Best SSO Software in 2026: 12 Single Sign-On Providers Compared

Short answer: the best single sign-on software depends on the ecosystem you already run. Microsoft Entra ID is the natural choice for Microsoft 365 organisations, Okta is the most neutral option for large multi-vendor SaaS estates, Google Workspace covers Google-first teams, and JumpCloud suits small and mid-sized IT teams that also want device and directory management. Ping Identity fits complex hybrid enterprises, OneLogin and Duo are simpler mid-market options, and Keycloak is the leading open-source choice. If you are a software company that needs to offer enterprise SSO to your own customers, look at WorkOS, Auth0 or Descope instead.

Best SSO software compared

Tool	Best for	Protocols	Provisioning	Directory and devices	Pricing model
Microsoft Entra ID	Microsoft 365 and Azure organisations	SAML, OIDC, WS-Fed, Kerberos via proxy	SCIM, HR-driven provisioning	Cloud directory, hybrid with on-prem AD, Intune integration	Basic SSO included with Microsoft 365; advanced features in paid Entra tiers
Okta Workforce Identity	Large multi-vendor SaaS estates	SAML, OIDC, WS-Fed	SCIM, lifecycle management, HR-driven	Universal Directory, AD and LDAP agents	Per user per month, products bought separately
Google Workspace / Cloud Identity	Google-first companies	SAML, OIDC	SCIM auto-provisioning for supported apps	Google directory, endpoint management	Included with Workspace; Cloud Identity sold separately
JumpCloud	SMB and mid-market IT without on-prem AD	SAML, OIDC, LDAP, RADIUS	SCIM, HR integrations	Cloud directory plus Windows, macOS, Linux device management	Per user per month, bundled packages
Ping Identity	Hybrid and regulated enterprises	SAML, OIDC, WS-Fed, many legacy adapters	SCIM, orchestration	Works across multiple directories	Quote-based
OneLogin	Mid-market teams wanting simpler admin	SAML, OIDC, WS-Fed	SCIM, HR-driven	Cloud directory, AD and LDAP connectors	Per user per month
Cisco Duo SSO	Teams already using Duo MFA	SAML, OIDC	Limited compared with full IdPs	Uses your existing AD or Entra ID	Included in Duo paid editions
AWS IAM Identity Center	Workforce access to AWS accounts	SAML for apps, federates to your IdP	SCIM from your IdP	Own directory or external IdP	No additional charge from AWS
ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus	Active Directory shops wanting SSO plus password self-service	SAML, OIDC	AD-based	Active Directory	Per domain user, quote-based
miniOrange	Budget-conscious teams and specific platform connectors	SAML, OIDC, OAuth	SCIM, AD sync	Own directory, AD and LDAP connectors	Per user, tiered
Keycloak	Engineering-led teams wanting open source	SAML, OIDC	LDAP/AD federation; SCIM via extensions	User federation with LDAP and AD	Free open source; you pay for hosting and support
WorkOS	SaaS vendors adding enterprise SSO for their customers	SAML, OIDC	Directory sync (SCIM, HR systems)	Not a workforce directory	Per enterprise connection

Pricing models reflect how each vendor generally sells; plans and prices change often, so check current pricing with each vendor before budgeting.

What is SSO software?

SSO software is an identity provider (IdP) that authenticates users once and then signs them in to many connected applications using standards such as SAML 2.0 and OpenID Connect. Most SSO products also provide MFA, a user directory, automated provisioning and deprovisioning (usually SCIM), and sign-in logs. For how the protocols work, read What Is Single Sign-On?

The best SSO software in 2026, reviewed

1. Microsoft Entra ID

Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) is already in place for any organisation on Microsoft 365, so the first question is usually how far it can go. It supports SAML and OIDC for thousands of gallery apps, Conditional Access policies, passkeys and Windows Hello, hybrid identity with on-premises Active Directory, and application proxy for internal web apps. Strengths: deep Microsoft integration, strong security policy engine. Watch-outs: licensing is layered, and non-Microsoft admins can find the console sprawling. Check current pricing, and see our head-to-head guide Okta vs Microsoft Entra ID.

2. Okta Workforce Identity

Okta is the most widely used independent workforce IdP. Its large pre-built integration network, lifecycle management, adaptive MFA and Workflows automation make it popular with SaaS-heavy companies that do not want to anchor identity to one productivity suite. Strengths: neutrality, integration catalogue, mature provisioning. Watch-outs: features are sold as separate products, so total cost rises as you add MFA, lifecycle and governance. See our Okta pricing overview, check current pricing, and if cost or fit is pushing you away, our guide to Okta alternatives.

