# Microsoft Entra ID vs YubiKey Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that Microsoft Entra ID excels in providing a comprehensive solution for managing user identities and access across Microsoft platforms. Users appreciate features like **single sign-on** and **multi-factor authentication** , which enhance security and streamline user experience.
- **Users say** that YubiKey stands out for its **reliability and simplicity** in daily use. Once set up, authentication is described as fast and consistent across devices, making it a favorite for those who prioritize ease of access.
- **Reviewers mention** that Microsoft Entra ID's intuitive layout significantly reduces training time for staff, with many highlighting the **easy setup process** once the initial agent is installed. This user-friendly approach is particularly beneficial for organizations managing hybrid environments.
- **According to verified reviews** , YubiKey is praised for its **ease of use** and ability to provide multiple access options with a single key. Users find it particularly effective for enhancing security in organizational settings.
- **G2 reviewers highlight** that while Microsoft Entra ID has a higher overall satisfaction score, YubiKey's users rate its **quality of support** slightly higher, indicating that YubiKey may offer more responsive assistance when issues arise.
- **Users report** that Microsoft Entra ID's robust features for **conditional access** and **privileged identity management** make it a strong choice for larger organizations, while YubiKey's focus on hardware token-based authentication appeals to smaller businesses looking for straightforward security solutions.



| | Microsoft Entra ID | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.5 out of 5 | 4.7 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 908 | 35 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Mid-Market (39.9% of reviews) | Small-Business (36.4% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | Free | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Microsoft Entra ID

Pros:
- Ease of Use (129 reviews)
- Security (122 reviews)

Cons:
- Complexity (56 reviews)
- Expensive (53 reviews)

### YubiKey

Pros:
- Security (10 reviews)
- Ease of Use (7 reviews)

Cons:
- Complex Setup (5 reviews)
- Difficult Learning (4 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Microsoft Entra ID | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 9.2 (712 reviews) | 9.4 (30 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.8 (717 reviews) | 8.5 (31 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.6 (440 reviews) | 8.1 (19 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.8 (395 reviews) | 8.6 (14 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.7 (652 reviews) | 8.9 (20 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 9.0 (382 reviews) | 9.5 (14 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 9.4 (692 reviews) | 8.4 (29 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

### YubiKey

#### 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 | 269 |
| **YubiKey** | N/A | N/A |

#### Authentication Options

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **Authentication User experience** | 9.1 (237 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 | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 |
| **YubiKey** | N/A | N/A |

#### User on/off Boarding

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 |
| **YubiKey** | 8.7/10 | 15 |

#### Authentication type

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **SMS-Based** | 8.1 (160 reviews) | Feature Not Available | 
| **Voice-Based Telephony** | 7.3 (141 reviews) | Feature Not Available | 
| **Email-Based** | 8.5 (155 reviews) | Feature Not Available | 
| **Hardware Token-Based** | 7.9 (140 reviews) | 9.0 (10 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Software Token** | 8.8 (162 reviews) | Feature Not Available | 
| **Biometric Factor** | 8.7 (162 reviews) | 9.7 (5 reviews) | 
| **Mobile-Push** | 8.9 (170 reviews) | Feature Not Available | 
| **Risk-Based Authentication** | 8.5 (151 reviews) | Feature Not Available | 

#### Functionality

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **Multi-Device Sync** | 8.9 (170 reviews) | 8.5 (9 reviews) | 
| **Backup** | 8.6 (166 reviews) | 6.9 (7 reviews) | 

#### Implementation

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **Easy Setup** | 8.8 (192 reviews) | 9.2 (13 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **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 |
| **YubiKey** | N/A | N/A |

#### Access Control

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | 

### Biometric Authentication

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Microsoft Entra ID** | N/A | N/A |
| **YubiKey** | N/A | N/A |

#### Integration

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **Uses Open Standards** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Mobile SDK** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Workforce Authentication** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Customer Authentication** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Administration

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **Encryption** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Audit Trails** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Regulatory Compliance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Privileged Access Management (PAM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Microsoft Entra ID** | 9.1/10 | 102 |
| **YubiKey** | N/A | N/A |

