6 Greatest SSO Software program I Tried

Within the pre-single sign-on (SSO) period, I by no means conveniently browsed an utility as I acquired caught in a loop of resetting passwords or recalling safety inquiries to revive entry.However then I acquired pondering. If managing a number of passwords was an uphill process for me, how a lot community bandwidth, server capability, and developer turnaround may it take for corporations to keep up a seamless login expertise? Lots.

Now, with the login comfort purchased by SSO suppliers, I used to be curious to delve into the important thing differentiators of those instruments that permit us to entry a number of techniques with a single login credential.

In case you are within the technique of scouting the best SSO supplier, I’ve listed a private evaluation of the 6 greatest SSO suppliers in 2025 that enhance knowledge safety, scale back breach dangers, and enhance end-user expertise.

Other than my analysis, these greatest SSO suppliers have additionally been rated as prime market leaders in G2 on account of their companies, reminiscent of ease of authentication, encryption, and knowledge privateness. 

Whereas analyzing these SSO suppliers, I paid consideration to numerous components like knowledge safety, community compatibility, {hardware} companies, utility programming interface (API) and software program improvement package (SDK) integration, and id and entry administration (IAM) integration, which streamline authentication protocols and centralize platforms in order that the person can single-click and launch any net or cellular app.

6 greatest SSO suppliers I discovered to
be essentially the most suitable 

In the course of the preliminary evaluation, I spent a while setting distant authentication entry and went into particulars of safety switch protocols like safety assertion markup language (SAML), OAuth, and OpenID Join and their scripting backends to route authentication for numerous crew members and set restoration processes or one-time passwords in the event that they lose entry at any given time. 

As a beginner to the SSO authentication workflow, my primary motto was to learn the way safety protocols change data and ship log-in calls to the backend. I additionally earnestly delved into third-party API distributors or knowledge facilities for one-step ticket decision, service desk alerts, and authentication types like multi-factor authentication, passwordless authentication, cellular verification, and so forth.

Though I’m not an skilled coder, I analyzed the backend of those safety protocols and tried to grasp the porting companies that maintain a key position in making person authentication seamless. As stunned as I used to be with the seamless integration of all these companies within the SSO software program I attempted, I’ve listed options that will ease the workload of dev groups and community engineers. 

What makes an SSO supplier value it, in accordance
to me?

With my expertise, I targeted on two components: enabling multi-app authentication and providing a safe app launch board for customers to provide one-click entry to functions and supply a strong community safety expertise.

While you’re in the course of your search, these are the differentiators that it’s essential to look out for:

• Assist for industry-standard authentication protocols: As I used to be critical about discovering an SSO for elevated safety, I solely shortlisted instruments that supply industry-specific protocols that electronically change packet knowledge with the server and allow safe authentication for biometric matching and multi-app authentication. The presence of safety protocols ensures that your SSO supplier can match into present community infrastructure or ERP tech stack. It additionally permits SSO to combine along with your on-premise or cloud functions and allows smoother server communication.  
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) integration:  I particularly regarded for multi-factor authentication, which permits customers to confirm login credentials throughout a number of gadgets earlier than accessing an utility. Having multi-factor authentication is essentially the most appropriate solution to confirm the id and authority of a person inside your office. It additionally permits you to set multiple password affirmation motion to cut back the danger of fraudulent logins and unauthorized accessibility. All these options combine and assist MFA instruments like Google Authenticator, YubiKey, or Microsoft Authenticator to guard knowledge even when the password is leaked or revealed inadvertently. 
• Listing and id supplier (IdP) compatibility: I additionally checked end-to-end encryption skills with the mixing of person directories like Energetic Listing (AD), Azure AD, Google Workspace, and LDAP-based director,y which offers crew collaboration and process administration options to chop down on additional software program configuration and content material collaboration worries and activate a centralized dashboard to handle all duties and tasks from one platform. I’ve seen organizations battle to combine SSo with present id suppliers, so I ensured the prioritization of person directories throughout the software program suite to get rid of all these worries.
• Position-based and context-aware entry controls: Not each worker wants entry to the login database and finish customers’ passwords, which is why role-based entry management is essential. I looked for SSO suppliers that supply knowledge masking and RBAC to make sure solely approved individuals log in to the system and examine essential knowledge like login classes, passwords, and search historical past. My evaluation targeted on SSO suppliers, which additional segregate worker entry based mostly on job position, person conduct, machine kind, and even geographic location. I all the time would recommend in search of an SSO system that dynamically adjusts authentication necessities, like implementing MFA if a person indicators from an unrecognized machine. 
• Complete audit logging and compliance reporting: I additionally ensured that these instruments present complete companies to deal with IT audits and authorized compliance administration to record out app consumption, exercise time, and different necessary metrics for total IT and safety administration within the group. I additionally checked the validity of requirements like GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2 to enlist instruments that abide by native, state, and federal legal guidelines and rules and register all their enterprise investments in a clear approach with the federal government. 
• Scalability and integration with cloud or on-prem functions: My primary concern was in search of SSO instruments that combine with cloud and on-premise functions from a centralized app launch board. It’s attainable that some options may be too cloud-centric and would not match within the on-prem ERP system for corporations. Additional, it additionally permits for bigger knowledge storage and cross-compatibility for inside stakeholders to entry a number of platforms in a safe method and conduct their day-to-day operations with out juggling passwords.
• Cell machine compatibility and adaptive authentication: I additionally prioritized SSO that may sync with cellular gadgets and generate multi-factor authentication codes simply so as to add an additional layer of safety to person accounts. Setting cellular push notification triggers or one-time password (OTP) actions improves knowledge safety and assures the tip person that their knowledge is protected and defended towards any unwarranted malware assaults. 

