Your entire company is locked out. Systems are down. Productivity has stopped. Your reputation is crashing.
This nightmare affects hundreds of businesses every week. Poor identity management is the silent killer of modern organizations. One weak password, one compromised account - and everything collapses overnight.
Here's the uncomfortable truth: 90% of organizations suffered identity-related breaches in 2023. Average cost? $4.88 million per incident.
Traditional security is dead. Your employees work from everywhere. Your data is everywhere. Your vulnerabilities are everywhere.
Two giants dominate the identity management battleground: OneLogin vs Okta. Both promise transformation. Both claim superiority.
But which one protects your business? We spent six months finding out.
This guide is designed for security leaders, IT directors, and decision-makers who require clear answers about identity management solutions.
OneLogin vs Okta: A Detailed Comparison
What Is OneLogin
OneLogin makes identity management simple for businesses. The company started in 2010 and focuses on making enterprise security easy to use. One Identity acquired OneLogin in 2021, strengthening its position in the IAM market.
OneLogin stands out with these core capabilities:
- Single Sign-On (SSO) - Your employees log in once each morning. Then they can access all their work apps—no more password juggling.
- SmartFactor Authentication - This AI system learns how people work. It spots unusual login patterns.
- 6,000+ App Integrations - Works with popular tools like Salesforce, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Slack. Most connections work within hours.
- Standard Security Protocols - Uses SAML 2.0, OAuth 2.0, and OpenID Connect. This ensures your data stays safe.
- Automatic User Lifecycle Management - When HR adds new employees, OneLogin creates their accounts. When people leave, access gets removed instantly.
What is Okta?
Okta positions itself as the enterprise leader in identity management. The company started in 2009 and went public in 2017. They serve over 19,300 customers worldwide, focusing on large enterprise deployments.
When comparing OneLogin vs Okta, understanding Okta's enterprise focus becomes crucial for decision-making.
Okta stands out with these core capabilities:
- ThreatInsight Security Intelligence - This system learns from login attacks across all Okta customers. It creates a global database of threat patterns. When it spots a new attack method, it automatically blocks similar attempts for all customers.
- Machine Learning Protection - The system uses AI to spot suspicious patterns. It recognizes when login attempts appear normal and identifies when they seem malicious.
- Universal Directory - Stores user information centrally and connects to Active Directory systems. It syncs with LDAP directories and becomes the single source of truth for user identities.
- Enterprise Single Sign-On - Works across cloud and on-premises applications. The system supports SAML, OAuth, and OpenID Connect protocols and connects to legacy applications using agents.
- Adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication - Adjusts security based on risk. Low-risk logins only need a password. High-risk attempts require multiple verification steps.
OneLogin vs Okta: A Comparison of Key Features for 2025
Now comes the real test. We'll examine each platform's core capabilities side by side. This detailed analysis covers the features that matter most for your business security and productivity.
Single Sign-on
Both platforms provide excellent SSO capabilities, but they take different approaches to implementation and user experience. The Okta vs. OneLogin comparison reveals distinct differences in SSO philosophy and execution.
- OneLogin SSO focuses on simplicity and speed. The platform supports cloud applications, on-premises systems, and mobile apps. Setup is typically fast - most organizations see results within 48 hours. The system uses SAML, OAuth, and OpenID Connect protocols.
- OneLogin's SSO dashboard is clean and intuitive. Users see all their applications in one place. The search function helps find specific tools quickly. The interface is customizable to match company branding.
- Okta SSO includes ThreatInsight security intelligence. Every login attempt is analyzed for risk factors. The system considers device reputation, location data, and behavioral patterns to assess security threats. This provides adaptive security that automatically adjusts to threats.
- Okta's Adaptive SSO costs an extra $3 per user per month. This feature analyzes risk in real-time and adjusts authentication requirements. Standard patterns get streamlined access. Suspicious attempts face additional verification.
Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
MFA is essential for modern security. Both platforms provide comprehensive MFA solutions with different strengths.
- OneLogin MFA centers around SmartFactor Authentication. This AI-powered system analyzes risk signals in real-time. It considers user location, device trust, network security, and behavioral patterns. Authentication requirements adjust automatically based on calculated risk.
- The OneLogin Protect mobile app provides enterprise-grade MFA. It sends push notifications for authentication. It generates time-based one-time passwords (TOTP). It supports biometric verification using device sensors. The app works offline when needed.
- Okta MFA offers six authentication methods: text message codes, email links, mobile push notifications, fingerprint scans, hardware security keys, and voice calls. Administrators set rules based on where users work, the devices they use, and their typical behavior. Risky situations get stronger security checks.
- Okta watches user locations automatically. Office logins only need a password. Logins from other countries trigger additional steps, such as fingerprint scans or security key verification. This location-based security adapts to real threats.
Both platforms support hardware security keys. FIDO2 and WebAuthn standards are fully supported. USB, NFC, and Bluetooth security keys work seamlessly.
