No More Password Scrambling: 6 Best SSO Software I Tried

In the pre-single sign-on (SSO) era, I never conveniently browsed an application as I got stuck in a loop of resetting passwords or recalling security questions to revive access.But then I got thinking. If managing multiple passwords was an uphill task for me, how much network bandwidth, server capacity, and developer turnaround might it take for companies to maintain a seamless login experience? A lot.

Now, with the login convenience bought by SSO providers, I was curious to delve into the key differentiators of these tools that allow us to access multiple systems with a single login credential.

If you are in the process of scouting the right SSO provider, I've listed a personal analysis of the 6 best SSO providers in 2025 that improve data security, reduce breach risks, and improve end-user experience.

Apart from my evaluation, these best SSO providers have also been rated as top market leaders in G2 due to their services, such as ease of authentication, encryption, and data privacy. 

While analyzing these SSO providers, I paid attention to various factors like data security, network compatibility, hardware services, application programming interface (API) and software development kit (SDK) integration, and identity and access management (IAM) integration, which streamline authentication protocols and centralize platforms so that the user can single-click and launch any web or mobile app.

6 best SSO providers I found to
be the most compatible 

During the initial analysis, I spent some time setting remote authentication access and went into details of security transfer protocols like security assertion markup language (SAML), OAuth, and OpenID Connect and their scripting backends to route authentication for various team members and set recovery processes or one-time passwords if they lose access at any given time. 

As a newbie to the SSO authentication workflow, my main motto was to learn how security protocols exchange information and send log-in calls to the backend. I also earnestly delved into third-party API vendors or data centers for one-step ticket resolution, service desk alerts, and authentication styles like multi-factor authentication, passwordless authentication, mobile verification, and so on.

Although I am not an expert coder, I analyzed the backend of these security protocols and tried to understand the porting services that hold a key role in making user authentication seamless. As surprised as I was with the seamless integration of all these services in the SSO software I tried, I've listed solutions that would ease the workload of dev teams and network engineers. 

What makes an SSO provider worth it, according
to me?

With my experience, I focused on two factors: enabling multi-app authentication and offering a secure app launch board for users to give one-click access to applications and provide a robust network security experience.

While you are in the middle of your search, these are the differentiators that you need to look out for:

• Support for industry-standard authentication protocols: As I was serious about finding an SSO for increased security, I only shortlisted tools that offer industry-specific protocols that electronically exchange packet data with the server and enable secure authentication for biometric matching and multi-app authentication. The presence of security protocols ensures that your SSO provider can fit into existing network infrastructure or ERP tech stack. It also allows SSO to integrate with your on-premise or cloud applications and enables smoother server communication.  
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) integration:  I specifically looked for multi-factor authentication, which allows users to verify login credentials across multiple devices before accessing an application. Having multi-factor authentication is the most suitable way to verify the identity and authority of an individual within your workplace. It also allows you to set more than one password confirmation action to reduce the risk of fraudulent logins and unauthorized accessibility. All these solutions integrate and support MFA tools like Google Authenticator, YubiKey, or Microsoft Authenticator to protect data even if the password is leaked or revealed inadvertently. 
• Directory and identity provider (IdP) compatibility: I also checked end-to-end encryption abilities with the integration of user directories like Active Directory (AD), Azure AD, Google Workspace, and LDAP-based director,y which provides team collaboration and task management features to cut down on extra software configuration and content collaboration worries and activate a centralized dashboard to manage all tasks and projects from one platform. I have seen organizations struggle to integrate SSo with current identity providers, so I ensured the prioritization of user directories within the software suite to eliminate all those worries.
• Role-based and context-aware access controls: Not every employee needs access to the login database and end users' passwords, which is why role-based access control is crucial. I searched for SSO providers that offer data masking and RBAC to ensure only authorized people log in to the system and view critical data like login sessions, passwords, and search history. My analysis focused on SSO providers, which further segregate employee access based on job role, user behavior, device type, and even geographic location. I always would suggest looking for an SSO system that dynamically adjusts authentication requirements, like enforcing MFA if a user signs from an unrecognized device. 
• Comprehensive audit logging and compliance reporting: I also ensured that these tools provide comprehensive services to handle IT audits and legal compliance management to list out app consumption, activity time, and other important metrics for overall IT and security management in the organization. I also checked the validity of standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2 to enlist tools that abide by local, state, and federal laws and regulations and register all their business investments in a transparent way with the government. 
• Scalability and integration with cloud or on-prem applications: My main concern was looking for SSO tools that integrate with cloud and on-premise applications from a centralized app launch board. It is possible that some solutions might be too cloud-centric and wouldn't fit in the on-prem ERP system for companies. Further, it also allows for larger data storage and cross-compatibility for internal stakeholders to access multiple platforms in a secure manner and conduct their day-to-day operations without juggling passwords.
• Mobile device compatibility and adaptive authentication: I also prioritized SSO that can sync with mobile devices and generate multi-factor authentication codes easily to add an extra layer of security to user accounts. Setting mobile push notification triggers or one-time password (OTP) actions improves data security and assures the end user that their data is protected and defended against any unwarranted malware attacks. 