Whereas analyzing SSO software program, I understood that just a little prior coding and technical background is critical to set a number of integrations or activate safety protocols.

Throughout my testing, I attempted to stipulate round 40+ instruments, out of which I completely examined and analyzed 7+ instruments to set safe SSO workflows and construct agile authentication processes for improved privateness.

This record under incorporates real opinions from the sport engine class web page. To be included on this class, software program should:

• Permit customers to entry a number of functions or databases by way of one portal.
• Automate authentication to forestall a number of logins
• Centralize authentication servers throughout functions.
• Present safe entry to functions and knowledge 
• Combine login entry to enterprise functions.

*This knowledge was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some opinions might have been edited for readability.  

1. Microsoft Entra ID 

Microsoft Entra ID offers full id and entry administration companies and complete safety protection to authenticate customers and launch SSO with out spending an excessive amount of time in programming with SpringBoot performance.

Should you run a enterprise or deal with IT operations in a fast-paced atmosphere, you know the way essential it’s to have a safe authentication system. Microsoft Entra ID eased the workflows on my plate.

What I beloved about this instrument is the way it simplified entry management whereas including layers of safety to guard your finish person’s knowledge. With single sign-on (SSO), I can handle entry to a whole bunch of functions, whether or not they’re Microsoft apps, third-party SaaS instruments, and even inside enterprise apps, with out setting a number of passwords.

I additionally wish to point out “conditional entry,” which actually offers a notch greater safety to SSO operations. I can outline insurance policies that solely grant entry if sure situations are met. For instance, if the person logs in from a trusted machine or requires multi-factor authentication when accessing a high-risk utility, I can allow the entry.

One other function that makes the instrument stand aside is id safety. It makes use of AI-driven threat detection to watch person conduct and flag any suspicious exercise, like unimaginable journey logins or leaked credentials. Mix that with Privileged Identification Administration (PIM), which lets me grant admin rights solely when completely vital, and I really feel like I’ve actual management over safety as an alternative of simply reacting to issues.

That being mentioned, it is not all excellent. I might be sincere: the preliminary setup is just a little overwhelming if you’re new to Azure or id administration normally. 

I discovered that Microsoft Documentation is fairly well-researched and thorough, nevertheless it has a studying curve. In case your group is not deep into the Home windows working system or Microsoft 365, configuring this instrument may be just a little little bit of an issue.

Whereas Entra affords a free tier, a lot of the superior options said above can be found solely on paid plans, particularly P1 and P2.  Should you function on a decent organizational price range, it could get just a little dear. In case you are critical about safety and automation, it could be value investing in, nevertheless it wants some prior contemplation.

Total, Microsoft Entra allows glitch-free and distant person authentication for a number of techniques with single key entry and connects your day-to-day frequent apps to streamline your tasks and keep abreast of all of the updates.

What I dislike about Microsoft Entra:

• In case you are part of a system with just a few community assets, configuring and setting Microsoft Entra may appear just a little bit complicated and time-consuming. 
• After I tried to sync it with an iOS machine for single sign-on, I discovered the deployment course of a bit complicated and lengthy. 