3. Google Workspace and Cloud Identity

For Google-first organisations, Google Workspace can act as the IdP for third-party SaaS through SAML and OIDC, with 2-Step Verification, context-aware access and auto-provisioning for supported apps. Cloud Identity offers the same identity layer without the productivity apps. Strengths: no extra tool for basic SSO. Watch-outs: fewer lifecycle automation and policy options than dedicated IdPs.

4. JumpCloud

JumpCloud is an open directory platform: a cloud directory, SSO, MFA, LDAP and RADIUS services, and device management for Windows, macOS and Linux in one console. It is a common replacement for on-premises Active Directory in small and mid-sized companies. Strengths: breadth in one tool, cross-OS device control. Watch-outs: large enterprises may want deeper policy and governance. See our JumpCloud pricing overview and the JumpCloud vs Okta comparison.

5. Ping Identity

Ping Identity (including PingFederate and the PingOne cloud platform) is built for complex estates: multiple directories, on-premises and cloud apps, legacy protocols, and strict compliance. It now also includes ForgeRock’s platform. Strengths: federation depth, orchestration, deployment flexibility. Watch-outs: heavier implementation; quote-based pricing. See the Okta vs Ping Identity comparison.

6. OneLogin

OneLogin, part of One Identity, offers SSO, MFA with risk-based SmartFactor authentication, directory integration and HR-driven provisioning with a straightforward admin experience. Strengths: simpler than the largest suites. Watch-outs: smaller integration ecosystem than Okta or Entra ID. See our OneLogin pricing overview and the Okta vs OneLogin comparison.

7. Cisco Duo SSO

Duo started as MFA and now includes a cloud SSO layer that uses your existing Active Directory or Entra ID as the source of users. It is a sensible option if you already use Duo for MFA and want basic SSO without another vendor. Watch-outs: it is not a full lifecycle management platform. See our Duo pricing overview.

8. AWS IAM Identity Center

AWS IAM Identity Center, the successor to AWS Single Sign-On, gives your workforce SSO into multiple AWS accounts with permission sets, and can federate with Okta, Entra ID or Google. It is not a general SaaS IdP, but every AWS organisation should use it (or equivalent federation) in place of long-lived IAM users. For how it differs from Cognito, see AWS Cognito vs IAM.

9. ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus

ADSelfService Plus combines AD-based SSO to cloud apps with self-service password reset and MFA for endpoints and VPN. It fits Windows-centric organisations that want to reduce password tickets without a full cloud IdP migration.

10. miniOrange

miniOrange offers SSO and MFA with a wide range of connectors and plugins, including for content management and e-learning platforms. Strengths: flexible deployment and connector breadth for niche apps. Watch-outs: evaluate admin experience and support for your specific apps in a trial.

11. Keycloak

Keycloak is an open-source identity and access server supporting SAML, OIDC, user federation with LDAP and AD, social login and MFA. Strengths: no licence fees, full control, runs anywhere. Watch-outs: you own hosting, upgrades, high availability and security patching. See our Keycloak cost overview and Auth0 vs Keycloak.

12. WorkOS

WorkOS is different from everything above: it is for SaaS companies that need to accept SSO from their enterprise customers. One API lets your product connect to each customer’s Okta, Entra ID, Google or other IdP, plus directory sync so customers can provision users automatically. See our WorkOS pricing overview.

More vendors are listed in our SSO platforms category.

SSO for SaaS builders: adding enterprise SSO to your product

If enterprise prospects ask “do you support SAML SSO and SCIM?”, you need a customer-facing identity platform, not a workforce IdP. Common options:

Platform	Approach	Good fit when
WorkOS	APIs for enterprise SSO, directory sync and an admin portal your customers use to configure their own connection	You have your own login and just need enterprise features
Auth0	Full CIAM with enterprise connections and organisations	You want one platform for all customer login
Descope	Visual flow builder with SSO, passwordless and tenant management	You want low-code authentication flows
Frontegg	B2B user management with a self-service admin portal	You want customer-facing admin screens out of the box
Stytch and Clerk	Developer-first auth with B2B organisation features	You build with modern web frameworks and want fast setup

For the wider customer identity market, see our guide to the best CIAM software and CIAM vs IAM.

What is the SSO tax?

