SailPoint and CyberArk are two leaders in identity security. SailPoint focuses on governance and helps companies see who has access and why. CyberArk protects privileged accounts and keeps critical systems safe from attackers.
Both companies report strong revenue and both have global enterprise customers. People compare them every day on review sites and online forums. This constant discussion shows how important these platforms have become and why the choice between SailPoint and CyberArk matters today.
This article pulls it all together to help compare SailPoint vs CyberArk clearly.
SailPoint vs CyberArk: A Detailed Comparison
What is SailPoint?
SailPoint was one of the first companies to focus on identity governance. It built a strong name in the market by serving large enterprises. The platform is made to manage identity governance and administration at a very big scale.
SailPoint helps with user lifecycle tasks like onboarding role changes and offboarding. It also manages access certifications and creates compliance reports for strict industry rules. Many companies rely on it to stay in control of permissions.
The platform uses workflows that track and manage access rights across many systems. This gives a clear picture of who has access to what. Large enterprises choose SailPoint when they manage thousands of users every day.
There are two main ways to deploy the platform. IdentityNow is the cloud version designed for modern infrastructure. IdentityIQ is the on premises version for traditional environments. Both versions connect with many enterprise applications without major changes.
What is CyberArk?
CyberArk is a privileged access and management platform that protects accounts with very high access rights. It keeps passwords and credentials safe from hackers and insider threats. It also watches how sensitive accounts are used and controls system access.
The main features include credential vaulting session monitoring and access management tools. Companies use CyberArk to secure admin accounts and protect critical systems. It creates detailed records that support audits compliance and accountability.
CyberArk has grown beyond basic privileged access management. It now covers endpoint security secrets management and cloud security. Palo Alto Networks bought CyberArk for twenty five billion dollars which shows its value.
CyberArk is most useful when privileged access protection is the top priority. It is often chosen by organizations with strong teams and specific PAM needs.
SailPoint vs CyberArk: Complete Comparison in 2025
This comprehensive SailPoint vs CyberArk comparison examines how each platform addresses modern identity security challenges. Organizations need clear insights to make informed decisions about their identity management strategy.
Key Features of SailPoint vs CyberArk
SailPoint and CyberArk focus on different areas of identity security. SailPoint works on governance across many users. CyberArk protects high risk accounts and important credentials.
SailPoint includes user lifecycle management and access reviews. It offers role based provisioning and compliance reporting. The platform handles large user groups with detailed approval workflows.
CyberArk offers credential vaulting and session recording. It also provides privilege elevation controls and strong threat analytics. The platform prevents attackers from moving inside systems during incidents.
Modern platforms now bring both together in one system. They also use AI automation and passwordless login for better results.
MFA & SSO Authentication
SailPoint and CyberArk are both trusted platforms that help companies manage access and keep their systems secure.
SailPoint Authentication Methods:
- Multi Factor Authentication (MFA): SailPoint works with external MFA tools to add extra protection to logins
- Passwordless Authentication: Users can log in without passwords through integrated apps for faster and safer access
- Single Sign On (SSO): Users log in once and get access to all connected apps securely
CyberArk Authentication Methods:
- Multi Factor Authentication (MFA): CyberArk focuses MFA on privileged accounts to prevent risky logins
- Passwordless Authentication: Passwordless login is available mainly for important sessions and sensitive accounts
- Single Sign On (SSO): SSO is designed for admin and privileged users to access multiple systems safely
Privileged User Access & Security
SailPoint Access Management
- Approach: Privileged access has changed. It is not only about storing passwords. SailPoint uses smart controls that adjust to user behavior and risk. Old PAM tools still work but feel limited.
- Governance & Automation: SailPoint links privilege management with governance. It supports just in time access and automated reviews.
- Real Time Decisions: SailPoint can make access decisions in real time using risk and context.
- Smooth Experience: Controls apply everywhere. Security stays strong while giving a smooth experience for any team size.
CyberArk Access Management
- Approach: CyberArk pioneered credential vaulting and session management. It set standards for protecting privileged accounts.
