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 concentrating on credentials, and the rising net of SaaS purposes, holding 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 appears like an limitless recreation of catch-up. The problem isn’t nearly safety — it’s about discovering the proper IAM device that really works with out including complexity to each day operations.

In the event you’re a safety chief, IT supervisor, or enterprise decision-maker, discovering the greatest id and entry administration software program on your group can really feel overwhelming. With so many choices promising hermetic safety and seamless integration, how are you aware which one actually delivers? 

I’ve carried out all this analysis, so that you don’t should. I spoke with IAM specialists, reviewed G2 studies, and gathered insights from my very own IT and safety staff (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 really stand out for safety, scalability, and value.

Whether or not you’re upgrading your IAM technique or trying to decide on the main id and entry administration platform for the primary time, this information will enable you discover the very best match on your group.

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

With out IAM, managing person entry is like handing out keys to an workplace and dropping observe of who has them or the place they’re getting used. It’s what retains that chaos in test.

IAM protects entry, whereas operational threat administration software program helps handle the dangers tied to these identities throughout the enterprise. It controls who will get entry to what, when, and the way securely, so IT groups can implement safety insurance policies, stop unauthorized entry, and cut back threat with out turning each login try right into a help ticket.

I’ve researched my fair proportion of IAM software program in all sizes and shapes, from cloud-focused ones to on-premises options and from extremely customizable methods for big 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 concerning the steadiness between safe person authentication, granular entry controls for implementing the least privilege, and easy integration with present methods.

And the stakes are solely getting greater. The worldwide IAM market is projected to achieve $41.52 billion by 2030 from $15.93 billion in 2022. 

Do you know? On common, companies report ROI on IAM investments in 14 months, in response to G2 Knowledge.

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

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

• Robust authentication with out friction: Authentication needs to be strong, but it surely shouldn’t create pointless complications. If logging in appears like a chore, customers will take shortcuts — reusing passwords, writing them down, or bypassing safety altogether. I regarded for IAM options that provide multi-factor authentication (MFA) past the fundamentals, with choices like biometric verification, passwordless login, and adaptive authentication that adjusts safety necessities primarily based on threat. Single sign-on (SSO) was one other huge issue because it reduces login fatigue whereas sustaining safety. Threat-based authentication additionally stood out — options that analyze habits, location, and system to set off extra safety when wanted scored greater on my record.
• Granular entry controls and role-based administration: It’s not nearly who can log in — it’s about what they’ll entry as soon as inside. IAM options that provide robust role-based entry management (RBAC) made the reduce, permitting IT groups to handle permissions at scale with out manually adjusting each person’s entry. I additionally checked out instruments with attribute-based entry management (ABAC), which considers context like system kind, location, and login habits to make smarter entry selections. Simply-in-time entry was one other characteristic that stood out, limiting high-privilege entry solely when it’s completely needed, lowering long-term publicity to delicate methods.
• Integration with present 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 methods 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 laws, IAM isn’t only a safety device — it’s a compliance requirement. I targeted on options that provide built-in audit logs, detailed compliance reporting, and governance options like entry evaluations 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: A great IAM answer ought to develop with the enterprise, not maintain it again. I evaluated how effectively these instruments help hybrid IT environments and whether or not they provide multi-tenant help for enterprises managing a number of subsidiaries or divisions. API-driven customization was one other key issue — organizations want IAM methods 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 truly use it. I regarded for IAM options that provide 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 continuously unlock accounts simply because somebody forgot a password. The very best options cut back friction whereas nonetheless implementing robust safety insurance policies.

After checking every device 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.

Whether or not you are on the lookout for the very best id administration device with multi-factor authentication, or the very best IAM software program for securing distant workforces, there is a device beneath. 

The record beneath accommodates real person evaluations from the IAM software program class. To be included on this class, an answer should:

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

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

From what I’ve seen in G2 evaluations, Microsoft Entra ID (previously Azure Energetic Listing) is commonly highlighted as one of many main id and entry administration platforms, largely because of its deep integration into the Microsoft ecosystem. Many customers admire how seamlessly it really works with different Microsoft companies like Azure, Dynamics 365, Intune, and Energy Platform.

I’ve observed that G2 customers incessantly point out how Entra ID comes included at no extra value if your organization is already utilizing Microsoft companies. This built-in help for MFA, limitless SSO throughout SaaS apps, fundamental reporting, and self-service password modifications is a serious benefit, significantly for companies which are already built-in into the Microsoft setting.

From my analysis, I’ve discovered that Entra ID’s robust authentication and safety controls stand out to many IT professionals. The power to implement versatile conditional entry insurance policies, particularly when paired with Intune for endpoint administration, is commonly praised as a complete answer for unified entry management.

I’ve seen a number of G2 customers specific their appreciation for conditional entry, which permits IT groups to tailor safety insurance policies primarily based on person habits, location, and threat ranges. This performance is very valued as a result of it helps steadiness safety with usability, prompting MFA for unrecognized gadgets whereas permitting trusted gadgets to entry assets with minimal friction.