While analyzing SSO software, I understood that a little prior coding and technical background is necessary to set multiple integrations or activate security protocols.

During my testing, I tried to outline around 40+ tools, out of which I thoroughly examined and analyzed 7+ tools to set secure SSO workflows and build agile authentication processes for improved privacy.

This list below contains genuine reviews from the game engine category page. To be included in this category, software must:

• Allow users to access multiple applications or databases through one portal.
• Automate authentication to prevent multiple logins
• Centralize authentication servers across applications.
• Provide secure access to applications and data 
• Integrate login access to business applications.

*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.  

1. Microsoft Entra ID 

Microsoft Entra ID provides complete identity and access management services and comprehensive security coverage to authenticate users and launch SSO without spending too much time in programming with SpringBoot functionality.

If you run a business or handle IT operations in a fast-paced environment, you know how critical it is to have a secure authentication system. Microsoft Entra ID eased the workflows on my plate.

What I loved about this tool is how it simplified access control while adding layers of security to protect your end user's data. With single sign-on (SSO), I can manage access to hundreds of applications, whether they are Microsoft apps, third-party SaaS tools, or even internal business apps, without setting multiple passwords.

I also want to mention "conditional access," which really provides a notch higher security to SSO operations. I can define policies that only grant access if certain conditions are met. For example, if the user logs in from a trusted device or requires multi-factor authentication when accessing a high-risk application, I can permit the access.

Another feature that makes the tool stand apart is identity protection. It uses AI-driven risk detection to monitor user behavior and flag any suspicious activity, like impossible travel logins or leaked credentials. Combine that with Privileged Identity Management (PIM), which lets me grant admin rights only when absolutely necessary, and I feel like I have real control over security instead of just reacting to problems.

That being said, it's not all perfect. I will be honest: the initial setup is a little overwhelming if you are new to Azure or identity management in general. 

I found that Microsoft Documentation is pretty well-researched and thorough, but it has a learning curve. If your organization isn't deep into the Windows operating system or Microsoft 365, configuring this tool might be a little bit of a problem.

While Entra offers a free tier, most of the advanced features stated above are available only on paid plans, namely P1 and P2.  If you operate on a tight organizational budget, it may get a little pricey. If you are serious about security and automation, it may be worth investing in, but it needs some prior contemplation.

Overall, Microsoft Entra enables glitch-free and remote user authentication for multiple systems with single key access and connects your day-to-day frequent apps to streamline your projects and stay abreast of all the updates.

What I dislike about Microsoft Entra:

• If you are a part of a system with a few network resources, configuring and setting Microsoft Entra might seem a little bit complex and time-consuming. 
• When I tried to sync it with an iOS device for single sign-on, I found the deployment process a bit confusing and long. 