What do G2 customers dislike about Microsoft Entra:

“Microsoft Entra ID has confirmed to be a dependable and environment friendly platform for Spring Boot improvement. Its seamless integration, complete documentation, and supportive neighborhood make it a superb alternative for Spring Boot builders.”

– Microsoft Entra Assessment, Sneha D.

2. Okta 

Okta is an all-in-one safety administration and productiveness instrument that helps you remotely handle frequent net utilitys and entry any app you want with a single click on. It additionally affords extra options for instantaneous ticket decision, workflow automation and different integrations with productiveness directories.

Okta made it seamless for me to entry work functions, cloud platforms, and enterprise techniques with out always typing in passwords. 

One of many issues I wish to name out is how nicely it integrates with different person directories and different apps. Whether or not I’m coping with AWS, Google Workspace, or older enterprise functions, Okta all the time has an integration that is able to go.

It helps requirements and domains like SAML, OAuth, and SCIM, so even when my firm makes use of a mixture of old-school on-prem and cloud instruments, Okta stays suitable and allows easy SSO workflows.

Safety is one other space the place Okta has confirmed actually environment friendly. It affords a rock-solid MFA function, giving choices like Okta Confirm (the authenticator app), SMS codes, instantaneous notifications on cellular gadgets, and so forth.

However Okta does have some ebbs and flows every now and then. Whereas the platform is helpful, setting it up could be a problem typically. 

Firms with distant or hybrid settings want an extra machine in order that they’ll log in and entry their work accounts, which may trigger an issue in case the machine is unavailable.

However having mentioned that, Okta is likely one of the most effective and safe SSO instruments that provides end-to-end knowledge safety and eases the troubles of finish customers.  

What I dislike about Okta:

• I’ve observed occasional efficiency lags when I attempt to sign up to the Okta utility, and it additionally does not work nicely if we’ve got restricted on-line connectivity.
• To totally perceive Okta’s potential, I felt I wanted to verify some prior tutorials and studying materials.

What do G2 customers dislike about Okta:

“One factor is the dearth of troubleshooting steps or information when Okta encounters technical points.”

– Okta Assessment, Eli M.

3. Salesforce Platform

Salesforce Platform is a pioneer in providing low-code improvement, knowledge administration, and cloud internet hosting companies to enhance person accessibility, knowledge safety, and AI-based productiveness monitoring.

One of many greatest wins with Salesforce is how seamlessly it integrates along with your organizational ERP. It connects with Gmail, LinkedIn, third-party apps, and even instruments you did not understand you wanted.

Should you handle orders, the Salesforce Order Administration System affords companies for the whole order-to-cash lifecycle. It streamlines all the things, from stock checks to fee processing to cargo monitoring, and all of that is additionally managed through single sign-on.

I additionally could not get sufficient of customization choices. It allowed me to tailor reviews concerning authentication workflows, observe key metrics, and supply actionable insights on person knowledge. Moreover, AI-driven analytics predict gross sales developments based mostly on historic knowledge, providing invaluable insights with out relying on any third-party supply.

That mentioned, Salesforce is not the best instrument to configure. With out an skilled administrator or developer, the person may face an unavoidable studying curve.

Additionally, pricing could be a problem for small or mid-size companies, which lean extra on the effectiveness of a platform relatively than the value and are tight on price range. Scaling up with extra options requires a cautious analysis of funding vs profit. 

The cellular app, whereas practical, does not provide the identical flexibility because the desktop model. Modifying workflows or making fast adjustments may be cumbersome, which can trigger frustration amongst staff. 

Salesforce Platform is an agile and unified suite of information safety and cybersecurity companies that permits you to handle all of your operations and third-party integrations easily.

What I dislike in regards to the Salesforce Platform:

• I felt that for small companies or early startups, the pricing was just a little greater and may be a trigger for concern.
• After I tried to work with massive knowledge factors, the reviews and dashboards began working just a little slowly, and it took me just a little extra time to personalize metrics.

What do G2 customers dislike about Salesforce Platform:

“Recently, the platform has opted to onboard options with clearer price-conscious drivers. Given the worth the platform affords from their native options, I feel the newly packaged clouds try too onerous to push the underside line.”

– Salesforce Platform Assessment, Philip T.

4. 1Password

1Password is a safe authentication and sign-in instrument that permits your groups to handle and retrieve passwords, run a self-service restoration course of, and generate simple reviews to handle person entry, confirm id, and scale back breach threat.

