OneLogin is our pick for the best SSO solution for small businesses because it offers a customizable service that can easily scale up with your growing business. It is a user-friendly product with a straightforward implementation process.
\r\nAlthough an IT administrator has to set it up, there should be very little training required for the staff who use OneLogin's SSO solution on a day-to-day basis. Overall, OneLogin combines simplicity, flexibility and cost-effectiveness, making it a prime choice for small businesses.
\r\nOneLogin offers several pricing tiers and the option to bundle multiple security solutions for a discounted price. For just SSO, you can expect to pay $2 per user per month, but you can get the Advanced bundle – which includes SSO, an advanced directory and multifactor authentication (MFA) – for just $4 per user per month. (Each service is normally $2 per user per month.) The Professional bundle costs $8 per user per month and adds Advanced+, identity lifecycle management and HR-driven identity to your plan.
\r\nOneLogin is a flexible SSO solution that allows administrators to tailor the identity management process to suit their organization's specific needs. Its compatibility with numerous directory types – including Active Directory (AD), Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) and Google apps – makes it useful for any organization, as does the unique methods OneLogin offers for managing groups.
\r\nOneLogin has an easily navigated and simple-to-use portal that grants users access to certain applications with a single set of sign-on credentials. Approved applications appear in one central location and, once users utilize their SSO credentials, can be accessed with a single click. The user portal can be customized to match a company's aesthetic and branding as well.
\r\nHere are some other features OneLogin offers:
\r\nCompanies love that OneLogin is a robust SSO platform that covers their entire workforce. It remembers users' passwords with ease and provides access to all company information. OneLogin is accessible to any industry, thanks to the platform's easy-to-navigate interface and customizability.
\r\nSome users have had difficulty implementing OneLogin with their custom-built applications, requiring them to get a custom solution.
\r\nOneLogin offers multiple customer support features to facilitate the user experience. The company has an online Customer Help Center that allows users to find answers and troubleshoot problems. There is also a library of onboarding training videos to get you and your team up to speed on the service. Your team can also request training packages that are targeted to your team's needs.
","fullReview":"OneLogin is our best pick for SSO solutions for small businesses because it offers a customizable service that can easily scale up with your growing business. It is a user-friendly product with a straightforward implementation process, and has little learning curve for the end user. While an IT administrator will have to set it up, there should be very little training required for the staff that will use OneLogin's SSO solution on a day-to-day basis. Overall, OneLogin marries simplicity, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness to make it a prime choice for small businesses.
\r\nView all our recommendations for SSO solutions on our best picks page.
\r\nOneLogin offers several pricing tiers. The first level is Free and includes SSO for three applications and five personal applications. The next tier, the Starter subscription, costs $2 per user per month (25-user minimum) and includes SSO and MFA for all of your applications. The Enterprise subscription costs $4 per user per month and includes multiple directory-type integration, multiple languages, custom reports and security policies.
\r\nFor those looking for complete SSO solutions, the Unlimited subscription costs $8 per user per month and includes custom fields and mapping, user provisioning and several additional integrations, including a $2/user/month virtual LDAP.
\r\nOneLogin is a flexible SSO solution that allows administrators to tailor the identity management process to suit their organization's specific needs. Its compatibility with numerous directory types, including AD, LDAP and Google Apps, makes it useful for any organization, as does the unique methods OneLogin offers for managing groups.
\r\nFor end users, OneLogin maintains an easily navigated and simple-to-use portal that grants users access to permissioned applications with a single set of sign-on credentials. Approved applications appear in one central location and, once users utilize their SSO credentials, can be accessed with a single click. The user portal can be customized to match company aesthetic and branding, as well.
\r\nMapping: OneLogin maintains a unique mapping tool that allows administrators to manage security groups directly, rather than synchronizing them with the integrated directory. In effect, OneLogin mapping automates the user provisioning process.
\r\nSelf-registration pages: OneLogin's self-registration feature set the SSO solution apart from the competition by enabling users to request accounts to access specific applications themselves. These pages are subject to administrative controls, but streamline user ability to collaborate with partner organizations or grant temporary access to the SSO ecosystem, either to temps or interns. For administrators, these types of self registered users can all be added to one group, which is subject to specific permissions and restrictions.