What do G2 users dislike about Microsoft Entra:

"Microsoft Entra ID has proven to be a reliable and efficient platform for Spring Boot development. Its seamless integration, comprehensive documentation, and supportive community make it an excellent choice for Spring Boot developers."

- Microsoft Entra Review, Sneha D.

2. Okta 

Okta is an all-in-one security management and productivity tool that helps you remotely manage frequent web applications and access any app you like with a single click. It also offers additional features for instant ticket resolution, workflow automation and other integrations with productivity directories.

Okta made it seamless for me to access work applications, cloud platforms, and enterprise systems without constantly typing in passwords. 

One of the things I want to call out is how well it integrates with other user directories and other apps. Whether I am dealing with AWS, Google Workspace, or older enterprise applications, Okta always has an integration that is ready to go.

It supports standards and domains like SAML, OAuth, and SCIM, so even if my company uses a mix of old-school on-prem and cloud tools, Okta stays compatible and enables smooth SSO workflows.

Security is another area where Okta has proven really efficient. It offers a rock-solid MFA feature, giving options like Okta Verify (the authenticator app), SMS codes, instant notifications on mobile devices, and so on.

But Okta does have some ebbs and flows from time to time. While the platform is useful, setting it up can be a challenge sometimes. 

Companies with remote or hybrid settings need an additional device so that they can log in and access their work accounts, which can cause a problem in case the device is unavailable.

But having said that, Okta is one of the most efficient and secure SSO tools that offers end-to-end data security and eases the worries of end users.  

What I dislike about Okta:

• I have noticed occasional performance lags when I try to sign in to the Okta application, and it also doesn't work well if we have limited online connectivity.
• To fully understand Okta's potential, I felt I needed to check some prior tutorials and learning material.

What do G2 users dislike about Okta:

"One thing is the lack of troubleshooting steps or guide when Okta encounters technical issues."

- Okta Review, Eli M.

3. Salesforce Platform

Salesforce Platform is a pioneer in offering low-code development, data management, and cloud hosting services to improve user accessibility, data security, and AI-based productivity monitoring.

One of the biggest wins with Salesforce is how seamlessly it integrates with your organizational ERP. It connects with Gmail, LinkedIn, third-party apps, and even tools you didn't realize you needed.

If you manage orders, the Salesforce Order Management System offers services for the entire order-to-cash lifecycle. It streamlines everything, from inventory checks to payment processing to shipment tracking, and all of this is also managed via single sign-on.

I also couldn't get enough of customization options. It allowed me to tailor reports regarding authentication workflows, track key metrics, and provide actionable insights on user data. Additionally, AI-driven analytics predict sales trends based on historical data, offering valuable insights without depending on any third-party source.

That said, Salesforce isn't the easiest tool to configure. Without an experienced administrator or developer, the user might face an unavoidable learning curve.

Also, pricing can be a challenge for small or mid-size businesses, which lean more on the effectiveness of a platform rather than the price and are tight on budget. Scaling up with additional features requires a careful evaluation of investment vs benefit. 

The mobile app, while functional, doesn't offer the same flexibility as the desktop version. Editing workflows or making quick changes can be cumbersome, which may cause frustration among employees. 

Salesforce Platform is an agile and unified suite of data security and cybersecurity services that allows you to manage all your operations and third-party integrations smoothly.

What I dislike about the Salesforce Platform:

• I felt that for small businesses or early startups, the pricing was a little higher and might be a cause for concern.
• When I tried to work with large data points, the reports and dashboards started running a little slowly, and it took me a little more time to personalize metrics.

What do G2 users dislike about Salesforce Platform:

"Lately, the platform has opted to onboard solutions with clearer price-conscious drivers. Given the value the platform offers from their native solutions, I think the newly packaged clouds are trying too hard to push the bottom line."

- Salesforce Platform Review, Philip T.

4. 1Password

1Password is a secure authentication and sign-in tool that enables your teams to manage and retrieve passwords, run a self-service recovery process, and generate easy reports to manage user access, verify identity, and reduce breach risk.