Establishing 1Password was a breeze, and the interface was easy and intuitive. I beloved how I might retailer all the things, from bank card particulars to notes, securely within the encrypted vault, locked with AES-256 encryption.

The perfect half? It synced seamlessly throughout all my gadgets, whether or not I used to be on my laptop computer, telephone, or pill. It eradicated the previous methods of remembering complicated passwords or reusing weak ones simply because they have been simpler to kind.

One function that I wish to spotlight is the built-in password generator. It cranked out ridiculously sturdy passwords, and with auto-fill, I’d by no means have to consider them once more. The browser extensions work like a attraction on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, making logins easy.

If I needed to nitpick, I might say the most important draw back is the dearth of a free plan. I get it; safety comes at a price.  Nonetheless, for somebody in search of a totally free password supervisor, 1Password won’t be the most effective match.

Additionally, whereas I respect the push for passkeys, setting them up could be a little time-consuming, particularly in case you aren’t tech-savvy.

I additionally bumped into minor syncing points every now and then and had some bother adjusting to the platform’s person interface, which felt just a little clunky by way of design. 

Total, 1Password is a strong password safety app that may handle your authorizations and login processes with out you having to set new passwords and provoke new restoration processes each time.

What I dislike about 1Password:

• It was just a little complicated to recollect whether or not I purchased the cloud model or the Mac app retailer model once I was reinstalling it on a distinct system, and it took a while to determine that out. 
• I wasn’t too onboard with the passkey idea, and a few occasions, I wasn’t in a position to deploy it on my cellular machine through the cellular utility.

What do G2 customers dislike about 1Password:

“The 1Password widget, when there are over 100 credentials within the dropdown, can typically be a bit cumbersome to navigate.”

– 1Password Assessment, Verified Consumer in Pc Software program

5. IBM Confirm

IBM Confirm affords end-to-end password administration and workforce id options to automate your person authentication and system administration processes for on-field and distant staff.

First, IBM Confirm affords top-notch authentication and safety. It is not nearly getting the OTP in your telephone; it additionally secures logins with biometric authentication, risk-based authentication, and passwordless entry. 

What I like is that it adapts to my conduct. If one thing appears off, like an unauthorized login try from an uncommon e mail ID or location, it throws safety checks at these distinct customers. 

Since I handle a number of functions, remembering one million passwords is a nightmare. IBM Confirm integrates seamlessly with Azure AD, AWS IAM, Salesforce, and Google Workspace, making it simple to entry a number of techniques through single authentication.

IBM Confirm additionally affords id and entry administration that provides me full management. The RBAC function permits me to resolve who will get to see what, all the way down to the smallest element. Identification federation ensures I can authenticate permissions throughout totally different domains seamlessly.

Nonetheless, I wish to spotlight just a few struggles whereas deploying the software program. Whereas the platform is highly effective, the preliminary setup could be a bit difficult, particularly if you’re not deeply accustomed to IAM techniques.

Whereas the person expertise is easy, the admin panel might use some work and sharpening. It positive is feature-packed, nevertheless it feels just a little clunky and cluttered, which may annoy customers just a little.

In terms of efficiency, issues are nice (often), however I’ve observed occasional latency, notably with MFA requests. Additional, IBM Confirm is not the most cost effective model on the market, and the pricing construction could be a little complicated.

Whereas the subscription fashions have totally different tiers and options based mostly on person counts, as a small enterprise or startup, you may really feel the pinch in case you function on a decent price range.

What I dislike about IBM Confirm:

• I had some problem setting it up and understanding its complicated options, and I needed to seek advice from directions to observe the method.
• I felt there was a niche in enabling admin entry for purchasers in order that purchasers or prospects also can onboard their stakeholders or companions for buying and selling. 

What do G2 customers dislike about IBM Confirm:

“Loading the admin console will typically take extra time to load. This causes issues after we wish to carry out fast duties.”

– IBM Confirm Assessment, Harish W.

6. Cisco Duo

Cisco Duo is a cloud-based id entry administration platform that permits safe authorization and knowledge masking of customers once they entry any system and affords single sign-on companies for distant administration and system upkeep.

I’ve discovered that Cisco Duo is a well-rounded and dependable multifactor authentication (MFA) resolution with a robust repute for safety.

Duo primarily works by way of push notifications, SMS, telephone calls, and passcodes. I personally beloved the push notification function, which is fast, simple, and takes up approach much less time.