\r\nMulti-factor authentication (MFA): Like all our best picks, OneLogin maintains an MFA feature that ensures users' identities a minimum of two times for an added layer of security. Administrators can set MFA policies during implementation and modify those settings later.
\r\nPolicies: Administrators are given a great latitude of control over setting policies and user restrictions. One of our favorite policies is the ability to control password complexity, as well as the option to mandate regular password resets and limit users' abilities to reuse old passwords. Like MFA, these policies boost the security of OneLogin's overall system and put network administrators in the driver's seat.
\r\nOneLogin suffered a data breach in 2017 that resulted in the loss of thousands of customers' data. OneLogin responded to the hack quickly and secured its systems, but the data theft that occurred was significant, and gave the hackers the ability to decrypt sensitive information. On the other hand, OneLogin's swift response to re-secure its system is an encouraging step that the company is keeping a close watch for data breaches; since last year's hack, there have been no similar issues.
\r\nFinally, OneLogin's self-registration pages and mapping are excellent tools, but they also require a bit more heavy lifting on the administrator's part for setup. However, these additional tools boost the flexibility and customization available to small businesses.
\r\nEditor's Note: Looking for information on SSO solutions? Fill out the below questionnaire to be connected with vendors that can help.
"},"pricing":{"isCapped":null,"isFeatured":false,"primary":false,"selected":"no-monetization","widgetId":"","widget":null,"affiliate":{"cta":null,"link":"https://businesscom.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=264&aff_id=1000&source=best-single-sign-on-solutions&aff_sub=bestpick|small-business&aff_sub2=lineuprank|1&aff_sub3=deal|getapp&aff_sub4=revenue|network&aff_sub5=pos|text&url_id=1","name":null}},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5ff35d957b4374aa3b8b4567/onelogin.png"}}},{"bullets":["1,200-plus SSO app integrations","Customizable security policies","Advanced MFA features"],"description":"Manage your digital logins in a secure way with LastPass. It has an easy browser extension and is great for business use.","descriptionTest":"","fullTitle":"Best Single-Sign-On Solution for Midsize Businesses","isFeaturedBestPick":false,"isJumpLink":true,"tabTitle":"Best SSO for Midsize Businesses","review":{"displayName":"LastPass","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/lastpass/","id":"e1de5e2d8b0fdfbe9bcc705df23e4c78","url":"https://www.lastpass.com/","review":{"pros":["LastPass offers more than 1,200 single-sign-on integrations.","Your IT team has complete control over which employees get access to certain applications and can revoke permissions as needed."],"cons":["The most useful features of LastPass – including single sign-on, multifactor authentication and customizable security policies – are included only in the higher-tier plans."],"fullReviewTest":"LastPass by LogMeIn is a comprehensive identity and access management (IAM) solution that offers everything a growing business needs to secure its employees' passwords and application access, no matter where they're working. We chose it as our best pick for midsize businesses because of its low price, robust features and impressive IT controls.
\r\nLike many SSO and password management solutions, LastPass offers multiple pricing tiers for business plans. The lowest tier is the Teams plan, which is recommended for up to 50 users and costs $4 per user per month. However, this plan includes only basic password management and does not allow for customizable security policies.
\r\nThe Enterprise tier includes Last Pass' single-sign-on and password management solutions for an unlimited number of users for $6 per user per month. The Identity tier, which costs $8 per user per month, adds a robust suite of advanced multifactor authentication (MFA) features.
\r\nIn addition to customizable security, application programming interface (API) access and directory integrations, the Enterprise and Identity plans come with a dedicated customer success manager to guide you through the onboarding process. MFA can be added separately to the Teams and Enterprise plans for $3 per user per month.
\r\nEvery LastPass business plan comes with simple, secure online/offline password management. This includes an admin console, individual employee password vaults, a password generator, a security dashboard, dark-web monitoring and standard two-factor authentication.