One characteristic that customers incessantly name out is Entra Join, which permits seamless integration of on-premises Energetic Listing with Entra ID. I’ve learn a number of evaluations from organizations transitioning to the cloud who discover this significantly useful for simplifying entry administration throughout each cloud and on-premises infrastructures.

That being stated, setup and configuration are widespread ache factors I famous amongst G2 reviewers, particularly for companies with combined IT environments. A number of reviewers word the time and complexity required to get every little thing operating easily, significantly when migrating from non-Microsoft setups.

Licensing prices was one other recurring theme in G2 suggestions I noticed. Whereas Entra ID provides a free tier, customers usually point out that the extra superior safety features, similar to these below id safety, governance, and privileged entry administration, are solely obtainable in higher-tier licenses like Entra ID P2.

From my evaluation, small companies usually battle with the price of premium licensing regardless of needing superior options. Many G2 customers have shared that determining which Entra ID tier most closely fits their wants might be difficult when balancing safety and compliance necessities.

General, regardless of the challenges, I’ve seen a basic consensus that Microsoft Entra ID is a strong IAM answer. For big organizations deep in Microsoft, it’s usually the reply to “which id entry app is greatest for enterprises?”

What I dislike about Microsoft Entra ID:

• From what I noticed, establishing Entra ID isn’t precisely a easy trip. G2 customers who aren’t in Microsoft’s ecosystem took some additional effort and time to get every little thing configured correctly.
• Based mostly on my analysis, licensing value is one other ache level. G2 customers report that the free tier covers the fundamentals, however 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 unfamiliar with Microsoft merchandise will face difficulties in understanding the mixing 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 Evaluation, Sahil C.

From what I’ve seen in G2 evaluations, JumpCloud is commonly praised for being a versatile, cloud-first IAM answer designed for organizations shifting away from conventional on-prem id administration.

Many customers admire its capacity to handle identities throughout a number of platforms, together with Home windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux, all from a single platform. This open listing method permits it to combine seamlessly not solely with Azure or Energetic Listing but additionally with Google Workspace, AWS, and different third-party SaaS apps, making it an interesting selection for multi-cloud and hybrid setups.

I’ve observed that G2 customers spotlight JumpCloud’s all-in-one platform, which mixes IAM, cellular system administration (MDM), listing companies, and endpoint safety. This integration makes managing customers, gadgets, and safety insurance policies from a single platform significantly enticing to IT groups juggling a number of working methods. Many customers report important time financial savings and streamlined operations due to this unified method.

From a usability standpoint, I’ve seen a number of evaluations commending JumpCloud for its clear and user-friendly interface. Customers discover the onboarding course of easy, and the power to simply deploy SSO and MFA throughout the group is extremely valued.

One characteristic that’s incessantly talked about in G2 suggestions is JumpCloud’s intensive information base, which incorporates step-by-step tutorials and movies. Many customers admire this useful resource for making setup and implementation simpler. Moreover, JumpCloud’s buyer help receives constructive evaluations for being dependable and responsive when points come up.

Nevertheless, some G2 customers do level out sure lacking options. As an example, the dearth of self-service for account unlocks implies that IT groups should manually help customers who’re locked out, which might develop into cumbersome. Distant help is one other space the place some customers word points, because it’s seen as considerably clunky and in want of enchancment.

I’ve additionally seen a number of G2 evaluations point out that JumpCloud’s MDM capabilities, whereas helpful, could not present the identical stage of granular management and automation present in different MDM options, particularly in Apple-heavy environments. Customers managing massive fleets of gadgets, significantly Apple gadgets, usually really feel that JumpCloud doesn’t fairly match as much as specialised MDM options like Jamf.

Regardless of these drawbacks, I consider JumpCloud’s fundamental energy is its unified method to IAM, listing companies, and MDM.

It provides an all-in-one answer that works effectively for small and medium companies, regardless that it’d come at a better worth level than standalone enterprise-grade IAM or MDM options. That’s why I contemplate JumpCloud among the best IAM options for mid-sized tech corporations juggling a number of platforms. For organizations on the lookout for an built-in platform, JumpCloud stays a strong choice. 

What I dislike about JumpCloud:

• I’ve discovered that self-service account unlocks are lacking, that means IT should step in each time a person is locked out, which different IAM options usually enable customers to deal with on their very own.
• I’ve additionally learn that distant help feels clunky, and MDM, whereas useful, doesn’t present the identical granular management and automation as instruments like Jamf, particularly for Apple-heavy environments.

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 Evaluation,  Gangadhara S. 

Okta is among the most versatile and scalable IAM options, particularly for organizations requiring robust safety and superior authentication. Like JumpCloud, it’s vendor-neutral and works effectively in multi-cloud environments and with complicated SaaS integrations.