- Governance & Automation: CyberArk also supports just in time access and monitors privileged accounts closely.
- Real Time Decisions: It can act quickly on risky actions or unusual behavior.
- Smooth Experience: CyberArk keeps security strong while letting teams work efficiently.
Integration & Setup Options
Integration affects how fast platforms go live and how easily they connect with apps. Teams usually pick based on their time and resources.
SailPoint Integration
- Setup Process: SailPoint needs careful planning. It focuses on managing roles and governance across the company.
- User Provisioning: Works best for big teams. Onboarding and access setup need structured steps.
- Deployment Speed: Takes longer because it ensures rules and approvals are followed.
CyberArk Integration
- Setup Process: CyberArk focuses on securing admin accounts and sensitive systems. Integration centers on vaults and session monitoring.
- User Provisioning: Best for security teams handling privileged accounts. Access setup follows strict policies.
- Deployment Speed: Can be faster if the team already has PAM processes, but critical accounts still need planning.
Identity Lifecycle & Governance
When we look at CyberArk vs SailPoint both help manage who can access what and keep systems safe. Identity lifecycle means onboarding role changes and offboarding. Good governance makes sure people have the right access and follow rules.
SailPoint Lifecycle
- Focus: SailPoint manages the full user lifecycle with clear workflows
- Access Control: It gives strong access checks and role based controls
- Best Fit: Large companies use it for complex governance
- Automation: Some approvals happen automatically without lowering security
CyberArk Lifecycle
- Focus.: CyberArk manages privileged accounts and sensitive access
- Access Control: It makes sure admin accounts follow strict rules
- Best Fit: Works best for teams controlling critical accounts
- Automation: Some monitoring and approvals happen automatically for privileged access
Pricing & Plans
When we look at SailPoint vs CyberArk, both help companies manage users and access but each has its own support and pricing.
SailPoint Pricing Structure:
SailPoint helps companies manage users and access. You can get help online or on the phone. Account managers help set up the system.
Higher-tier plans give 24/7 support. Teams get advice and setup becomes easy.
- Starter plans: about $75,000 a year
- Professional plans: cost grows with users and features
- Enterprise plans: can go over $1 million
- More features and more users make costs higher
CyberArk Pricing Structure:
CyberArk protects admin accounts and important systems. You get help online or on the phone. Security experts guide setup.
Higher-tier plans give 24/7 support. Teams get advice and setup becomes easy.
- Starter plans: about $200–$300 per user a year
- Professional plans: cost grows with accounts and features
- Enterprise plans: custom pricing for big companies
- More features and more accounts make costs higher
Use Cases of SailPoint and CyberArk
SailPoint and CyberArk help companies manage access and stay safe. Each tool works best for different needs.
SailPoint Use Cases
- Governance: SailPoint works best for companies that need access management across many users.
- Compliance: It suits industries with strict rules and complex structures.
- Large Teams: Best for organizations with big user bases that need clear workflows.
CyberArk Use Cases
- Privileged Accounts: CyberArk works best for companies that need to protect admin and high risk accounts.
- Security Teams: It fits organizations with skilled security teams and clear PAM needs.
- Critical Systems: Best for protecting sensitive systems and high value accounts.
Hybrid Environments
- Flexibility: Modern platforms handle both SailPoint and CyberArk needs in one place.
- Scaling: They can scale from small teams to large enterprises.
- Coverage: They work for cloud apps and old systems with the same security approach.
Limitations and Challenges of CyberArk vs SailPoint
Older platforms have natural limits based on their design. They cover specific needs and do well within that scope.
SailPoint Limitations
- Integration Challenges: SailPoint's limited capacity to integrate with other identity management systems can make it harder to connect with existing tools.
- Complex Configuration: SailPoint requires proper configuration and maintenance by a technical professional.
- Performance Issues: With over 100,000 identities, performance may degrade if the system isn't properly sized.
- User Interface: Some users find the UI and features less user-friendly compared to other platforms.