\r\nIf you choose one of the higher tiers, you'll get access to these single-sign-on features and integrations for your business:
\r\nLastPass provides a wide range of features to help companies of all sizes keep their business accounts secure, especially with its Enterprise and Identity plans. LastPass' large catalog of SSO application integrations means your business systems are likely already a part of the LastPass ecosystem, making it easy to set it up and start granting access to employees. Customizable security and contextual access policies offer your IT team comprehensive control over how your employees use their work resources.
\r\nBusinesses that are looking for a truly comprehensive IAM solution with single sign-on, MFA and flexible IT controls won't find it here, unless they opt for the highest LastPass service tier. At double the cost per user of the basic Teams plan, the Identity plan may quickly become expensive as a midsize company grows.
\r\nLastPass offers a number of options for customer support for all business users, including 24/7 live chat, a self-help user manual, phone support and priority email support. Qualified companies that opt for the Enterprise, Identity or MFA plans are also assigned a dedicated customer success manager to help with onboarding questions and issues.
","fullReview":""},"pricing":{"isCapped":null,"isFeatured":false,"primary":false,"selected":"no-monetization","widgetId":"","widget":null,"affiliate":{"cta":null,"link":"https://www.lastpass.com/","name":null}},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5ff360665a215eb90b8b4567/lastpass.png"}}},{"bullets":["User provisioning","App-by-app control","Data-driven reporting"],"description":"Okta Identity Management is a highly effective and comprehensive single sign-on (SSO) solution. In addition to its integration with a wide variety of directory types, detailed reporting and user-friendly experience, Okta offers a policy engine that gives administrators a high-level of control over user permissions and access. \r\n\r\nOkta maintains several pricing packages, starting at $1 per user per month for basic SSO functionality. To enable multi-factor authentication, which is a must for security-minded businesses, Okta costs $3 per user per month. The company also offers a customizable enterprise service, recommended for 5,000-plus users. This plan requires a quote from a sales representative.","descriptionTest":"","fullTitle":"Best Single-Sign-On Solution for Enterprises","isFeaturedBestPick":false,"isJumpLink":true,"tabTitle":"Best SSO for Enterprises ","review":{"displayName":"Okta Identity Management","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/okta-identity-management/","id":"ed7f7de226d6148d5c08a2eba3e0160c","url":"https://www.okta.com/","review":{"pros":["For enterprises, Okta delivers a superior product for a low price.","Okta works across all devices and platforms."],"cons":["Setup can be slow because you have to set security policies for each application."],"fullReviewTest":"In addition to integration with a variety of directory types, detailed reporting and a user-friendly experience, Okta's SSO solution features a policy engine that gives administrators a great degree of control over who can access what, as well as how, when and where they can access it. Despite its powerful features, Okta costs the same as most of its competitors. It works across all devices and platforms, meaning users can access applications wherever and whenever they need to, security policies permitting. These are some of the reasons we chose Okta as our pick for the best SSO solution for enterprises.
\r\nOkta maintains a multitier pricing system that starts at $2 per user per month for its basic single-sign-on solution and goes up to $5 per user per month for the additional features in its Adaptive SSO offering. Multifactor authentication (MFA) – a must for modern business security – starts at an additional $3 per user per month. The Enterprise service, which the company recommends for 5,000-plus users, requires a quote but can be tailored to the demands of your organization and may be eligible for a volume discount.
\r\nOkta is easy to navigate. The web portal, like those of many SSO solutions, organizes your applications and sites into a neat grid. The portal is customizable, allowing users to drag and drop icons and set up personalized tabs for quick reference. Administrators can also use the portal to update credentials. Okta's browser tab makes it easy to quickly cycle through and access your saved websites and applications.
\r\nOkta supports integration with several directory types, including Active Directory and Lightweight Directory Access Protocol, across multiple domains. It also includes robust security policy controls, helping administrators tailor specific rules for access, MFA and conditions.
\r\nHere are a few of Okta's most useful features for businesses:
\r\nThe biggest limitation we encountered with Okta is that the security policies have to be set on an application-by-application basis. While this isn't a barrier to functionality, it slows the setup process and produces additional work for the IT department.
\r\nUltimately, Okta delivers a superior product for a low price, but administrators should consider this potential drawback. Still, Okta is an easy-to-use, powerful solution that allows administrators to craft the identity management process to best suit their organizations' needs.
