Identity & Access Management
 • 
February 3, 2025
 • 
2 min read

OneLogin vs Okta: Which is Better for Security?

Judah Joel Waragia
Content Architect

What is OneLogin?

OneLogin is a cloud-based identity and access management (IAM) solution that helps companies and users manage user access to multiple applications. The access management software also controls access to resources in addition to this while allowing you to use only a single set of login credentials. This simplifies user access while enhancing security by centralizing authentication and authorization.

Pros and Cons of OneLogin

OneLogin, like any software, has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these is crucial for making informed decisions about their suitability for your organization's needs.

Pros or Advantages of One Login

  • Easy Single Sign-on Capability: Single sign-on (SSO) is a core feature of OneLogin. It allows users to access multiple applications with just one login, eliminating the need to remember numerous passwords. This improves user productivity and reduces password fatigue.
  • Effective and Reliable Directory Integration: OneLogin works with existing directory services, like Active Directory or LDAP. This synchronization ensures user information is consistent across all applications and simplifies user provisioning and deprovisioning. 
  • A Solid Choice for Role Mapping and RBAC: Role-based access control (RBAC) is well-supported by OneLogin. Administrators can define roles and assign permissions based on those roles, ensuring users only have access to the resources they need. 
  • Works on All Device Types: OneLogin supports a wide range of devices, including desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. This ensures users can access their applications from anywhere, anytime, promoting flexibility and productivity. 
  • Reduces Administrative Workload: By centralizing user management, OneLogin reduces the administrative overhead associated with managing multiple applications and user accounts.

Cons or Disadvantages of One Login

  • The App Crashes Sometimes and Can Slow Down Productivity: Occasional app crashes or performance issues can disrupt user workflows and negatively impact productivity. Reliability is essential for a system that handles access to critical applications.
  • Limited APIs Making Functionality Across Some Apps Unavailable: OneLogin's API capabilities may be limited in certain areas, potentially hindering integration with some applications or workflows. This can restrict automation and customization options.
  • Needs You to Have an Alternative Login in Case the App Stops Working: Because of the potential for outages, it's important to have a backup authentication method in place. This ensures users can still access critical resources if OneLogin is unavailable. 
  • It Can be Slightly on the Expensive Side: OneLogin's pricing may be a concern for some companies, especially smaller businesses. The cost of the platform should be carefully evaluated against the benefits it provides to make sure there is a positive return on investment.

What is Okta?

Okta is a cloud-based identity and access management (IAM) platform that helps businesses secure user authentication. This IAM software  provides single sign-on (SSO), multifactor authentication (MFA), and lifecycle management for employees, partners, and customers. Okta integrates with thousands of applications to streamline access control and security.Pros and Cons of OktaPros or Advantages of Using Okta

  • Quick Single Sign-On (SSO): Okta simplifies access to various applications by using a single set of login details, eliminating the need for users to juggle numerous passwords. This streamlines the login process considerably.
  • Reliable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Okta enhances security with methods like Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and Adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). These techniques add extra layers of verification, such as codes sent to a mobile device or fingerprint scans, beyond just a password.
  • Access Management for Granular Control: Okta gives businesses better control over data access. It allows companies to supervise and regulate which individuals can access specific applications and data, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information. This ensures employees only have access to the resources necessary for their job functions.
  • Helps You Meet Compliance Standards: Okta assists businesses in complying with data privacy regulations. By providing tools for access management, activity tracking, and data storage rules, it helps meet stringent requirements for personal data protection.

Cons and Challenges of Using Okta

  • Pricing can be Expensive: Okta's cost can be a significant factor, potentially posing a financial burden, especially for smaller businesses or startups. The pricing structure might necessitate paying for more capacity than is actually needed.
  • Setup and Management can be Tough: Setting up and administering Okta, with its diverse features, can be challenging, particularly for companies lacking dedicated IT staff.
  • SSO Compatibility is Not Guaranteed: While Okta works well with applications supporting SSO, older or custom-designed apps might not be fully compatible, limiting its effectiveness in those cases.
  • Advanced Features Cost More: Some of Okta's more sophisticated security features, such as biometric logins and device passkeys, come with added costs. Companies must consider if these extra features are worth the additional expense.
  • Multi-Device Challenges: Managing Okta across multiple devices can be complex. Users working with several devices might encounter synchronization issues and extra login steps, which can be frustrating if not properly configured.

OneLogin vs Okta: Features

1. Role-Based Access Control

OneLogin has pretty good role-based access control. Administrators can define roles and assign permissions to those roles, which, in turn, simplifies how users are managed. This setup makes absolutely sure users only access what they need to do their jobs.

Okta also has strong RBAC, giving very granular control over user access to apps and resources. What's more, both platforms let you create complex role structures that directly mirror how your company is set up organizationally

.2. Privileged Access Management

OneLogin's privileged access management (PAM) really helps protect access to sensitive systems and data. It lets administrators control and watch what privileged users are doing, which, as a result, lowers the risk of insider threats and data leaks.

Similarly, Okta has good PAM, letting companies manage and secure access to important apps. Both solutions have features like session recording and password storage for privileged accounts, too.

3. Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

OneLogin supports adaptive MFA with various authentication methods, including biometrics, OTPs, and hardware tokens, ensuring strong identity verification.

Okta’s MFA solutions, on the other hand, add risk-based authentication, using contextual signals such as device trust and login behavior to determine when step-up authentication is required.

4. Conditional Access

OneLogin’s conditional access policies assess factors such as location, device security, and user behavior to grant or deny access dynamically.

Okta’s adaptive access features expand on this by incorporating real-time threat intelligence to identify potential security risks before authentication is completed. Making it a better option in terms of security.

5. APIs and SDKs

OneLogin provides a developer-friendly API and SDK suite for embedding authentication and identity services into applications, offering RESTful APIs and prebuilt connectors.

Okta’s extensive API capabilities allow deep customization, with support for OAuth, OpenID Connect, and SCIM provisioning to streamline identity workflows.

6. Customer Support

OneLogin delivers 24/7 support with a dedicated technical account manager for enterprise customers, ensuring prompt resolution of identity-related issues.

Okta provides multiple tiers of support, including a premium service that offers faster response times and proactive monitoring for large-scale deployments.

7. User Lifecycle Management

OneLogin automates user provisioning and deprovisioning across various applications, reducing administrative overhead while maintaining security compliance.

Okta extends these capabilities with advanced workflows, allowing IT teams to configure automated user onboarding and offboarding with minimal manual intervention.

Infisign: A OneLogin and Okta Alternative

Infisign is a cloud-based identity and access management (IAM) platform offering a modern alternative to OneLogin and Okta.  It focuses on simplifying access management with features like single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and automated provisioning.  

Infisign emphasizes a user-friendly experience and aims to provide a cost-effective solution. Want to know more? Why not reach out for a free trial?

Step into the future of digital identity and access management.

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Judah Joel Waragia
Content Architect

Judah Joel Waragia specialize in crafting engaging and informative content on cybersecurity and identity management. With a passion for simplifying complex technical topics, Judah excels at creating content that resonates with both technical and non-technical audiences. His ability to distill complex ideas into clear and concise language makes him a valuable asset to the Infisign team.

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