Entra ID vs. Okta: Which Identity Platform Is Right for Your Business?

If your business is evaluating identity and access management (IAM) platforms, two names come up more than any others: Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) and Okta. Both handle single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and access governance — but they take different approaches, and the right choice depends on what your business already runs on.

What is Microsoft Entra ID?

Microsoft Entra ID is Microsoft's cloud identity platform, built directly into the Microsoft 365 and Azure ecosystem. If your business already runs Microsoft 365, Windows devices, and Azure infrastructure, Entra ID typically requires the least new tooling — much of it is already included in your existing Microsoft licensing.

What is Okta?

Okta is a platform-agnostic identity provider designed to work well across a wide mix of vendors — Google Workspace, AWS, Salesforce, Slack, and thousands of other third-party applications. It shines in environments where your business runs a diverse mix of tools rather than a primarily Microsoft-based stack.

Key differences

• Native integration: Entra ID integrates deepest with Microsoft 365, Azure, and Windows. Okta integrates broadly across thousands of third-party apps regardless of vendor.
• Licensing: Entra ID is often bundled with existing Microsoft 365 plans. Okta is a separate subscription, priced per user.
• Best fit: Entra ID suits Microsoft-centric businesses. Okta suits businesses with a diverse, multi-vendor application mix.
• Migration path: Businesses consolidating onto Microsoft typically move toward Entra ID. Businesses standardizing identity across many different vendors often choose Okta.

Which should you choose?

There isn't a universally correct answer — it depends on your current environment. A business running mostly Microsoft 365, Windows, and Azure will usually get more value from Entra ID with less migration friction. A business with a wide mix of non-Microsoft tools may find Okta's broader third-party support worth the separate subscription cost. Some businesses even run both in a hybrid setup during a transition period.

Not sure which fits your business? We assess your current environment and application mix, then recommend and implement whichever platform actually fits — schedule a free consultation to talk through your specific setup.