“SSO tax” is the industry nickname for SaaS vendors putting SAML SSO (and often SCIM provisioning and audit logs) only on their enterprise plans. A team that would happily pay for a mid-tier plan ends up paying a much higher per-seat price just to meet its own security policy. Across a stack of dozens of apps, this can cost more than the IdP itself.

How to manage it:

Check SSO and SCIM availability by plan before you buy any new app, and include it in the total cost comparison.
Negotiate. Many vendors will add SSO to a lower plan for a modest uplift, especially at renewal.
Prioritise. Pay the SSO tax for apps holding sensitive data or used by many people; cover the rest with MFA and a business password manager.
Use “Sign in with Google or Microsoft” (OIDC social login) where an app offers it on lower plans. It is not full SAML with enforced policies, but it still keeps passwords out of the app.
If you are a SaaS vendor, consider offering SSO on lower tiers; it removes a common objection from security reviews.

How much does SSO software cost?

Workforce SSO is almost always priced per user per month, billed annually. What changes between vendors is what is bundled:

Suite-included: Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace include basic SSO, so the marginal cost can be zero until you need advanced policies.
Modular: some vendors sell SSO, MFA, lifecycle management and governance as separate products, each per user.
Bundled platforms: JumpCloud and similar tools package directory, SSO, MFA and device management together.
Quote-based: enterprise-focused vendors such as Ping price by deal.
Open source: Keycloak has no licence fee, but hosting, upgrades and on-call time are real costs.
SSO for your product: WorkOS prices per enterprise connection; CIAM platforms usually price by monthly active users.

When comparing quotes, also count the SSO tax on your apps, implementation services, and minimum seat commitments.

What is the best SSO for small business?

Small businesses should start with the identity layer they already pay for. On Google Workspace, use Google as the IdP for your SaaS apps. On Microsoft 365, use Entra ID. Turn on MFA for everyone, and SAML or “Sign in with Google/Microsoft” for every app that allows it. Move to a dedicated platform such as JumpCloud, OneLogin or Okta when you need automated onboarding and offboarding across many apps, device management without Active Directory, or a mixed Mac and Windows fleet. Our small business cybersecurity guide covers where SSO fits in a small team’s security stack.

How to choose SSO software

List your top 20 to 30 apps and confirm each vendor has pre-built SAML or OIDC and SCIM connectors for them.
Decide your source of truth: HR system, Active Directory, Google or Microsoft directory. Check that the IdP can be driven from it.
Test MFA and policy depth: phishing-resistant methods, device checks, location and risk rules. See our best MFA software guide.
Check device and OS coverage if you need desktop login and device management too; our endpoint management guide covers that side.
Review logs and reporting: sign-in logs, admin audit trail, SIEM export.
Check resilience: availability commitments, status history, break-glass options.
Model three-year cost including add-ons and the SSO tax on your apps.
Run a proof of concept with five real apps and one real joiner-mover-leaver cycle.

SSO is one layer of identity and access management; for the full picture see What Is IAM? and our IAM tools comparison.

Frequently asked questions about SSO software

What is the best SSO provider?

For Microsoft 365 organisations, Microsoft Entra ID. For multi-vendor SaaS estates, Okta. For small IT teams that also need device management, JumpCloud. For complex hybrid enterprises, Ping Identity. The best choice is the one that covers your apps with the least extra cost and admin work.

Is there free SSO software?

Yes, in two ways. Keycloak is free open-source SSO you host yourself. Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace include basic SSO to third-party apps at no extra charge. Both still need time to set up and maintain.

What is the difference between SSO software and a password manager?

SSO federates logins so apps trust one identity provider and passwords disappear for those apps. A password manager stores separate passwords for each app. Most companies use SSO wherever possible and a password manager for everything else.

Do SSO providers include MFA?

Almost all do, but advanced options such as phishing-resistant methods, device checks and risk-based policies may be in higher tiers or separate add-ons. Confirm which MFA methods your plan includes.

What is SCIM and do I need it with SSO?

SCIM is a standard for creating, updating and deactivating user accounts in apps automatically.
SSO handles login; SCIM handles the account lifecycle.
You need both to make offboarding reliable.

Why is SSO only on enterprise plans?

Vendors use SSO as a signal of a larger, security-conscious buyer and price it accordingly. It is widely criticised as the “SSO tax”. Negotiate it, and factor it into total cost when comparing apps.

How long does an SSO rollout take?

A small company can connect its main apps in days. Larger organisations usually roll out in waves over several months, starting with email, file storage and high-risk apps, then enforcing SSO app by app.