","fullReview":"In addition to its integration with a variety of directory types, detailed reporting, and a user-friendly experience, Okta features a policy engine that gives administrators a great degree of control over who can access what, how, when and where. Despite its powerful features, Okta costs the same as most of its competitors, making it a considerable contender. It works across all devices and platforms, meaning users can access applications wherever and whenever they need, security policies permitting. Overall, Okta presented itself as a top-notch SSO and earned our pick for best enterprise SSO solution.
\r\nView all our recommendations for SSO solutions on our Best Picks page.
\r\nOkta maintains a multi-tier pricing system, starting at $1 per user per month for the most basic service. To enable multi-factor authentication, which is a must for businesses, Okta costs $3 per user per month. The enterprise service, which the company recommends for 5,000-plus users, requires a quote but can be tailored to the demands of your organization.
\r\nOkta is easily navigable. The web portal, like many SSO solutions, organizes your applications and sites into a neat grid. The portal is customizable, allowing users to drag and drop icons and set up personalized tabs for quick reference. Administrators can also use the portal to update credentials. Okta's browser tab makes it easy to quickly cycle through and access your saved websites and applications.
\r\nOn the back end, Okta reduces the pain of implementation with its compatibility, supporting integration with several directory types, including active directory and LDAP across multiple domains. It also includes robust security policy controls, helping administrators to tailor specific rules for access, multi-factor authentication and conditions.
\r\nHere are a few of Okta's most useful features for businesses:
\r\nUser provisioning: Okta allows administrators a unique level of control over the user provisioning process. Settings for how and when to import a user based on specific conditions, such as whether they have an existing Okta account, help tailor an automated import process to suit your specific needs. For example, administrators can set the precise instances when they should be alerted to further monitor an account. This feature can expedite the implementation process by directing administrators' attention only to the necessary users.
\r\nMulti-factor authentication (MFA): MFA is imperative for security purposes, and Okta allows it to be activated in a number of ways. Several platforms come pre-integrated with Okta, and security policies can be set to require MFA under specific conditions. This added layer of security is especially important for large firms.
\r\nSecurity reports: Okta provides security reporting in real time, which can help administrators monitor the system for any signs of foul play, or to easily spot potential vulnerabilities before they become a problem. With a heavily data-driven approach, reports can feel overwhelming, but thorough and competent.
\r\nThe biggest limitation we encountered with Okta is that security policies have to be set on an application-by-application basis, meaning more tedious work for administrators. While this isn't a barrier to functionality, it slows the setup process and produces additional work for the IT department.
\r\nUltimately, Okta delivers a superior product for an affordable price, but this is a worthwhile consideration that administrators should know. Still, Okta is an easy-to-use, powerful solution that allows administrators to craft the identity management process to best suit your organization's needs.
\r\nEditor's Note: Looking for information on SSO solutions? Fill out the below questionnaire to be connected with vendors that can help.
\r\n\r\n"},"pricing":{"isCapped":null,"isFeatured":false,"primary":false,"selected":"no-monetization","widgetId":"","widget":null,"affiliate":{"cta":null,"link":"https://www.okta.com/","name":null}},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5df90ea15a215e577b8b4567/Okta_logo.png"}}},{"bullets":["Familiar Google integrations","Robust free plan","Endpoint mgmt. for multiple OS"],"description":"Cloud Identitity is a unified identity, access, app, and endpoint management (IAM/EMM) platform that helps IT and security teams maximize end-user efficiency, protect company data, and transition to a digital workspace.","descriptionTest":"","fullTitle":"Best Single-Sign-On Solution for Startups","isFeaturedBestPick":false,"isJumpLink":true,"tabTitle":"Best SSO for Startups ","review":{"displayName":"Google Cloud Identity","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/google-cloud-identity/","id":"36c470f61581af4dffabda85d27c1dde","url":"https://cloud.google.com/identity","review":{"pros":["Cloud Identity comes with high brand recognition, and can be easily integrated into your existing Google Workspace.","The free version is robust enough for early-stage startups, and at $6 per user, per month, the premium version is highly affordable."],"cons":["A lack of custom enterprise pricing options and the simplicity of the features may deter larger teams from using Cloud Identity."],"fullReviewTest":"
With a robust no-cost option and affordable pricing for its premium plan, Google's Cloud Identity is our pick for the best SSO solution for startups. It offers a strong identity access app and end-point management platform for companies of various sizes. One of Cloud Identity's biggest strengths is its ability to integrate multiple directory types. It is compatible with Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), Google Workspace, Microsoft Active Directory and HR management systems. Moreover, Cloud Identity assists security teams in protecting company data through multifactor authentication (MFA) and Google's threat intelligence systems. However, it's important to note that the free version has a user cap for the user lifecycle management feature.
