Okta Identity Governance vs. Microsoft Entra ID
Running IAM, IGA, and PAM in separate tools creates silos that slow your team down and leave access gaps auditors find first. Here's how Okta Identity Governance and Microsoft Entra ID compare on access reviews, requests, automation, and pricing.
In This Article
The Short Answer
If your organization lives entirely inside Microsoft 365, Entra ID covers basic access. But if you run a mix of SaaS apps, Macs and PCs, and need audit-ready access reviews, Okta Identity Governance gives you IAM, governance, and privileged access on one platform — instead of stitching together separate tools.
Okta Workforce Identity connects and protects employees, contractors, and business partners with identity-powered security. Okta Identity Governance (OIG) adds a unified IAM and governance layer that reduces modern risk and improves efficiency — without a separate IGA platform.
Converged identity: Since 2023, Okta has added Okta Identity Governance (OIG) and Okta Privileged Access (OPA) to Workforce Identity — consolidating Lifecycle Management, Workflows, and Access Governance under a single identity solution.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Where the two platforms differ for IT Directors and Security Leaders evaluating identity governance. For a broader look at access management, see our Okta vs. Entra ID comparison.
| Capability | Okta Identity Governance | Microsoft Entra ID |
|---|---|---|
| Platform scope | IAM, Identity Governance (OIG), and Privileged Access (OPA) on one Workforce Identity platform | Entra ID for access; governance and privileged identity features licensed through separate Entra tiers and add-ons |
| Access requests | ML-driven request interface with chatbots in Slack and Microsoft Teams, plus time-based access policies | Access packages and requests managed mainly through the Microsoft portal experience |
| Access certifications | Query who has access, why it was granted, and when it was last reviewed in an audit campaign | Access reviews available, but tied to higher-tier Entra licensing |
| Automation | Okta Workflows: identity-driven triggers to hundreds of connectors without scripts or code | Lifecycle workflows plus Logic Apps / PowerShell for anything beyond built-in tasks |
| Passwordless | Phishing-resistant FastPass on any device, with pre-enrolled YubiKey onboarding | Windows Hello, passkeys, and Authenticator — strongest inside the Microsoft ecosystem |
| Desktop MFA | Desktop MFA and password sync for both Windows and macOS; works with Intune, Jamf, and Workspace ONE | Optimized for Windows and Intune-managed devices |
| Vulnerability discovery | Spera acquisition surfaces identity risks across SaaS apps using read-only permissions | Identity risk signals focused primarily on the Microsoft tenant |
Why Okta Workforce Identity & Identity Governance
Governance only works if people actually use it. Okta focuses on usability for both end users and administrators — which drives adoption and keeps access clean.
Self-Service in Slack & Teams
Tight integrations with Slack and Microsoft Teams let employees request access where they already work — improving productivity and meeting users where they are.
Requests & Certifications
Modern request and approval flows, auto-provisioning, and audit reporting. Admins see key attributes for every user to make informed access decisions.
No-Code Workflows
Build Okta Workflows that go from identity-driven triggers to any Workflow connector — without scripts or code.
Vulnerability Discovery
Okta's acquisition of Spera helps discover identity-related vulnerabilities using read-only permissions to SaaS apps — more visibility without added risk.
Passwordless & Desktop MFA Beyond Windows
Most organizations aren't Windows-only. Okta secures sign-in across corporate and personally owned devices on every major platform.
Phishing-Resistant Passwordless
Okta FastPass works from any device and supports onboarding with pre-enrolled YubiKeys — compatible with all major platforms, corporate or personal.
Desktop Password Sync & MFA
Desktop MFA and password synchronization for both Windows and macOS, integrated with Intune, Jamf, and Workspace ONE.
Okta Identity Governance Pricing
OIG uses simple per-user, per-month pricing based on how many Workflows flows you need.
$9
per user / month
50 flows
$10
per user / month
150 flows
$11
per user / month
Unlimited flows
Questions to Ask Before You Choose
Use these to pressure-test any identity provider — and see where Okta answers them.
Do you need certifications or audits to confirm the right people access the right resources? How often, and how?
With Okta you can query who has access to what, why access was granted, and when it was last reviewed in an audit campaign. See what auditors actually want to see.
How will your identity solution expand to meet your business needs?
Many organizations run separate IAM, IGA, and PAM tools because of identity provider limits — creating silos that hurt productivity and security. Okta Identity Governance and Okta Privileged Access are now part of Workforce Identity, managed from a single pane of glass on a highly available platform.
How often does your workforce request access to apps or resources?
Okta OIG's machine-learning-driven request interface, including chatbots, makes access easy to manage and grant. Control who can see and request what — and set time-based access policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from teams comparing Okta Identity Governance and Microsoft Entra ID.
What is the difference between Okta Identity Governance and Microsoft Entra ID?
How much does Okta Identity Governance cost?
Can Okta work alongside Microsoft 365 and Intune?
Do I need separate IGA and PAM tools if I use Okta?
Evaluating Okta Identity Governance?
Iron Cove is an Okta Premier Partner. Book a free 30-minute call and we'll map your current Entra or Okta setup to the governance controls your auditors expect.
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