Setting up 1Password was a breeze, and the interface was smooth and intuitive. I loved how I could store everything, from credit card details to notes, securely in the encrypted vault, locked with AES-256 encryption.

The best part? It synced seamlessly across all my devices, whether I was on my laptop, phone, or tablet. It eliminated the old ways of remembering complex passwords or reusing weak ones just because they were easier to type.

One feature that I would like to highlight is the built-in password generator. It cranked out ridiculously strong passwords, and with auto-fill, I would never have to think about them again. The browser extensions work like a charm on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, making logins effortless.

If I had to nitpick, I'd say the biggest downside is the lack of a free plan. I get it; security comes at a cost.  However, for someone looking for a completely free password manager, 1Password might not be the best fit.

Also, while I appreciate the push for passkeys, setting them up can be a little time-consuming, especially if you aren't tech-savvy.

I also ran into minor syncing issues now and then and had some trouble adjusting to the platform's user interface, which felt a little clunky in terms of design. 

Overall, 1Password is a robust password security app that can manage your authorizations and login processes without you having to set new passwords and initiate new recovery processes every time.

What I dislike about 1Password:

• It was a little confusing to remember whether I bought the cloud version or the Mac app store version when I was reinstalling it on a different system, and it took some time to figure that out. 
• I wasn't too onboard with the passkey concept, and a couple of times, I wasn't able to deploy it on my mobile device via the mobile application.

What do G2 users dislike about 1Password:

"The 1Password widget, when there are over 100 credentials in the dropdown, can sometimes be a bit cumbersome to navigate."

- 1Password Review, Verified User in Computer Software

5. IBM Verify

IBM Verify offers end-to-end password management and workforce identity solutions to automate your user authentication and system administration processes for on-field and remote workers.

First, IBM Verify offers top-notch authentication and security. It's not just about getting the OTP on your phone; it also secures logins with biometric authentication, risk-based authentication, and passwordless access. 

What I love is that it adapts to my behavior. If something seems off, like an unauthorized login attempt from an unusual email ID or location, it throws security checks at those distinct users. 

Since I manage multiple applications, remembering a million passwords is a nightmare. IBM Verify integrates seamlessly with Azure AD, AWS IAM, Salesforce, and Google Workspace, making it easy to access multiple systems via single authentication.

IBM Verify also offers identity and access management that gives me complete control. The RBAC feature allows me to decide who gets to see what, down to the smallest detail. Identity federation ensures I can authenticate permissions across different domains seamlessly.

However, I want to highlight a few struggles while deploying the software. While the platform is powerful, the initial setup can be a bit challenging, especially if you are not deeply familiar with IAM systems.

While the user experience is smooth, the admin panel could use some work and polishing. It sure is feature-packed, but it feels a little clunky and cluttered, which can annoy users a little.

When it comes to performance, things are great (usually), but I have noticed occasional latency, particularly with MFA requests. Further, IBM Verify isn't the cheapest version out there, and the pricing structure can be a little confusing.

While the subscription models have different tiers and features based on user counts, as a small business or startup, you might feel the pinch if you operate on a tight budget.

What I dislike about IBM Verify:

• I had some difficulty setting it up and understanding its complex features, and I had to refer to instructions to follow the process.
• I felt there was a gap in enabling admin access for clients so that clients or customers can also onboard their stakeholders or partners for trading. 

What do G2 users dislike about IBM Verify:

"Loading the admin console will sometimes take more time to load. This causes problems when we want to perform immediate tasks."

- IBM Verify Review, Harish W.

6. Cisco Duo

Cisco Duo is a cloud-based identity access management platform that enables secure authorization and data masking of users when they access any system and offers single sign-on services for remote administration and system maintenance.

I have found that Cisco Duo is a well-rounded and reliable multifactor authentication (MFA) solution with a strong reputation for security.

Duo primarily works through push notifications, SMS, phone calls, and passcodes. I personally loved the push notification feature, which is quick, easy, and takes up way less time.