\r\nCloud Identity offers two pricing packages. One package is free and includes unlimited organizational units and groups, as well as 15GB of storage per user. The premium package costs $6 per user per month and expands the offerings with unlimited users for user lifecycle management, additional Google security features, access to advanced mobile management features and enterprise end-point management.
\r\nHere are some of the features of Cloud Identity's SSO solution:
\r\nCloud Identity allows users to work from virtually anywhere by providing integrations with thousands of popular apps, such as Salesforce and Slack. A unified admin console makes it easy for administrators to provision and deprovision users, and Cloud Identity also allows access to traditional applications with secure LDAP, thus providing easy access to on-premises apps.
\r\nSecurity is one of Cloud Identity's main strengths. The SSO solution employs measures such as push notifications, one-time passwords and security keys to keep users and applications safe from phishing threats and security breaches. It also offers end-point management for Android, iOS and Windows 10 devices for easy deployment. Bring-your-own-device support allows users to safely use their personal devices to get work done.
\r\nCloud Identity offers only two plans, which may be limiting for large organizations. Additionally, certain features, such as 24/7 support, are restricted to the premium plan, which may not be the case for other SSO solutions.
\r\nGoogle Cloud Identity includes 24/7 support with a live representative in the premium subscription package. Access is granted through an administrative account, and support is available in multiple languages. The free version of Cloud Identity offers a community support feature to answer frequently asked questions and 24/7 support if you paid for Cloud Platform support or Google Workspace.
","fullReview":""},"pricing":{"isCapped":null,"isFeatured":false,"primary":false,"selected":"no-monetization","widgetId":"","widget":null,"affiliate":{"cta":null,"link":"https://cloud.google.com/identity","name":null}},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5ff36a135a215e83328b4567/cloud-identity.png"}}},{"bullets":["Free for up to 10 users","Central Directory as a Service","Easy to set up"],"description":"JumpCloud is our pick for best free SSO solution because it offers an effective, comprehensive product that is free for up to 10 users. A small team can use JumpCloud for a full SSO solution experience without paying a dime, making it one of the most attractive free options we reviewed. JumpCloud also offers a full range of the most important features we looked for in the SSO solutions we reviewed. \r\nJumpCloud offers administrators several ways to manage users, including its central Directory-as-a-Service (DaaS), which can tie users to the applications, devices, and networks needed for them to work productively. Users are easily managed by creating or importing accounts to the JumpCloud console, where they can be mapped to different devices, apps, and networks. Administrators can also create groups to manage several users at once.","descriptionTest":"","fullTitle":"Best Free Single Sign-On Solution","isFeaturedBestPick":false,"isJumpLink":true,"tabTitle":"Best Free SSO ","review":{"displayName":"JumpCloud","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/jumpcloud/","id":"2a5500f4b52a4d5f9aa340011c15cad7","url":"https://jumpcloud.com/","review":{"pros":["JumpCloud is free, making it an appealing choice for businesses on a budget.","This SSO solution is easy to scale up as your team grows."],"cons":["Business-hours-only customer support and a lack of reporting options may make it difficult to get the answers and information you need."],"fullReviewTest":"Not only is JumpCloud free, but it also offers a range of the most important features we looked for in the SSO solutions we reviewed. Every JumpCloud plan includes every feature, meaning as long as you don't exceed 10 users, you have access to the full SSO solution for free, forever. Companies with more than 10 users should consider our best picks for SSO solutions for small businesses and enterprises.