- Training Requirements: Extensive training is needed for teams to utilize the platform effectively.
- Cloud Deployment: The platform's cloud deployment flexibility may be limited compared to other solutions.
CyberArk Limitations
- Cloud Deployment: PAM on Cloud is currently supported only on AWS and Microsoft Azure. Deployment on other cloud platforms requires manual installation of the Vault.
- Vault Synchronization: You can sync up to 900,000 variables to Conjur, with a limit of 90,000 variables per Line of Business (LOB).
- Remote Session Limitations: Running scripts remotely with elevated privileges or logging into systems outside the network may not be feasible.
- Vault Server Limitations: You can deploy up to six Vault servers, including one Primary Vault and five Satellite Vaults.
- Credential Providers: If you need more than 6,000 Credential Providers per Vault, it's recommended to consult with CyberArk Professional Services.
- Platform Limits: Different versions have different numbers of platforms out of the box. The maximum number of platforms you can have in PAS is 800.
Infisign: A Modern Alternative to SailPoint and CyberArk
Identity management is changing fast. SailPoint and CyberArk handle many tasks but often need extra steps and tools. Infisign makes it simple with its unified IAM Suite and UniFed. It gives passwordless login and AI driven lifecycle automation and smooth access across apps.
Modern organizations no longer need to choose between governance and privileged access.
The CyberArk vs SailPoint debate becomes less important when unified platforms deliver both governance and privileged access in one seamless system. Advanced solutions eliminate the traditional limitations that forced companies to implement multiple vendor relationships.
Single Sign-On (SSO)
Upon logging in, users gain instant access to all critical tools. Slack messages, Teams communications, and over 6000+ applications open seamlessly. Work flows without interruption, and productivity remains high. Operational efficiency is sustained at every step.
You don’t have to remember passwords or reset them in the middle of a meeting. Infisign’s SSO lets you log in once and open all apps. It can be set up in 4 hours. Security works by itself. People spend time on real work.
Adaptive MFA & Multi-Authentication Methods
Infisign’s MFA adapts to every login and detects risky actions in real time. It asks for extra verification only when needed so your team works without delays. Access approvals happen instantly. Risky logins are blocked automatically. Sensitive systems and data stay protected. Teams stay productive, security stays strong, and operations run smoothly at all times.
Automated Lifecycle Management
Infisign automates every step of user access from onboarding to offboarding. New team members get instant access through automated provisioning and can start work immediately. Departing employees lose access right away keeping data safe. Role-based access controls update permissions across all apps.
Compliance reports are generated automatically. User activity monitoring tracks unusual actions. Passwordless access SSO and adaptive MFA work together. Everything runs quietly so teams stay productive and security stays strong.
AI Access Assist
Whenever a team member needs access it happens instantly. Permissions appear in Slack or Teams without calls or emails. The system remembers patterns so it predicts what each person usually needs. If something unusual happens it alerts immediately stopping potential problems before they start. Admins spend far less time reviewing requests.
Non-Human Identity Management
All software robots and machine accounts your team relies on get full security. Infisign treats them like real users and keeps them safe every day. It checks each machine account and flags anything unusual instantly. Fake programs cannot sneak in or trick the system.
APIs and service accounts get the exact permissions they need automatically. Automation runs smoothly without waiting for human approval. Complex workflows and bots across different applications remain under control.
Everything works together naturally giving teams confidence no part is exposed. The platform adapts as the environment changes to keep non-human identities safe.
Zero Knowledge Authentication and Passwordless Access
Infisign uses Zero Knowledge Authentication and Passwordless Access so every login is secure and fast. Employees get into all their tools instantly and can start work without waiting. Approvals and access requests happen automatically.
Managers can track activities easily and ensure only the right people access sensitive information. Decisions are faster teams work smoothly and the business stays safe and efficient.
Privileged Access Management
Infisign’s Privileged Access Management keeps admin accounts extra secure at all times. Temporary access limits reduce the risk of attacks.
- Every privileged action gets monitored in real time. Teams can do their work fast while the system watches every change.