One of the things I really appreciate about Cisco Duo is its integration with other platforms. Whether I am connected to cloud services, VPNs, or even legacy applications, Duo works smoothly across a wide range of systems. Managing users through Duo's admin dashboard gives you a centralized palette of features.

If you work in IT or service desk teams, you will find it incredibly useful to enforce security policies, manage authentication methods, and monitor login activity in real-time.

Of course, there are a few areas where Duo can be better. While Duo is highly convenient, it leans heavily on phone-based authentication. If I ever misplace my phone or experience a notification delay, it can be frustrating as I am kept logged out of the system.

I've also noticed that some advanced security features like adaptive authentication and device trust are locked behind premium paywalls that might not be available to small business users operating on a tight budget. 

Another issue I faced was with the initial setup. It wasn't overly complex, but I did feel that the documentation lacked a bit of clarity. If you are looking to integrate the application with third-party authentication apps, you might face some hurdles and seek the developer's assistance.

Overall Cisco Duo is a holistic IT management and security solution that secures your internal server operations and reduces any potential risk of breaches or phishing encounters.

What I dislike about Cisco Duo:

• It would have been great if I could access my admin panel from a downloaded desktop app rather than accessing it via browser or mobile.
• I noticed an occasional lag with push notifications on the mobile device, which stretched my authentication process for some time and consumed some resources.

What do G2 users dislike about Cisco Duo:

"I had some issues in the past when I moved phones since I didn't correctly back up my old phone. If you don't click approve soon enough, the request may expire, causing the verification to fail."

- Cisco Duo Review, Connie B.

Best SSO software: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. What is the most common SSO software?

The most common SSO software includes Okta, Microsoft Workspace, and Cisco Duo. These are used by small, midsize, and large enterprises to double-verify an employee’s credentials and provide a launch board for them to easily access any ERP tool via a single sign-on, ensuring a good end-user experience.

2. What is the best free and open-source SSO provider?

The best open-source SSO provider depends on your needs, but Keycloak stands out as the most feature-rich and widely used tool. It supports SAML, OAuth 2.0, and Open ID Connect in an easy-to-manage admin console. For a lightweight and security-focused solution, Authelia is another choice. It offers 2FA and is ideal for self-hosted domain applications.

3. How does SSO improve security while reducing password-related risks for my organization?

SSO enhances security by eliminating the need for users to manage multiple passwords or passkeys. By centralizing authentication, organizations can enforce stronger policies, redefine security training and workflows, enable MFA, and reduce any scope of external data breach or infiltration.    

4. Do SSO solutions work with both on-prem and cloud-based apps?

Yes, SSO solutions are mostly compatible with both on-prem and cloud-based apps and support industry-standard protocols like SAML or OAuth for cloud-based apps and Kerberos and LDAP for on-premises apps. They enable users to authenticate and verify employee credentials and allow permission to access multiple apps via single sign-on across multiple devices.

5. What is the typical deployment time to implement an SSO?

The implementation complexity of an SSO provider depends on a company's existing applications, server capacity, business resources, and usage and adoption parameters. Based on that, the process can take from a few days to a couple of weeks. While cloud-based servers might require less time, on-prem applications with hybrid setups can take more time due to additional installations.

Launch success securely and conveniently 

I deployed and experimented with various SSO providers to bootstrap security and authorization abilities within my app and network bandwidth capacity. As a business, shortlisting SSO software requires an insightful prior analysis of cross-border connectivity, data storage and security, VPN facilities, and ERP application adoption, along with the decision of revenue and financial teams.

Before you delve into the process of scouting for SSO providers and nitpicking options via the web, check for what kind of security and privacy you want for your company and evaluate your own business goals and budget against that. If you feel stuck, you can relook at these pointers and substantiate your decision before making the final investment. 

Are you looking for a way to digitize computer maintenance operations? Check out the analysis of the 10 best CMMS software done by my peer to choose your options wisely.