In the OneLogin vs Okta debate, MFA capabilities often determine the final choice for security-conscious organizations.
Role-Based Access Control
RBAC ensures users only access resources appropriate for their job functions. Both platforms provide comprehensive role management capabilities.
- OneLogin RBAC is designed for straightforward organizational structures. Administrators create roles that mirror company hierarchies. Marketing Manager, Sales Representative, and Finance Director roles get specific permission sets. Users are assigned to roles based on their job functions.
- Dynamic role assignment is supported by HR system integration. When someone changes departments, their role updates automatically. New permissions activate immediately. Old permissions are revoked automatically.
- Okta RBAC provides granular control over user permissions. Administrators can create complex role structures with detailed permission matrices. The system supports nested roles, conditional assignments, and temporary elevations.
- Okta's attribute-based access control (ABAC) supplements traditional RBAC. Access decisions take into account user attributes, resource properties, and environmental factors.
Privileged Access Management
PAM protects your most sensitive systems and data. Both platforms provide PAM capabilities with different levels of sophistication.
- OneLogin PAM focuses on practical privileged access controls. The system monitors privileged account usage. It records administrative sessions for audit purposes. It provides secure password storage for shared accounts.
- Just-in-time access grants temporary elevated permissions. Users request administrative access for specific periods—approvals route through designated managers. Access is automatically revoked when the time expires.
- Okta PAM provides enterprise-grade privileged access management. The system integrates with existing approval workflows. It supports complex access policies based on multiple factors. It provides detailed analytics about privileged access patterns.
- Okta's risk-based access controls adjust requirements based on calculated risk. Low-risk administrative tasks require minimal verification. High-risk operations face additional approval requirements.
Conditional Access
Modern security requires intelligent access decisions based on multiple factors. Both platforms provide conditional access capabilities with different approaches.
- OneLogin conditional access uses SmartFactor Authentication as its foundation. The system analyzes device health, location data, network security, and user behavior to provide comprehensive insights. Access decisions are made in real-time based on calculated risk scores.
- Policy creation is straightforward and intuitive. Administrators define conditions like geographic location, device trust level, or application sensitivity. They specify actions like allowing access, denying access, or requiring additional authentication.
- Okta conditional access provides sophisticated policy engines with fine-grained control. Administrators can create complex rule sets that consider multiple contextual factors simultaneously.
- Okta's geofencing capabilities define geographic boundaries for access control. Different policies apply depending on the user's location. Office locations allow standard authentication. Travel destinations could require additional verification.
APIs and SDKs
API quality determines how well IAM platforms integrate with custom applications and existing systems. For developers evaluating Okta vs OneLogin, API capabilities often make the difference between smooth integration and development headaches.
- OneLogin APIs provide RESTful functionality covering essential features. User management APIs handle account creation, modification, and deletion. Authentication APIs support SSO integration for custom applications.
- OneLogin's rate limiting protects the platform from excessive API usage. Webhook support enables real-time event notifications. SDK libraries are available for popular programming languages.
- Okta APIs are industry-leading with comprehensive functionality. The platform provides APIs for virtually every aspect of identity management. User lifecycle, authentication, authorization, policy management, and analytics are all supported.
- Okta's API Access Management is a standalone product that protects your organization's APIs. It provides OAuth 2.0 authentication and authorization. The API ecosystem includes hundreds of integration partners.
Customer Support
Support quality becomes critical when authentication systems encounter problems. Downtime costs money and frustrates users.
- OneLogin provides knowledgeable customer support with expertise in identity management. Support technicians understand common deployment challenges. Response times vary depending on the subscription level and the complexity of the issue.
- Okta assigns dedicated customer success managers to enterprise accounts. These professionals understand both technical and business aspects of identity management. Implementation support includes guided setup sessions with Okta specialists.
User Lifecycle Management
User lifecycle management handles three critical stages: when people join your company, change roles, and leave. Poor management here creates security risks and wastes IT time. Both platforms automate these processes.
- OneLogin makes employee onboarding simple. When HR adds someone to your system, OneLogin automatically creates their account and grants them the necessary access based on their department and role. If your new marketing manager starts Monday, they'll have access to all marketing tools by their first day. When someone leaves, OneLogin immediately removes all their access across every application. No more worrying about former employees still having system access.
- Okta provides more sophisticated automation for complex organizations. The system handles three main processes: joiners (new hires), movers (role changes), and leavers (departures). When someone gets promoted from sales rep to sales manager, Okta automatically updates their permissions to match their new responsibilities. The system can also handle temporary access for contractors and automatically remove it after set periods. Large enterprises with frequent organizational changes benefit from these advanced capabilities.
Pricing Model
Pricing often determines which platform organizations ultimately choose. Understanding the total cost of ownership is essential for informed decisions.