\r\nJumpCloud offers competitive pricing, including an always-free version that provides access to every SSO feature for up to 10 users. For 10 or more users, JumpCloud offers a Pro pricing package that starts at $10 per user per month.
\r\nThe company also allows companies to build their own directory and plan, starting at $2 per user per month, depending on the features. All plans give users access to all of the features, some of which are listed below. The company offers a 30-day free trial on paid packages, so you can take it for a test spin before subscribing.
\r\nHere are some of the features that come with a JumpCloud subscription:
\r\nThe free version of JumpCloud is perfect for small businesses and startups, and once these businesses do scale, the solution is still very affordable. Customers love the easy accessibility and setup and the wide variety of integrations.
\r\nJumpCloud also has consistently high user satisfaction ratings across several review platforms. Customers often refer to JumpCloud as \"useful,\" \"effective\" and \"reliable\" when describing this SSO solution.
\r\nCompared with its competitors, JumpCloud has limited options for detailed reports. In addition, the company's customer service is available only during typical business hours.
\r\nJumpCloud offers a customer support portal where users can ask questions and browse issues by topic. Users can also submit a case directly to the website or chat with a customer service expert through the company's premium support chat feature. Every Friday, JumpCloud hosts \"Office Hours Q&A sessions,\" which allow IT administrators to talk with JumpCloud's experts.
","fullReview":"Not only is JumpCloud free, it offers a range of the most important features we looked for in the SSO solutions we reviewed. Every JumpCloud plan includes every feature, meaning as long as you remain below 10 users, you have access to the full SSO solution for free, forever. For companies scaling beyond 10 users, consider our best picks for SSO solutions for small businesses and enterprises.
\r\nTo see all of our recommendations for single sign-on solutions, visit our Best Picks page.
\r\nJumpCloud offers competitive pricing, including an always-free version that maintains access to every SSO feature for up to 10 users. For 10 or more users, JumpCloud offers a professional pricing package starting at $10 per user, per month ($7.50 when billed annually) and includes the first 10 users for free. Both plans enable users to take advantage of every feature JumpCloud offers, some of which are listed below. The company offers a 30-day free trial on paid packages so you can take it for a test spin before subscribing.
\r\nHere are some the features that come with your JumpCloud subscription:
\r\nUser management: JumpCloud offers administrators a number of ways to manage users, including its central Directory as a Service (DaaS), which can tie users to the applications, devices, and networks needed for them to work productively. Users are easily managed by creating or importing accounts to the JumpCloud console, where they can be mapped to different devices, apps, and networks. Administrators can also utilize groups to manage several users simultaneously.
\r\nAccess control: JumpCloud makes it easy for administrators to control the levels of access for each user or groups of users. By leveraging the central JumpCloud console, administrators can quickly grant and manage access throughout all applications, devices, and networks. The console also enables administrators to regularly change credentials and terminate old users, such as former employees who have left the organization.
\r\nIntegrations: Applications can be authenticated with JumpCloud using LDAP, SAML and JumpCloud's own REST API. JumpCloud offers integrations with Google's G Suite applications, Microsoft Office 365, and the organization's preferred active directory.
\r\nJumpCloud has consistently high user satisfaction ratings across several review platforms. Customers often refer to JumpCloud as \"useful,\" \"effective,\" and \"reliable.\" One IT professional noted that switching to JumpCloud over the organization's old solution had made the identity and access management process better across the board.
\r\nWhile JumpCloud offers a comprehensive free version, it only maintains two pricing packages, which gives organizations fewer options than other companies. However, both the free and paid versions of JumpCloud offer every feature, meaning the lack of choice in pricing packages won't affect the level of service.
\r\nFree account holders also experience limited support from JumpCloud. Full support assistance is provided for the first seven days after sign-up, but ongoing support is limited to knowledge base research and analysis of critical defects. Full support is available for free users but requires requesting and signing a support contract from the sales department.
\r\nEditor's Note: Looking for information on SSO solutions? Fill out the below questionnaire to be connected with vendors that can help.
