# Microsoft Entra ID vs SAML Single Sign-On Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that Microsoft Entra ID excels in providing a secure and centralized management system for user identities across Microsoft platforms. Users appreciate features like **single sign-on** and **multi-factor authentication** , which enhance security and streamline access management.
- **Users say** that SAML Single Sign-On offers seamless integration of applications, allowing users to access multiple services without the hassle of entering credentials repeatedly. This feature is particularly praised for its efficiency and user-friendliness, making it a solid choice for organizations looking to simplify their login processes.
- **Reviewers mention** that the intuitive layout of Microsoft Entra ID significantly reduces training time for staff, making it easier for teams to adapt to the system. The initial setup is described as straightforward, especially after the agent installation, which is a plus for organizations with limited IT resources.
- **According to verified reviews** , SAML Single Sign-On is recognized for its fast performance and user-friendly interface. Users appreciate its modern features that align well with current trends, making it a suitable option for businesses that prioritize ease of use and quick deployment.
- **G2 reviewers highlight** that while Microsoft Entra ID has a strong focus on security and management capabilities, some users feel it could improve in terms of customization to better fit specific workflows. This feedback suggests that while it is robust, there may be challenges in tailoring it to unique organizational needs.
- **Users note** that SAML Single Sign-On, despite having fewer reviews, maintains a high satisfaction rating, indicating that those who use it find it meets their requirements effectively. However, the lack of recent reviews may suggest a need for more user feedback to gauge its current standing in the market.



| | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.5 out of 5 | 4.7 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 909 | 11 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Mid-Market (40.0% of reviews) | Mid-Market (40.0% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | Free | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Microsoft Entra ID

Pros:
- Security (66 reviews)
- Ease of Use (65 reviews)

Cons:
- Complexity (47 reviews)
- Complex Administration (37 reviews)

### SAML Single Sign-On

**Not enough data**

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 9.1 (713 reviews) | 9.7 (6 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.8 (718 reviews) | 9.4 (6 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.6 (441 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.8 (395 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.7 (653 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 9.0 (382 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 9.4 (693 reviews) | 10.0 (5 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Microsoft Entra ID

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Azure Active Directory Free

Price: Free

Description: The free edition of Azure AD is included with a subscription of a commercial online service such as Azure, Dynamics 365, Intune, Power Platform, and others.

Key Features:
- Partially Included: Authentication, single sign-on and multifactor authentication (MFA)
- Partially Included: Applications Access
- Partially Included: Authorization and Conditional Access

[Browse all 4 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-entra-id/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### SAML Single Sign-On

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Single Sign-On (SSO)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Microsoft Entra ID** | 8.9/10 | 268 |
| **SAML Single Sign-On** | N/A | N/A |

#### Authentication Options

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **Authentication User experience** | 9.1 (236 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Supports Required Authentication systems** | 8.9 (206 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-Factor Authentication** | 9.3 (224 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Supports Required Authentication Methods/Protocols** | 8.8 (209 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Federation/SAML support (idp)** | 8.8 (178 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Federation/SAML support (sp)** | 8.9 (165 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Access Control Types

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **Endpoint access** | 8.9 (202 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Local Access** | 8.9 (196 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Remote Access** | 9.0 (198 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Partner Access** | 8.8 (173 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Supports BYOD users** | 8.8 (172 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Administration

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **Ease of installation on server** | 8.9 (195 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Password Policy Enforcement** | 9.0 (204 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Administration Console** | 8.8 (217 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Ease of connecting applications** | 8.7 (214 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Self Service Password Administration** | 9.0 (200 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Platform

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **Multiple Operating system support** | 8.8 (177 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-Domain Support** | 8.9 (174 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Cross Browser support** | 9.0 (192 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Fail over protection** | 8.8 (169 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting** | 8.9 (188 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Auditing** | 8.7 (187 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Third Party Web Services support** | 8.7 (166 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### User Provisioning and Governance Tools

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Microsoft Entra ID** | 8.9/10 | 92 |
| **SAML Single Sign-On** | N/A | N/A |

#### User on/off Boarding

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **Self Service Access requests** | 8.9 (72 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Smart/Automated Provisioning** | 8.8 (76 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Role Management** | 9.1 (82 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Policy Management** | 9.2 (83 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Access Termination** | 9.0 (80 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Approval Workflows** | 8.9 (71 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 

#### User Maintenance

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **Self Service Password Reset** | 9.0 (77 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Bulk Changes** | 8.5 (74 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Bi-directional Identity Synchronization** | 8.7 (73 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 

