Ping Identity and Okta are among the top IAM tools on the market today and provide many of the functions large and small companies need when initiating identity and access management systems for their networks. PingOne and Okta offer cloud-based technology solutions for businesses in need of security upgrades while still ensuring seamless sign-on experiences.
Ping Identity vs. Okta: Comparison
In August 2023, IAM provider ForgeRock was merged under the Ping Identity company umbrella. While ForgeRock and Ping users are currently not required to migrate off their current platforms, Ping Identity has said that the consolidation of the two platform’s services is in the works.
Ping Identity’s PingOne solution is designed to eliminate the need for multiple logins while providing enhanced security for employees and consumers using a company’s online systems.
In comparison, Okta is a leading IAM provider that offers enterprise-grade identity management for companies around the world. Okta offers more than 7,000 “deep, pre-built integrations,” allowing secure connections across the board. Its services are built for the cloud but can also be implemented with on-premises applications.
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single sign-on | ||
| Multi-factor authentication | ||
| API security | ||
| B2B integration | ||
| User management | ||
Ping Identity and Okta pricing
PingOne offers three subscriptions for organizations interested in its IAM solution via its PingOne for Workforce plans. Here is a brief overview of the three tiers and some of their feature differences:
| PingOne Essential | PingOne Plus | PingOne Premium |
|---|---|---|
| $3 per user per month | $6 per user per month | Contact sales team for pricing. |
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Fortunately, interested organizations can test out PingOne for Workforce through a 30-day free trial.
Okta lets organizations curate their subscription, depending on their single sign-on and MFA needs.
| Okta SSO | |
|---|---|
| SSO | Adaptive SSO |
| $2 per user per month | $5 per user per month |
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| Okta MFA | |
|---|---|
| MFA | Adaptive MFA |
| $3 per user per month | $6 per user per month |
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Like PingOne, Okta has a 30-day free trial that lets you test drive its software without having to purchase an initial subscription.
Feature comparison: Ping Identity vs. Okta
Multi-factor authentication
PingOne’s multi-factor authentication features a variety of authentication nodes, including one-time passcodes delivered by email or SMS. A native authentication app is available for iOS and Android devices.
Okta has many of the same features, but it also offers ThreatInsight, a function that automatically blocks IP addresses that have been flagged by other companies and cataloged in Okta’s database, providing an extra measure of security for accounts and apps.
User management
The user management functions in PingOne and Okta are key to promoting strong user experiences that can be integral to increasing revenue for companies. PingOne states that its user management tools also give consumers control over their data and user preferences, giving them a measure of confidence and comfort.
Okta’s system will allow user profiles to be incrementally built by adding new profile data for required and optional information. Okta’s Expression Language can manage consumer attributes before storing them or handing them to other apps for access management. Okta’s system also features ways to bring new users into email marketing.
API security
Okta and PingOne boast robust application programming interface security that seeks to minimize any threat of unauthenticated and unauthorized users. PingOne’s Identity Gateway, for example, investigates the legitimacy of a user’s credentials to make sure the requested access is authorized. It can also regulate traffic spikes to reduce the chances of denial-of-service attacks.
Okta allows a company to manage APIs from a single point. Okta uses its Access Management tool to provide secure communications between APIs while assisting with scalability.
Ping Identity pros and cons
Pros of Ping Identity
- Robust security and authentication features.
- Can request a free demo.
- Easy to use interface.
Cons of PingOne
- Lacks sufficient product documentation.
- Customer support can be slow at times.
Okta pros and cons
Pros of Okta
- More customizable and modular.
- Integrates with a wide range of apps.
- High level of security.
Cons of Okta
- Can experience the occasional bug when logging in.
Methodology
Both Ping Identity and Okta were assessed in terms of their IAM features. In particular, we looked at how both handled account verification, role and privilege assignment, access control, threat detection and reporting or auditing.
We then complemented our findings with user reviews from Gartner, G2 and TrustRadius to see how each solution fared in terms of user interface and overall user experience. Finally, we analyzed its feature set in relation to its pricing and how these IAM solutions integrate with different types of organizations.
Should your organization use Ping Identity or Okta?
Ping Identity and Okta provide similar IAM services with numerous benefits, from multi-factor authentication to robust user management tools that can enhance consumer experience and assist in building businesses and increasing revenue.
The user management functions in both IAM solutions are a huge plus, allowing client firms to create strong user profiles through gathered data that not only create a better user experience but also aid in establishing more secure authentication for requestors.
Ping Identity is built to provide optimum resources for enterprise companies, with a full range of services. Okta is more scalable, an attractive feature for growing companies that can begin with a smaller IAM package and expand as their business expands.
The costs for Ping Identity and Okta depend on the level of services needed, and it is recommended that companies interested in either reach out to discuss their individual needs and how the services could meet those requirements.