#### Administration

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **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** | 8.5/10 | 120 |
| **YubiKey** | 9.0/10 | 8 |

#### Functionality

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **FIDO2-compliant** | 8.7 (86 reviews) | 9.7 (5 reviews) | 
| **Works with hardware security keys** | 8.8 (93 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Multiple authentication methods** | 9.1 (113 reviews) | 8.3 (7 reviews) | 
| **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 | 317 |
| **YubiKey** | N/A | N/A |

#### Functionality

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 (265 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Authentication** | 9.4 (259 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-factor authentication** | 9.3 (263 reviews) | Not enough data | 

####  Type

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **On-premises solution** | 8.6 (207 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Cloud-solution** | 9.3 (243 reviews) | Not enough data | 

####  Reporting

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **Adaptive & Contextual Access Control** | 9.3 (32 reviews) | Not enough data | 

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

| Feature | Microsoft Entra ID | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **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 (2):** [Passwordless Authentication Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/passwordless-authentication), [Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/multi-factor-authentication-mfa)

**Unique to Microsoft Entra ID (5):** [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), [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), [Single Sign-On (SSO) Solutions](https://www.g2.com/categories/single-sign-on-sso)

**Unique to YubiKey (1):** [Biometric Authentication Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/biometric-authentication)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Microsoft Entra ID | YubiKey | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 23.1% | 36.4% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 39.9% | 30.3% | 
| **Enterprise** | 37.0% | 33.3% | 

### By Industry

#### Microsoft Entra ID

- **Information Technology and Services:** 26.1%
- **Computer Software:** 9.6%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 6.5%
- **Financial Services:** 4.6%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 2.8%
- **Higher Education:** 2.5%
- **Banking:** 2.2%
- **Automotive:** 1.8%
- **Retail:** 1.8%
- **Management Consulting:** 1.6%
- **Other:** 40.7%

#### YubiKey

- **Computer & Network Security:** 15.6%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 15.6%
- **Computer Software:** 9.4%
- **Financial Services:** 9.4%
- **Chemicals:** 6.3%
- **Industrial Automation:** 6.3%
- **Animation:** 3.1%
- **Civil Engineering:** 3.1%
- **Education Management:** 3.1%
- **Government Administration:** 3.1%
- **Other:** 25.0%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Microsoft Entra ID

- [JumpCloud](https://www.g2.com/products/jumpcloud/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (3968 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)
- [Okta](https://www.g2.com/products/okta/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1226 reviews)
- [Cisco Duo](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-duo/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (514 reviews)
- [IBM Verify CIAM](https://www.g2.com/products/ibm-verify-ciam/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (182 reviews)
- [1Password](https://www.g2.com/products/1password/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1791 reviews)
- [Ping Identity](https://www.g2.com/products/ping-identity/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (115 reviews)
- [Auth0](https://www.g2.com/products/auth0/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (264 reviews)
- [LastPass](https://www.g2.com/products/lastpass/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (2043 reviews)

### Alternatives to YubiKey

- [Cisco Duo](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-duo/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (514 reviews)
- [RSA SecureID](https://www.g2.com/products/rsa-secureid/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (111 reviews)
- [Google Authenticator](https://www.g2.com/products/google-authenticator/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (577 reviews)
- [LastPass](https://www.g2.com/products/lastpass/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (2043 reviews)
- [Twilio Verify](https://www.g2.com/products/twilio-verify/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (68 reviews)
- [1Password](https://www.g2.com/products/1password/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1791 reviews)
- [Keeper Password Manager](https://www.g2.com/products/keeper-password-manager/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1196 reviews)
- [NordPass Business](https://www.g2.com/products/nordpass-business/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (641 reviews)
- [Plivo](https://www.g2.com/products/plivo/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (746 reviews)
- [BlackBerry UEM](https://www.g2.com/products/blackberry-uem/reviews) — 3.8/5 stars (376 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..."

### YubiKey

- Title: [Is yubico open source?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-yubico-open-source) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Yubico offers open source software libraries and tools, such as the Yubico Authenticator and the YubiHSM 2 SDK, which are available on GitHub under various..."

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