"},"pricing":{"isCapped":null,"isFeatured":false,"primary":false,"selected":"no-monetization","widgetId":"","widget":null,"affiliate":{"cta":null,"link":"https://jumpcloud.com/","name":null}},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5ff36d5f5a215e4c328b4567/jumpcloud.png"}}}]},{"__typename":"SectionContainer","id":"intro","isInToc":true,"type":"container","title":"","container":{"isBuyingGuide":false,"html":"\nMost modern professionals use dozens of digital applications on a daily or weekly basis. Each of these apps requires a password, and asking employees to maintain all of their own passwords to these applications is not only inefficient; it also presents inherent security risks.
\r\nFor example, it can introduce IT risks when employees fail to change their credentials or they use the same credentials for every application. Single-sign-on (SSO) solutions can solve that problem.
\r\nSSO solutions allow network administrators to control credentials on the back end and give employees a single password from which to log in to every application via a central user interface. The ability for IT teams to grant and revoke application access easily and remotely has become especially critical as many businesses have transitioned to a fully remote or hybrid work model.
\r\nThis guide will introduce you to the SSO solutions on the market, including our best picks – OneLogin, LastPass, Okta, Cloud Identity and JumpCloud – and explain what they enable your organization to do. In addition, the pricing and negotiation sections will walk you through the process of selecting a service.
\n"}},{"__typename":"SectionWidget","id":"get-a-quote","isInToc":true,"type":"widget","title":"Find the Right Single-Sign-On Solution for Your Business","widget":{"widgetId":"10757"}},{"__typename":"SectionOurApproach","id":null,"isInToc":false,"type":"ourapproach","isActive":null,"ourapproach":{"isClonable":false,"servicesConsidered":"25","servicesTested":"10","servicesSelected":"5","linkText":"How we evaluate products and services","linkUrl":"mailto:editor@business.com"}},{"__typename":"SectionContainer","id":"compare-our-best-picks","isInToc":true,"type":"container","title":"Compare Our Best Picks","container":{"isBuyingGuide":false,"html":"| \r\n | OneLogin | \r\nLastPass | \r\nOkta | \r\nCloud Identity | \r\nJumpCloud | \r\n
| Price per month | \r\nStarts at $2 per user | \r\nStarts at $6 per user | \r\nStarts at $2 per user | \r\nFree version; paid plans start at $6 per user | \r\nFree for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $10 per user | \r\n
| Additional security solutions offered | \r\nAdvanced directory, MFA, SmartFactor Authentication, desktop, identity lifecycle management, HR-driven access | \r\nMFA, password management, API access, directory integrations | \r\nMFA, universal directory, lifecycle management, API access management, advanced server access, access gateway | \r\nMFA, endpoint management, automated provisioning | \r\nCloud directory services, access provisioning, cloud LDAP, server access and management, MFA | \r\n
| Customer support | \r\n24/7 live chat, email support, technical support portal | \r\n24/7 live chat, email and phone support, self-help, customer success manager (for higher tiers) | \r\n24/7 live chat, email and phone support, self-help FAQ knowledgebase | \r\nCommunity support, 24/7 email, phone and chat support | \r\n24/7 live chat, self-help knowledgebase, email support | \r\n
Whenever you log in to an online account, you have to enter a username and password to authenticate and gain access to your account. A single-sign-on solution, in essence, bypasses the need to manually enter those login credentials by interfacing with each individual website and establishing a \"trust relationship\" between them.
\r\nBy entering and storing your login credentials for specific applications into an SSO or identity access management solution, you create an authentication token that identifies you as a verified user. That token is then passed to the app or website and grants you access, just as if you had entered your own username and password.
\r\nThe advantage of single sign-on is that you only have to remember the credentials for the SSO solution instead of all of the usernames and passwords for the individual apps and websites. Once your applications are connected, encrypted and stored within the solution, you won't have to re-enter them unless you change your password or the app or website is updated and resets its security tokens.
\n"},{"title":"How to Determine the Best Single-Sign-On Solution for You","html":"\nWhen you're looking for the best single-sign-on solution for your company's needs, there are several important factors to consider:
\r\nMost SSO solutions are cloud-based and priced by a monthly subscription model. Most monthly subscriptions tend to range from $1 to $10 per user per month. Enterprise SSO solutions, which are typically more comprehensive and wide-ranging, generally require a quote from the vendor because they are often customized to each company.