#### Governance

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **Identifies and Alerts for Threats** | 9.0 (80 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Compliance Audits** | 8.9 (74 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 

#### Administration

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **Reporting** | 8.7 (81 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Mobile App** | 8.4 (67 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **Ease of set up for target systems** | 8.9 (83 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 
| **APIs** | 8.9 (74 reviews) ✓ Verified | Not enough data | 

### Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Microsoft Entra ID** | 8.4/10 | 212 |
| **SAML Single Sign-On** | N/A | N/A |

#### Authentication type

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **SMS-Based** | 8.1 (160 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Voice-Based Telephony** | 7.3 (141 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Email-Based** | 8.5 (155 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Hardware Token-Based** | 7.9 (140 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Software Token** | 8.8 (162 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Biometric Factor** | 8.7 (162 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Mobile-Push** | 8.9 (170 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Risk-Based Authentication** | 8.5 (151 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Functionality

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **Multi-Device Sync** | 8.9 (170 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Backup** | 8.6 (166 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Implementation

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **Easy Setup** | 8.8 (192 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Mobile SDK** | 8.2 (144 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Web SDK** | 8.1 (132 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Cloud Directory Services

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Microsoft Entra ID** | 8.8/10 | 203 |
| **SAML Single Sign-On** | N/A | N/A |

#### Access Control

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **Role Management** | 9.1 (177 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Access Termination** | 8.7 (166 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Remote Access** | 8.8 (159 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Partner Access** | 8.6 (152 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Administration

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **Smart/Automated Provisioning** | 8.6 (161 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Policy Management** | 8.8 (175 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **On-premise identity repositories supported** | 8.7 (160 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Ease of Connecting Applications** | 8.7 (166 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Functionality

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **SSO** | 9.1 (180 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-Factor Authentication** | 9.2 (184 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Supports Required Authentication systems** | 9.0 (163 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Privileged Access Management (PAM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Microsoft Entra ID** | 9.1/10 | 102 |
| **SAML Single Sign-On** | N/A | N/A |

#### Administration

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **Policy, User, and Role Management** | 9.3 (89 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Approval Workflows** | 8.8 (83 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Automated Provisioning** | 9.0 (87 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Bulk Changes** | 8.6 (84 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Centralized Management** | 9.4 (90 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Self-Service Access Requests** | 9.1 (87 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Functionality

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **Multi-Factor Authentication** | 9.5 (87 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Single Sign-On** | 9.4 (90 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **BYOD support** | 9.1 (77 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Password Vault** | 8.9 (82 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Centralized management** | 9.3 (87 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Role-based security** | 9.3 (88 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Live notifications** | 9.0 (85 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Live session recording & playback** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Hide passwords** | 9.1 (81 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Temporary, time-limited privilege** | 9.2 (81 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Monitoring

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **Audit Logging** | 9.2 (88 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Activity Logging** | 9.2 (88 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Anomaly Detection** | 9.0 (83 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Reporting

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **Audit log** | 9.1 (85 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting** | 9.2 (83 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Passwordless Authentication

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Microsoft Entra ID** | 8.6/10 | 120 |
| **SAML Single Sign-On** | N/A | N/A |

#### Functionality

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **FIDO2-compliant** | 8.7 (86 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Works with hardware security keys** | 8.8 (93 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Multiple authentication methods** | 9.1 (113 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Offline or no-phone solution** | 7.6 (100 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Identity and Access Management (IAM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Microsoft Entra ID** | 9.0/10 | 319 |
| **SAML Single Sign-On** | N/A | N/A |

#### Functionality

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **User provisioning** | 9.0 (246 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Password manager** | 8.7 (199 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Single Sign-on** | 9.3 (269 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Enforces policies** | 9.0 (266 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Authentication** | 9.3 (260 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-factor authentication** | 9.3 (265 reviews) | Not enough data | 

####  Type

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **On-premises solution** | 8.6 (208 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Cloud-solution** | 9.3 (243 reviews) | Not enough data | 

####  Reporting

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **Tracking** | 8.8 (214 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting** | 8.8 (222 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Access & Permission Change Reporting** | 9.7 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Compliance & Audit Trail Export** | 8.7 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Authentication & Authorization - Identity and Access Management (IAM)

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **Adaptive & Contextual Access Control** | 9.3 (33 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Administration & Governance - Identity and Access Management (IAM)

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **Identity Lifecycle Management** | 9.2 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Self‑Service Account Management** | 9.3 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Generative AI - Identity and Access Management (IAM)