I’ve observed that Okta integrates seamlessly with instruments like Microsoft, Google Workspace, and AWS, making SSO, adaptive authentication, and automatic person provisioning easy throughout a variety of purposes.

From a person expertise standpoint, I’ve discovered Okta’s interface intuitive for each IT groups and finish customers. It’s incessantly praised for providing one of many smoothest SSO experiences.

I additionally worth that Okta helps third-party MFA and token suppliers and its personal built-in MFA, giving corporations the flexibleness to combine no matter works greatest for them. The customizable SSO portal is one other characteristic that stands out for simplifying app administration.

In the case of dealing with scale, Okta is commonly seen as the highest id administration service for startups aiming to develop quick with out safety bottlenecks.

Nevertheless, from what I’ve learn on G2, pricing could be a barrier for smaller companies and startups, as Okta provides a la carte pricing, which might add up rapidly when a number of companies are wanted.

I’ve come throughout evaluations the place customers talked about that establishing Okta might be difficult. Configuring insurance policies, settings, and integrations takes effort and time, which was overwhelming for some G2 reviewers. Whereas Okta offers good documentation and help, fine-tuning every little thing for optimum safety and automation nonetheless requires a substantial funding of time.

What I dislike about Okta:

• From what I noticed, the setup isn’t precisely fast. Okta is highly effective, however getting every little thing configured takes time. Many G2 reviewers reported that there are a whole lot of settings to fine-tune, and the educational curve was steep.
• G2 reviewers point out the pricing as a draw back. For my part, it may also be a problem for smaller companies. With a minimal $1,500 annual contract, it might really feel out of attain for startups or small IT groups that solely want a number of core options.

What G2 customers dislike about Okta: 

 “Okta is pricey and unsuitable for smaller companies. Pricing plans are a la carte and complicated. Configuring directories and person synchronization will take a whole lot of time and effort.” 

– Okta Evaluation, Qual A. 

What I dislike about Salesforce Platform:

• From what I’ve learn, configuring Salesforce Id might be time-consuming. G2 customers point out that there are lots of settings and integrations to handle, making onboarding extra complicated.
• I’ve come throughout suggestions that processes might be sluggish, particularly with massive datasets or complicated workflows. Whereas not a serious difficulty, slower response instances can concern some customers.

What G2 customers like about Salesforce Platform: 

“As a person, what I do not like about Salesforce is that it is extremely costly, particularly for small companies and startups. As a developer, when you’re coping with massive quantities of information, the studies and dashboard can run slowly, and generally, the governor restrict can limit the complicated operation.”

– Salesforce Platform Evaluation, Dhruv G.

I’ve observed that G2 customers usually reward Cisco Duo for its simple method to safety. Many reviewers spotlight its simplicity and effectiveness, particularly relating to MFA, SSO, and adaptive authentication.

In contrast to some IAM instruments that really feel overloaded with pointless options, Duo stands out for holding issues targeted and straightforward to handle, which is a constant theme in person suggestions.

From what I’ve seen, adverse suggestions tends to deal with the educational curve of different IAM platforms. A number of customers have expressed that Duo is far simpler to make use of than different IAM instruments, which frequently have steep studying curves. Duo’s ease of use is incessantly talked about, with customers appreciating its easy interface and its flexibility by way of integration with varied purposes and platforms.

I’ve come throughout suggestions on G2 round Duo’s offline entry. Many customers have identified that its offline performance is proscribed, which might be an inconvenience in sure situations. Whereas Duo provides robust core options, some customers really feel this side could possibly be improved for higher flexibility in offline environments.

I’ve learn a number of reviewers point out struggles with the person interface and design. Whereas the system is useful, many G2 customers consider the UI could possibly be extra intuitive and trendy. This suggestions means that whereas Duo is efficient, its design could possibly be a barrier for customers who worth a extra streamlined, user-friendly expertise.

Regardless of these challenges, many G2 customers discover Duo to be a strong selection for organizations searching for dependable MFA and SSO options.

For small IT groups, Duo usually emerges as the very best IAM software program for small companies because of its free tier and straightforward deployment. Customers admire the chance to check Duo’s options with as much as 10 customers without charge, giving smaller groups or startups an inexpensive choice to implement safe entry controls. 

What I dislike about Cisco Duo:

• Based mostly on my research of G2 evaluations, offline authentication in Duo is proscribed, which could be a drawback for customers in low-connectivity areas or frequent vacationers.
• I’ve observed that the UI feels outdated, and plenty of G2 customers counsel a refresh to make it extra trendy and intuitive, particularly for IT groups dealing with massive deployments.

What G2 customers dislike about Cisco Duo: 

“The setup of on-line and offline might be complicated for finish customers. Additionally, if time desyncs, it turns into an enormous drawback.”

– Cisco Duo Evaluation, Jonathan M.

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

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

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