Choosing between SailPoint vs Okta can be tough, especially when balancing security, scalability, and ease of use. So, which one is the right fit?
SailPoint offers strong identity governance, while Okta provides a more user-friendly experience. In this comparison, we’ll help you identify the best fit for your organization’s needs.
What is Sailpoint?
SailPoint is one of the leading IAM software solutions for modern enterprises. This IAM software is a reliable option for growing enterprises looking to automate access and make sure there is compliance with user-life cycle management and Identity governance frameworks.
SailPoint can be alternatively described as an identity governance and administration (IGA) solution that helps companies govern and manage access to applications and data across their entire IT infrastructure. This includes on-premises systems, cloud services, and mobile devices.
Pros and Cons of SailPoint
Pros or Advantages of Using SailPoint
- IdentityIQ Makes Access Requests Quicker: IdentityIQ simplifies the approval process, allowing employees to get the access they need without long delays. Faster access reduces downtime and helps teams stay productive.
- Easy-to-Use User Dashboard: The dashboard is designed for simplicity, making it easy to find key features and manage access. Users can quickly review permissions, request changes, and track approvals without technical expertise.
- Reliable Application Access Visibility: Managers can easily see who has access to which applications, reducing guesswork and security risks. This level of visibility helps organizations stay compliant with internal policies and external regulations.
- Fast On-Boarding and Off-Boarding: New employees can quickly gain access to necessary systems while departing employees have their permissions removed without delays. Automating these processes reduces security risks and saves IT teams time.
- Allows Compliance and Audit readiness: Built-in tracking and reporting tools make it easier to meet regulatory requirements without extra manual work. Automated logs and reports help IT teams prepare for audits and demonstrate proper access controls.
Cons and Challenges of Using SailPoint
- Bugs Can Occure Due to Caching Issues: Some users experience delays or unexpected errors because of outdated cached data. These issues can make it difficult to get accurate, real-time information.
- Lack of Documentation: Users may struggle to find clear instructions or troubleshooting steps, making problem-solving harder. Without detailed guides, teams may need extra support to fully understand certain features.
- Set Up is Complex: The initial setup requires technical knowledge and careful planning to avoid mistakes. Without the right expertise, getting everything working correctly can take a long time.
- Access to Features Depends on Licensing Groups: Some advanced features are only available with specific licensing plans, limiting what certain users can do. This can create challenges for teams that need additional capabilities but are restricted by their current plan.
What is Okta?
Okta provides identity access cloud software that helps companies manage and secure user authentication into modern applications, and for companies to build identity controls into applications, websites, web services, and devices.
Okta is recognized as one of the top Single Sign-On (SSO) solutions, allowing users to access multiple applications with just one set of credentials. Okta also provides API products for developers to build identity management into their applications.
Pros and Cons of Okta
Pros or Advantages of Using Okta
- Okta’s Single Sign-on Reduces Password Fatigue: Users can access multiple applications with just one login, eliminating the need to remember multiple passwords. This makes it easier to switch between tools while reducing the risk of forgotten credentials.
- Better Security With Multiple MFA Templates: Okta supports different types of multi-factor authentication, allowing businesses to choose the best security method for their needs. Extra verification steps help protect accounts from unauthorized access.
- Control Access for Full Integrated Techstack from One Place: IT teams can manage user access across different applications from a central dashboard. This helps simplify account management and reduces time spent on manual updates.
- Better Data Compliance: Okta helps track user access and login activity, making it easier to meet industry regulations. Automated logging and reporting tools assist in preparing for security audits.
Cons and Challenges of Using Okta
- Can be Expensive for Smaller Businesses: Subscription costs can add up quickly as you add more users and additional required features. This goes especially for companies with tight budgets. Some businesses may find it hard to justify the price compared to other security solutions.
- Vendor Lock-In: Once a company relies on Okta, switching to a different system can be complicated and time-consuming. This can lead to long-term commitments that limit flexibility in choosing other options.
- Can be Hard to Set Up: Getting everything configured correctly requires technical expertise and careful planning. Without experienced staff, the setup process may take longer and require additional support.
- Not the Best When Working With Multiple Devices: Some users experience issues when logging in from different types of devices, especially older hardware. This can create challenges for employees who need access across desktops, laptops, and mobile devices.
- Some Advanced Features Require an Additional Subscription Cost: Features like adaptive authentication and advanced reporting are not included in basic plans. Businesses that need these tools may have to upgrade to a higher-priced plan.
- Limited Functionality for Non-SSO Compatible Systems: Applications that do not support single sign-on may not work as smoothly with Okta. This can lead to extra steps for users who need to access those systems separately.
SailPoint vs Okta: Key Features Breakdown for 2025
Here’s a quick comparison of SailPoint vs Okta features to help you decide which one fits your organization's needs best. This will make it easier to choose the right IAM solution for your business.
Multi-Factor Authentication
It is designed to strengthen login security by allowing businesses to choose from multiple verification options.
- Okta has a broad selection of multi-factor authentication (MFA) methods, including biometrics, security keys, and mobile push notifications.