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI‑Driven Access Anomaly Detection** | 8.5 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Automated Policy Tuning** | 8.5 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Predictive Role Recommendations** | 9.2 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [Single Sign-On (SSO) Solutions](https://www.g2.com/categories/single-sign-on-sso)

**Unique to Microsoft Entra ID (6):** [Passwordless Authentication Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/passwordless-authentication), [Cloud Directory Services](https://www.g2.com/categories/cloud-directory-services), [Privileged Access Management (PAM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/privileged-access-management-pam), [Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/multi-factor-authentication-mfa), [Identity and Access Management (IAM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/identity-and-access-management-iam), [User Provisioning and Governance Tools](https://www.g2.com/categories/user-provisioning-and-governance-tools)



---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Microsoft Entra ID | SAML Single Sign-On | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 23.1% | 30.0% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 40.0% | 40.0% | 
| **Enterprise** | 37.0% | 30.0% | 

### By Industry

#### Microsoft Entra ID

- **Information Technology and Services:** 26.1%
- **Computer Software:** 9.6%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 6.5%
- **Financial Services:** 4.5%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 2.8%
- **Higher Education:** 2.5%
- **Banking:** 2.2%
- **Automotive:** 1.8%
- **Retail:** 1.8%
- **Management Consulting:** 1.6%
- **Other:** 40.8%

#### SAML Single Sign-On

- **Information Technology and Services:** 40.0%
- **Computer Software:** 30.0%
- **Retail:** 10.0%
- **Oil & Energy:** 10.0%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 10.0%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Microsoft Entra ID

- [JumpCloud](https://www.g2.com/products/jumpcloud/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (3971 reviews)
- [CyberArk Workforce Identity](https://www.g2.com/products/cyberark-workforce-identity/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (130 reviews)
- [OneLogin](https://www.g2.com/products/onelogin/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (290 reviews)
- [IBM Verify CIAM](https://www.g2.com/products/ibm-verify-ciam/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (185 reviews)
- [Okta](https://www.g2.com/products/okta/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1227 reviews)
- [Cisco Duo](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-duo/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (515 reviews)
- [1Password](https://www.g2.com/products/1password/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1795 reviews)
- [Ping Identity](https://www.g2.com/products/ping-identity/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (119 reviews)
- [Auth0](https://www.g2.com/products/auth0/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (267 reviews)
- [LastPass](https://www.g2.com/products/lastpass/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (2047 reviews)

### Alternatives to SAML Single Sign-On

- [Dashlane Password Manager](https://www.g2.com/products/dashlane-password-manager/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (625 reviews)
- [Cisco Duo](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-duo/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (515 reviews)
- [JumpCloud](https://www.g2.com/products/jumpcloud/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (3971 reviews)
- [LastPass](https://www.g2.com/products/lastpass/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (2047 reviews)
- [1Password](https://www.g2.com/products/1password/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1795 reviews)
- [Okta](https://www.g2.com/products/okta/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1227 reviews)
- [Keeper Password Manager](https://www.g2.com/products/keeper-password-manager/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1197 reviews)
- [Rippling IT](https://www.g2.com/products/rippling-it/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (1100 reviews)
- [NordPass Business](https://www.g2.com/products/nordpass-business/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (642 reviews)
- [Frontegg](https://www.g2.com/products/frontegg/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (363 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Microsoft Entra ID

- Title: [How good is Microsoft authenticator app?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-good-is-microsoft-authenticator-app) — 4 comments
  > **Top comment:** "excellent and well trusted"
- Title: [Can Microsoft authenticator app be hacked?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/can-microsoft-authenticator-app-be-hacked) — 3 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Microsoft Authenticator is mostly second part in two factor authentication & then also code is also refreshed every 30 second or notification with limited..."
- Title: [Which is better Google Authenticator or Microsoft authenticator?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-is-better-google-authenticator-or-microsoft-authenticator) — 3 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Microsoft Authenticator "
- Title: [Is Azure Active Directory SaaS or PaaS?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-azure-active-directory-saas-or-paas) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) is primarily a SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) offering provided by Microsoft as a cloud-based identity and access management..."
- Title: [What is Microsoft Azure Active Directory used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-microsoft-azure-active-directory-used-for) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "It is a cloud-based identity and access management service  designed by Microsoft to help organizations manage and secure user identities and access to..."

### SAML Single Sign-On

No discussions available for this product.

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/microsoft-entra-id-vs-saml-single-sign-on)