One of many issues I actually respect about Cisco Duo is its integration with different platforms. Whether or not I’m linked to cloud companies, VPNs, and even legacy functions, Duo works easily throughout a variety of techniques. Managing customers by way of Duo’s admin dashboard provides you a centralized palette of options.

Should you work in IT or service desk groups, you’ll discover it extremely helpful to implement safety insurance policies, handle authentication strategies, and monitor login exercise in real-time.

After all, there are just a few areas the place Duo may be higher. Whereas Duo is very handy, it leans closely on phone-based authentication. If I ever misplace my telephone or expertise a notification delay, it may be irritating as I’m stored logged out of the system.

I’ve additionally observed that some superior safety features like adaptive authentication and machine belief are locked behind premium paywalls which may not be obtainable to small enterprise customers working on a decent price range. 

One other problem I confronted was with the preliminary setup. It wasn’t overly complicated, however I did really feel that the documentation lacked a little bit of readability. In case you are seeking to combine the applying with third-party authentication apps, you may face some hurdles and search the developer’s help.

Total Cisco Duo is a holistic IT administration and safety resolution that secures your inside server operations and reduces any potential threat of breaches or phishing encounters.

What I dislike about Cisco Duo:

• It could have been nice if I might entry my admin panel from a downloaded desktop app relatively than accessing it through browser or cellular.
• I observed an occasional lag with push notifications on the cellular machine, which stretched my authentication course of for a while and consumed some assets.

What do G2 customers dislike about Cisco Duo:

“I had some points up to now once I moved telephones since I did not appropriately again up my previous telephone. Should you do not click on approve quickly sufficient, the request might expire, inflicting the verification to fail.”

– Cisco Duo Assessment, Connie B.

Greatest SSO software program: Regularly requested questions (FAQs)

1. What’s the commonest SSO software program?

The commonest SSO software program consists of Okta, Microsoft Workspace, and Cisco Duo. These are utilized by small, midsize, and enormous enterprises to double-verify an worker’s credentials and supply a launch board for them to simply entry any ERP instrument through a single sign-on, guaranteeing a very good end-user expertise.

2. What’s the greatest free and open-source SSO supplier?

The perfect open-source SSO supplier will depend on your wants, however Keycloak stands out as essentially the most feature-rich and broadly used instrument. It helps SAML, OAuth 2.0, and Open ID Join in an easy-to-manage admin console. For a light-weight and security-focused resolution, Authelia is one other alternative. It affords 2FA and is right for self-hosted area functions.

3. How does SSO enhance safety whereas decreasing password-related dangers for my group?

SSO enhances safety by eliminating the necessity for customers to handle a number of passwords or passkeys. By centralizing authentication, organizations can implement stronger insurance policies, redefine safety coaching and workflows, allow MFA, and scale back any scope of exterior knowledge breach or infiltration.    

4. Do SSO options work with each on-prem and cloud-based apps?

Sure, SSO options are largely suitable with each on-prem and cloud-based apps and assist industry-standard protocols like SAML or OAuth for cloud-based apps and Kerberos and LDAP for on-premises apps. They permit customers to authenticate and confirm worker credentials and permit permission to entry a number of apps through single sign-on throughout a number of gadgets.

5. What’s the typical deployment time to implement an SSO?

The implementation complexity of an SSO supplier will depend on an organization’s present functions, server capability, enterprise assets, and utilization and adoption parameters. Based mostly on that, the method can take from just a few days to a few weeks. Whereas cloud-based servers may require much less time, on-prem functions with hybrid setups can take extra time on account of extra installations.

Launch success securely and conveniently 

I deployed and experimented with numerous SSO suppliers to bootstrap safety and authorization skills inside my app and community bandwidth capability. As a enterprise, shortlisting SSO software program requires an insightful prior evaluation of cross-border connectivity, knowledge storage and safety, VPN amenities, and ERP utility adoption, together with the choice of income and monetary groups.

Earlier than you delve into the method of scouting for SSO suppliers and nitpicking choices through the net, verify for what sort of safety and privateness you need on your firm and consider your personal enterprise objectives and price range towards that. Should you really feel caught, you possibly can relook at these pointers and substantiate your choice earlier than making the ultimate funding. 

Are you in search of a solution to digitize pc upkeep operations? Take a look at the evaluation of the 10 greatest CMMS software program completed by my peer to decide on your choices correctly.