- For companies, Sailpoint offers more flexibility with on-premises applications. Also, unlike Okta, their MFA functionality comes with the application and not at an additional $3 per user which is the case with Okta.
- SailPoint also supports MFA, but its primary focus is identity governance, making its MFA functionality not as advanced in some ways.
Better Single Sign-On (SSO)
With Single sign-on, users can sign in once and securely access all connected systems without needing to log in again.
- Okta is built for access management and provides a smooth single sign-on (SSO) experience across multiple applications, which is easier to implement but more expensive starting at $2 per user.
- SailPoint includes SSO capabilities, but while a powerful tool in access governance, it’s not as easy to put into place. That said, it comes included with the platform and without any additional cost.
- For users that prioritize seamless access across different applications, they often find Okta’s SSO features more efficient - but it can also get more pricey as your company scales.
Passwordless Authentication
Passwordless authentication helps reduce the risk of stolen credentials while making access more convenient for users.
- Okta supports passwordless authentication, allowing users to log in using biometrics, security keys, or one-time codes instead of traditional passwords.
- SailPoint focuses on identity governance and does not have the same level of support for passwordless authentication.
- For businesses looking to move away from passwords, Okta has more flexibility and options for logging in.
Pricing Comparison
This allows businesses to start with a lower investment and scale up as needed. The best choice depends on the specific security and identity management needs of the company.
- Okta’s pricing varies depending on the selected plan, with basic authentication features available at lower tiers and advanced security tools included in higher-cost plans.
- SailPoint is generally priced for larger enterprises with complex identity management needs, which can make it less cost-effective for smaller businesses.
Customer Support in SailPoint and Okta
Businesses can choose different support plans based on their needs, from basic help to dedicated technical support.
- Okta provides reliable customer support and assistance for premium customers and extensive online resources for troubleshooting.
- SailPoint also offers customer support, but response times and availability depend on the service package - although many users do commend SailPoint's customer support for being helpful and professional.
- However, companies that need quicker assistance or more hands-on guidance may find Okta’s support options more accessible or reliable.
APIs and SDK Options
These tools make it easier to integrate Okta with existing systems and automate security processes.
- Okta provides well-documented APIs and SDKs that allow developers to customize authentication and access management for their applications. In terms of ease to use, Okta’s integrations are easier to use.
- SailPoint also has APIs but the software itself deals more with identity governance, such as managing user roles and compliance requirements. So if you’re looking for APIs for automation or advanced authentication, SailPoint can be the better choice.
- Businesses that need flexible authentication options often prefer Okta, while those prioritizing identity management may benefit more from SailPoint’s capabilities.
Infisign: The Sailpoint and Okta Alternative
Infisign is a Sailpoint and Okta alternative that provides an identity and access management (IAM) solution in the form of our IAM suite.
Aside from this, for customer-facing platforms, our tool UniFed comes with tenant-based pricing and can speed up your GTM timeline with better compliance and security, and can be implemented in under 24-48 hours.
This IAM software is built on a zero-trust framework, which assumes that no user or device can be trusted by default and requires verification at every access attempt.
- Universal SSO: With universal single-sign on (SSO), users get access to multiple applications and platforms by signing on to the platform once. This makes work a lot quicker and improves UX and user retention.
- ABAC and RBAC: With our RBAC and ABAC solution, you can add and remove whole groups (even hundreds of users) in a matter of clicks. This allows you to have granular control over which types of users can access specific tools based on attributes (DOJ, emails, departments) or even their role.
- Can be Added in Under 4 Hours: With directory sync and over 6000+ APIs + SDKs integrating Infisign with your existing tech stack can be done quickly. How quick? Well, in under 4 hours.
- AI Access Assist: With AI Access Assist, Infisign allows you AI-powered IAM that lets you add and remove users automatically, set on policies in advance. Aside from this, you can also grant users quick access through Slack and Teams, making it a practical solution for anyone on the go.
- Adaptive MFA: With adaptive MFA, you get to have an MFA system that responds to risk level based on IP address, devices used, or even geo-location. It also allows access using protocols like OTPs (SMS + Email), biometrics, magiclinks, device passkeys and even QR codes.
- Unlimited Directory Sync: With unlimited directory sync regardless of the number of existing access tools and ecosystems you use, you can sync all of them for centralized access management and visibility, however many times you need with Infisign (without an additional cost).
- Managed Web Authentication (MPWA): Even if you're working with non-SSO compatible software, you can enable passwordless authentication using MPWA, a tool that allows your employees access to tools and platforms without revealing the passwords. A lot like password vaults, this form of encrypted authentication adds flexibility to authentication.
Bottom Line: Picking Between Sailpoint vs Okta
Sailpoint and Okta are two of the popular choices in terms of access, compliance, and protecting your company from data breaches. But the reality is that they’re both not suited for small organisations and enterprises with diverse authentication needs.
With Infisign you can set up SSO in under 4 hours, have role based access control, and comply with data privacy laws with ease. Not to mention, it also comes with AI-access assist that makes granting and removing access from users a whole lot easier for busier teams.
Want to know more? Book a free demo call to see if it’s the right fit for you!