OneLogin Pricing:
- Advanced plan: $4 per user per month (includes SSO, directory sync, and MFA)
- Professional plan: $8 per user per month (adds lifecycle management and HR integration)
- No minimum contract requirements
- Individual features available à la carte for $2-$5 per user per month
Okta Pricing:
- Starter plan: $6 per user per month (basic IAM functionality, up to 5 workflows)
- Essentials plan: $17 per user per month (enhanced capabilities)
- Professional and Enterprise plans: Custom pricing
- $1,500 annual minimum contract required
- Volume discounts available for 5,000+ users
When comparing OneLogin vs Okta pricing, OneLogin typically provides 30-40% cost savings for basic deployments. Okta may offer better value for complex enterprise scenarios requiring advanced features.
Customization & Workflow Automation
Modern IAM solutions must adapt to unique business processes rather than forcing organizations to change their workflows.
The OneLogin vs Okta comparison becomes especially important when evaluating customization needs for complex organizational structures.
- OneLogin offers robust customization options that cater to the majority of organizational needs. Custom branding ensures that the user experience aligns with the company's identity. Basic workflow automation effectively covers common scenarios.
- OneLogin configuration flexibility allows adaptation to various organizational structures. Customization is accessible to non-technical administrators.
- Okta offers extensive customization and automation capabilities that appeal to organizations with complex requirements. Advanced workflow automation enables the integration of sophisticated business processes.
- Okta No-code workflow tools enable business users to create complex automations without requiring programming knowledge. Custom application development frameworks support the unique needs of individual organizations.
Deployment Model & Flexibility
Deployment ease and speed significantly impact the success of IAM projects and user adoption rates.
- OneLogin supports three deployment models: cloud-native for modern businesses, hybrid for mixed environments, and on-premise connectors for legacy systems. You can expect to complete a basic cloud setup within 2-4 weeks. Complex infrastructure needs across multiple environments get full support.
- Okta offers complete deployment flexibility with cloud-first architecture, hybrid solutions, and on-premise integration. The platform works across multi-cloud environments and connects with your existing systems. Basic deployments typically take 1-2 weeks to complete. Enterprise implementations across various architectures usually take 4-6 weeks to complete.
Infisign: A OneLogin and Okta Alternative
While OneLogin vs Okta dominates the enterprise IAM market, innovative alternatives like Infisign are challenging traditional approaches to identity management.
Traditional IAM platforms, including OneLogin and Okta, rely on centralized databases to store user credentials and identity information. This creates single points of failure that become attractive targets for attackers.
More importantly, they have little to NO support for legacy, web-based, and on-premise applications that do not support SSO protocols like SAML or OIDC.
Infisign eliminates the risk of shadow IT by utilizing Managed Password Web Authentication (MPWA) and Network Access Gateways (NAG), providing visibility into your full tech stack and access management across all platforms with a single solution.
Infisign's Key Advantages:
- Zero-knowledge architecture: Enables identity verification without storing or transmitting sensitive data
- AI-powered automation: Uses machine learning to detect threats and manage compliance requirements automatically. Infisign also allows you to add and remove users on the go using Slack, MS Teams, and chat interfaces.
- Automated and Instant provisioning: Infisign allows you to automatically add users to their full tech stack based on their role and attributes. Moreover, using directory sync, users are added and removed from multiple tools as their role or access privileges change.
- No hidden costs: Includes automated provisioning, deprovisioning, and directory synchronization at no additional cost
- 6,000+ pre-built integrations: Has powerful integration capabilities, allowing you to set up SSO to your fulltech stack in under 4 hours.
- Passwordless authentication eliminates common security vulnerabilities while improving the user experience through the use of magic links, OTPs, biometric authentication, and even push notifications.
For companies ready to embrace next-generation identity governance principles, Infisign has both flexibility and compelling advantages over traditional IAM software.
Schedule Your Free Demo Today and see why major enterprises are choosing Infisign over traditional IAM providers.
FAQs
What is the difference between Okta and OneLogin?
Both Okta and OneLogin give you the same basic tools: single sign-on, multi-factor authentication, and user management. They both connect to thousands of business apps and handle employee access automatically.
The key difference is how they approach enterprise security. Okta positions itself as a comprehensive security platform with advanced threat intelligence and sophisticated policy management. This makes it perfect for large enterprises with complex security needs.
OneLogin focuses on cost-effective IAM solutions with smart AI authentication. This approach works well for mid-size companies that want strong security without enterprise-level complexity or high costs.
How much does OneLogin cost?
OneLogin's pricing structure emphasizes transparency and ease of access. The Advanced plan starts at $4 per user per month and includes single sign-on, directory synchronization, and multi-factor authentication. This covers the core functionality most organizations need for basic IAM deployment.
The Professional plan costs $8 per user per month and adds identity lifecycle management and HR system integration. This tier appeals to organizations that want automated user provisioning and more sophisticated business process integration.
Individual features are available separately for $2 to $5 per user per month, enabling organizations to tailor their deployment to specific requirements. Unlike Okta, OneLogin doesn't impose minimum contract requirements, making it accessible for organizations of all sizes.