\r\nWhen you are negotiating with an SSO solution vendor, it's important to understand both the needs of your organization and the capabilities of the software you're purchasing. Consider your security needs, and identify applications that need to be integrated. With that information in mind, you can begin contacting vendors. Make sure to do the following:
\r\nCloud-based SSO solutions are often month-to-month or based on annual contracts. If you are going to sign a long-term contract, be sure you understand the ins and outs of what you'll be getting for the price and what level of support you're entitled to. As always, it's important to have an attorney look over any contract before you sign it.
\n"}},{"__typename":"SectionContainer","id":"our-methodology","isInToc":true,"type":"container","title":"Our Methodology","container":{"isBuyingGuide":false,"html":"\nTo choose the best SSO solutions for businesses, we analyzed dozens of reputable software companies by looking at user feedback, previous reviews and Better Business Bureau ratings. From there, we examined our list more closely and narrowed down the selection to a pool of finalists.
\r\nTo select the final best picks candidates, we analyzed the following:
\r\nThe SSO industry has grown as more businesses have adopted cloud-based applications, and the industry is expected to continue growing at a steady rate and eclipse $1.5 billion by 2021, according to research from Markets and Markets.
\r\nThe projected growth of the SSO industry underpins businesses' increasing need for efficiency and security for accessing digital applications. According to Datamation, the average organization used 1,427 different cloud services in 2016, which represented a 23.7% increase from the year before.
\r\n\"The average employee actively uses 36 cloud services at work, including nine collaboration services, six file-sharing services and five content-sharing services,\" Datamation reported.
\r\nThe growth of cloud adoption is focused in some industries more than others. For example, companies in the technology, manufacturing, business services and energy industries are very likely to employ cloud services. With a slew of emerging markets yet to fully adopt digital technologies, it's a relatively safe bet that growth will continue.
\r\n\n"}},{"__typename":"SectionMoreCoverage","id":"","isInToc":false,"type":"morecoverage","isActive":null,"title":"More Coverage","articles":[]}],"tocElements":[{"title":"Best Picks","id":"top-of-page"},{"title":"Intro","id":"intro"},{"title":"Get a Quote ","id":"get-a-quote"},{"title":"Compare Our Best Picks","id":"compare-our-best-picks"},{"title":"Reviews","id":"reviews"},{"title":"Buying Guide","id":"how-an-sso-works"},{"title":"SSO Costs","id":"sso-costs"},{"title":"Our Methodology","id":"our-methodology"},{"title":"What to Expect in 2021","id":"what-to-expect-in-2021"}],"author":{"id":"5ca3b4d95a215eed278b4a11","name":"Nicole Fallon","bio":"Nicole received her Bachelor's degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She began freelancing for Business News Daily in 2010 and joined the team as a staff writer three years later. Nicole served as the site's managing editor until January 2018, and briefly ran Business.com's copy and production team. Follow her on Twitter.","thumbnail":null,"status":"enabled","type":"Old BDC Member","user":{"slug":null,"imagePath":"https://staging.business.com/images/undefined"},"title":null,"image":null,"social":{"facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":null,"website":"http://www.business.com"}},"breadcrumbs":null,"channels":{"primary":{"name":"Technology","slug":"technology"},"sub":{"name":"Security","slug":"security"}},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5ff35b037b4374b93b8b4567/SSO_fizkes_Getty.jpg","caption":"fizkes / Getty Images","isBlurred":false},"image":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5ff35b037b4374b93b8b4567/SSO_fizkes_Getty.jpg","meta":{"robots":"index, follow","description":"Compare the best single-sign-on solutions side by side. Read in-depth reviews and learn how the best single-sign-on companies stack up.","title":"The Best Single-Sign-On Solution Reviews of 2021 - business.com"}}},"pageContext":{"displayModified":"2021-01-04T18:11:00.000Z","title":"The Best Single-Sign-On Solutions of 2021","template":"mega","meta":{"robots":"index, follow"},"docType":"categories","slug":"best-single-sign-on-solutions","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/categories/best-single-sign-on-solutions/"}},"staticQueryHashes":[]}