Auth0 and Okta are identity and access management software solutions, but which one should you choose? Dive into the details with this IAM tool comparison guide.
As remote working becomes the norm and new devices connect to corporate networks every day, more companies are looking for identity and access management solutions† Auth0 and Okta are two of the most popular IAM tools.
SEE: Mobile Device Security Policy (Tech Republic Premium)
Will you choose Auth0 or Okta for your business? It is important to compare the features of each IAM platform before making a decision. Note that Auth0 and Okta joined forces in May 2021 when Okta acquired the Auth0 platform† however, the Auth0 and Okta platforms remain separate, often in tandem with each other.
What is Auth0?
auth0 is a cloud-based authentication and authorization platform. According to Okta, Auth0 is “built by developers, for developers.” While Auth0 contains the main features of IAM including: multi-factor authentication and single sign-on, it is also fully extensible, allowing developers to solve any identity problem through a collection of app integrations and code.
What is Okta?
okta is known as one of the leading cloud-based IAM solutions on the market today. Okta serves all businesses in all industries and offers two specific solutions including employee identity for employees and customer identity. The platform is also universal, offering over 7,000 integrations. In addition, Okta can be adapted to the needs of each individual company.
Auth0 vs. Okta: Feature Comparison
Auth0 and Okta offer similar functionality. For example, both tools offer easy user management, multi-factor authentication, and robust security features. Perhaps the main difference lies in the way Auth0 and Okta approach identity.
Auth0 was designed by developers for developers who understood the importance of flexible, adaptable and scalable IAM solutions. Auth0 allows developers to connect any app regardless of language or stack. In addition, developers can also choose the integrations they want to use.
In slight contrast, Okta uses simple modular components known as Platform Services users can mix and match to develop new features. Plus, the platform offers more than 7,000 pre-built integrations to get businesses up and running quickly. It is a faster way for users to meet identity needs.
Function comparison at a glance
| Function | auth0 | okta |
|---|---|---|
| Log in once | ||
| User management | ||
| Passwordless capabilities | ||
| Multi-factor authentication | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Robust security features | ||
| customization |
Multi-factor authentication
Auth0 offers multi-factor authentication in many forms, including push notifications, SMS notifications, voice notifications, one-time passwords and more. In addition, Auth0’s MFA can be customized to meet the needs of an organization.
For example, Auth0 offers step-up authentication, allowing companies to restrict access to apps that are more sensitive in nature. The platform also offers adaptive MFA so that MFA is only presented within a login that poses a security risk.
Okta offers the same MFA methods as Auth0. The platform also delivers adaptive MFA, allowing users to create access policies based on risk factors. For example, businesses can enable password-only authentication for low-risk logins and password plus push notifications for medium-risk logins.
Log in once
Both Auth0 and Okta offer single sign-on (SSO) built into each platform. Auth0 enables configuration with any corporate connection via Active Directory, LDAP, ADFS, SAML and more. Developers can build any integration needed to deploy SSO across their enterprise.
Okta offers a network of over 7,000 pre-built integrations to choose from so businesses can quickly enable SSO. The platform also offers 1,400+ SAML and OpenID Connect integrations and LDAP support.
Passwordless capabilities
Passwordless authentication is the future and many companies are working to improve security and improve user experience. Auth0 and Okta have features that enable passwordless authentication.
For example, Auth0 enables passwordless authentication using WebAuthn, a browser-based API that completes authentication through registered devices. Okta enables passwordless authentication through a variety of methods, including email-based magic link, factor sequencing, WebAuthn, and more.
SEE: Why World Password Day should be World Passwordless Day (TechRepublic)
Security
A hallmark of identity and access management software is robust security. Both Auth0 and Okta include in-depth security measures to help businesses protect their data. Auth0 includes defenses such as incident response, security monitoring, and data encryption at rest and on the go.
Okta also offers end-to-end encryption and monitoring through ThreatInsight. This is a tool provided by Okta Insights that analyzes attack data across the network to identify and block potentially malicious login attempts.
Choosing between Auth0 and Okta
Auth0 and Okta are perfect solutions to enable IAM within any company. For app development companies or smaller companies with more complex IAM infrastructure needs, Auth0’s extensibility and developer-centric platform may be the better option.
Okta’s existing library of integrations and pre-built components make the platform a great choice for larger companies that need to get their IAM strategy up and running quickly.