- Alerts trigger immediately if something unusual happens. This ensures critical accounts never become weak points.
- Access permissions adjust automatically based on risk and role. Security stays strong without slowing down daily operations.
- Admins get clear visibility over every action. The system balances safety and efficiency for smooth workflow.
Compliance Support
Infisign makes following rules like GDPR, HIPAA and SOX easy. It checks all user access and activity automatically. Audit reports are generated on their own so you always know who did what. The system helps companies avoid fines and penalties. Everything stays compliant without extra work and your team can focus on real business instead of worrying about rules.
MPWA & NAG
Infisign’s Network Access Gateway lets remote workers connect safely through secure tunnels. Office systems cloud apps and on-premise applications work together seamlessly.
MPWA gives passwordless access so users log in fast and safely through a password vault that does not reveal the credentials to the users without admin privileges.
Access rules change based on location and device. Every connection is checked for threats in real time. Teams stay productive and work flows without stopping. Alerts notify admins immediately if anything is unusual and networks stay secure.
Directory Sync
Infisign’s Directory Sync keeps all user info updated across every app automatically. When something changes it updates everywhere at once. New people get access easily and leaving employees lose access instantly. Roles update right away. Teams always see the correct access and the system runs quietly in the background keeping everything safe.
Conditional Access Policies
Conditional Access Policies control who can access resources based on location, device status and time. The system checks every login automatically.
- Unauthorized attempts are blocked immediately. Teams stay safe while work flows smoothly.
- Access changes instantly if conditions change. No manual intervention is needed. Admins get fewer alerts and less troubleshooting.
- Policies adjust in real time as situations change. Risky logins get flagged and stopped. The system protects sensitive data consistently. Teams can focus on work confidently.
24/7 Security Monitoring
- 24/7 Security Monitoring keeps every user and machine under constant watch. Suspicious actions trigger instant alerts. The system reacts immediately to threats.
- No human intervention is needed to stay protected. Risks are blocked before damage happens.
- Alerts reach admins only when necessary. Teams continue working without interruptions. The system adapts to new patterns automatically.
- Security stays active around the clock every day. Every login and access attempt is analyzed.
- Threats are stopped in real time. Users feel safe while work continues smoothly. The network and all devices remain protected constantly. This approach supports zero trust IAM principles throughout the organization.
Experience Infisign's AI-driven identity management. Secure access, streamline workflows, and ensure compliance effortlessly. Book your free demo now and transform your organization's digital security.
FAQs
What is the difference between CyberArk and SailPoint?
CyberArk vs SailPoint shows different approaches to identity security. CyberArk protects high access accounts and important passwords. SailPoint manages user accounts and access across the company.
CyberArk stops hackers from using sensitive accounts. SailPoint checks permissions and keeps compliance. Modern platforms do both together.
What is SailPoint used for?
SailPoint helps manage user accounts from start to end. It handles onboarding, role changes, and leaving employees.
It checks who can access what. It also automates approval and keeps compliance with rules. AI and passwordless login make it faster.
What are the Best SailPoint Competitors?
SailPoint competitors include Infisign, Okta, One Identity, Saviynt, and IBM Security Verify. Older tools can be slow and hard to set up. Modern alternatives like these work fast include all key features and provide clear pricing. They offer identity governance, smart automation and universal application support helping teams manage access efficiently while staying secure and compliant.
What are the Best CyberArk Competitors?
CyberArk competitors include both traditional PAM tools and modern smart platforms. Alternatives include Infisign, BeyondTrust, Delinea, One Identity, and ManageEngine PAM360. These platforms combine privileged account security with general identity management, providing strong protection and ease of use for all teams without needing additional tools.
What is the purpose of CyberArk?
CyberArk competitors include Infisign, BeyondTrust, Thycotic, One Identity, and Centrify. Traditional PAM tools and modern smart platforms compete in this space. New platforms like these combine privileged account security with full identity management. They provide strong protection and are easy to use for all teams without requiring extra tools or complex integrations.
