Okta alternatives are other identity and access platforms for giving staff single sign-on, multi-factor authentication and managed access to work apps. Platforms built into your existing office suite suit many small businesses, while dedicated identity providers suit companies with lots of apps. Choose a tool that supports phishing-resistant MFA, because that's the protection that matters most.
Every new app your team uses is another password to manage and another door to lock. Identity platforms give staff one secure login for everything and give you one place to switch access off when someone leaves.
Here are ten Okta alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, from open-source identity servers to enterprise suites. Each description comes from the vendor's own website, re-checked today. If you're hiring someone to run security, my guide to remote cybersecurity roles explains the skills involved.
Check what you already have. Many businesses already have an office suite that includes a capable identity platform, which may cover most of what they need.
And map your apps. A list of every tool your team logs into, and who owns each one, makes the choice and the rollout far easier.
Okta alternatives at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a free version or free plan, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated. Free versions often come with limits, so check what's included before you rely on one.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Authentik | Open-source identity provider | Self-hosted single sign-on | Yes |
| CyberArk | Identity security platform | Privileged access in larger firms | Trial only |
| Duo | Multi-factor authentication and access | Adding MFA to existing logins | Yes |
| JumpCloud | Directory and device platform | Identity plus device management | Trial only |
| ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus | Self-service password and SSO tool | Password resets for Active Directory | Trial only |
| Microsoft Entra ID | Cloud identity service | Businesses on Microsoft 365 | Yes |
| miniOrange | Identity and access management | Flexible SSO for many apps | Trial only |
| OneLogin | Workforce identity platform | Simple single sign-on | Trial only |
| Ping Identity | Enterprise identity platform | Complex enterprise identity | Trial only |
| Zitadel | Open-source identity platform | Cloud or self-hosted identity | Yes |
Ten Okta alternatives to consider
Authentik
Best for: Teams who want a free, open-source identity provider they host themselves.
CyberArk
Best for: Larger organisations that want workforce identity alongside strong privileged access controls.
Duo
Best for: Small teams who want to add strong MFA to existing apps, with a free plan for a few users.
JumpCloud
Best for: Small and mid-size businesses who want identity, single sign-on and device management together.
ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus
Best for: Organisations using Active Directory who want self-service password resets and MFA.
Microsoft Entra ID
Best for: Businesses that use Microsoft 365 and want identity and single sign-on built in.
miniOrange
Best for: Organisations that want single sign-on and MFA for a wide mix of cloud and on-site apps.
OneLogin
Best for: Mid-size companies who want straightforward single sign-on and user provisioning.
Ping Identity
Best for: Large enterprises with complex identity needs across many systems.
Zitadel
Best for: Teams who want an open-source identity platform as a cloud service or self-hosted.
The MFA type CISA calls the gold standard
Here's the guidance that should shape your choice. The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's fact sheet calls phishing-resistant MFA the gold standard, ranks FIDO/WebAuthn and PKI-based authentication as the strongest forms, and says the only widely available phishing-resistant authentication is FIDO/WebAuthn.
One-time codes and push notifications are still better than passwords alone, but they can be phished. When you compare identity platforms, check how well each supports security keys and passkeys for your staff.
What to check in an Okta alternative
- App coverage: does it connect to the apps your team uses?
- Phishing-resistant MFA: are security keys and passkeys supported?
- Provisioning: can it create and remove accounts automatically?
- Device trust: can access depend on a managed, healthy device?
- Admin effort: how much work is it to run day to day?
How to roll out single sign-on
- List every app your team logs into.
- Connect the most-used apps to the identity platform first.
- Turn on MFA for everyone, starting with admins.
- Automate account removal for people who leave.
- Review access every quarter and remove what isn't needed.
Identity mistakes that leave doors open
- Forgotten leavers. Remove access the day someone goes.
- Admins without strong MFA. Protect them first.
- Shared logins. Give everyone their own account.
- Apps outside SSO. Bring them in over time.
Strong, unique passwords still matter for anything outside single sign-on, and my free password generator makes one instantly.
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Do you make identity platforms? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on Okta alternatives
Start with what your office suite already includes, and only add a dedicated platform if it falls short. Many small businesses are closer to good identity security than they think.
And make leaving as tidy as joining. Switching off a departed employee's access in one place is one of the biggest wins these tools give you. Write the leaver checklist into the rollout plan, so it happens every time, not just when someone remembers.
Frequently asked questions
What can replace Okta?
Cloud identity services, open-source identity providers and other workforce identity platforms.
Is there a free Okta alternative?
Some platforms offer free editions or plans for small teams, and open-source options are free to host.
What's single sign-on?
It lets staff use one login to access many work apps.
What is phishing-resistant MFA?
It's MFA that can't be tricked by fake login pages, such as security keys and passkeys.
Do small businesses need an identity platform?
If you use many apps, it saves time and makes leavers much safer.
Can I use my Microsoft or Google account for SSO?
Yes. Both offer identity features that many apps support.
What's user provisioning?
It automatically creates and removes accounts in connected apps.
Can identity platforms manage devices?
Some include device management, others connect to separate tools.
How long does an SSO rollout take?
A small business can connect key apps in days. Larger rollouts take longer.
What happens if the identity provider goes down?
Ask about uptime and backup access methods before you commit.
Are push notifications good enough for MFA?
They're better than passwords alone, but security keys and passkeys are stronger.
Should admins have extra protection?
Yes. Use the strongest MFA for admin accounts first.
Can contractors use single sign-on?
Yes. Give them their own accounts with access limited to what they need, and an end date.
Does single sign-on make phishing worse?
Only if one login is weakly protected. Pair single sign-on with phishing-resistant MFA and it becomes much safer.
