trade-offs:** Complexity (56), Expensive (53), licensing confusion, and fragmented UI cited in recent reviews.
- **AWS Directory Service strengths:** Centralized authentication for AWS workloads, ease of setup, reliability, and integration with AWS services.
- **AWS Directory Service trade-offs:** Advanced Active Directory administration can be restrictive, limited customization compared to self-managed AD, and higher pricing for very small environments.

### Is Microsoft Entra ID or AWS Directory Service better for small businesses?

Microsoft Entra ID is better suited for small businesses, as reflected by its strong mid-market segment presence and reviewer sentiment on ease of use and integration.

- **Microsoft Entra ID:** Mid-Market segment; reviewers highlight ease of use, centralized management, and strong security as benefits for smaller organizations.
- **AWS Directory Service:** Mid-Market segment; reviewers note its value for organizations already invested in AWS, but mention that pricing may be higher for very small environments.

### Which Identity and Access Management (IAM) platform has better integrations?

Microsoft Entra ID is favored for integrations, with a broader range and higher mention counts in reviews.

- **Microsoft Entra ID:** Integrates with Microsoft 365 (41 all-time mentions) and Okta; 80 all-time mentions for integrations overall.
- **AWS Directory Service:** Integrates with AWS Organizations, Amazon EC2, and Amazon FSx, each with recent review mentions.

### How do Microsoft Entra ID and AWS Directory Service compare on customer support?

Microsoft Entra ID and AWS Directory Service are rated within 0.2 points on Quality of Support, indicating parity in reviewer satisfaction.

- **Microsoft Entra ID:** Reviewers describe support as generally responsive, though some cite slow response times and additional costs for premium support tiers.
- **AWS Directory Service:** Reviewers note reliable support experiences, with positive feedback on AWS handling backups, monitoring, and patching.

### Which is easier to implement, Microsoft Entra ID or AWS Directory Service?

AWS Directory Service scores materially higher on Ease of Setup, with reviewers consistently citing its straightforward deployment and intuitive management console.

- **Microsoft Entra ID:** Reviewers mention a learning curve and complexity in initial configuration, especially for advanced features, but note that setup becomes easier with experience.
- **AWS Directory Service:** Reviewers highlight quick setup, ease of deployment, and minimal administrative overhead as key advantages.

### Which product has better Authentication?

Microsoft Entra ID is the stronger platform for Authentication, with higher reviewer-cited mention counts and satisfaction scores.

- **Microsoft Entra ID:** Authentication is a core strength, with 61 all-time mentions for MFA, 90 for Single Sign-On, and 122 for Security; reviewers highlight robust authentication options including passwordless sign-in and conditional access.
- **AWS Directory Service:** Reviewers cite reliable authentication for AWS workloads and integration with existing Active Directory credentials, but with fewer feature-specific mentions.