Top IAM solutions for enterprise security

Here are the key features that must be present in an enterprise IAM tool:

• Strong authentication support that includes MFA along with risk checks
• Clear access policies that let you define rules based on user roles and system needs
• Good integration support for apps in the cloud along with older on-prem systems
• Simple user lifecycle actions with onboarding and offboarding that work through automation
• Easy audit data access with reports that help security teams track unusual activity
• Reliable session control tools to manage sign-ins along with active sessions across devices

We evaluated dozens of products to identify the top six that deliver the best value in terms of security and operational simplicity.

Microsoft Entra brings identity management, granular access control, attack prevention and governance into one cloud-first stack. It secures workforce, partner, customer and non-human identities while giving enterprises a clear path toward stronger Zero Trust controls.M

Key features

• Broad identity protection with real-time attack blocking and AI support through Entra ID Protection and Security Copilot
• Strong governance tools through Entra ID Governance, along with steady attestation and access reviews
• Unified access controls using conditional access policies that work across users, agents, endpoints and networks
• Private and internet access services that give secure connections to both internal apps and SaaS tools
• Broad connector library that shortens onboarding time for new apps and services

Cons to consider

• Conditional access and governance features can feel complex for teams new to Entra.
• Some advanced capabilities sit behind P2 or Suite plans, which can raise cost at scale.

Pricing

There are three plans, starting from $6 per user each month, billed yearly. The Suite plan, which includes the most features, costs $12 per user per month.

ManageEngine AD360 is an IAM solution with all the features you need to handle provisioning, access control and password management across Active Directory, Exchange and cloud applications.

Key features

• Bulk user provisioning for AD along with support for Exchange, Office 365 and G Suite, using templates or CSV imports
• User life cycle steps that cover role changes and account retirement, with bulk edit and bulk delete options
• Access management with clear permission tracking and steady audit records for user actions
• Privileged account oversight that alerts you when unusual activity appears on sensitive accounts
• Approval-based automation workflows for provisioning along with group updates

Cons to consider

• The interface can feel dated compared to newer cloud-only tools
• Some advanced automation setups need careful testing in large AD environments
• Primarily focused on Active Directory, so it doesn’t cover all cloud-native IAM needs as broadly as general solutions.

Pricing

AD360 uses a subscription model. Pricing depends on the number of domains and users. The calculator on their site can give you an estimate.

JumpCloud is a cloud-first directory and device management platform. It gives companies a single view to manage users and devices across mixed environments.

Key features

• Cross-OS device coverage for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android, with remote policy enforcement and patch handling
• One identity model that connects users to many apps with a single credential, backed by MFA and a built-in password manager
• Group-based access rules and full event logging for steady security tracking across devices and resources
• Automated workflows that sync with AD, Google Workspace and HR systems to offer end-to-end user lifecycle actions

Cons to consider

• Some advanced controls may require more setup if you have a large legacy AD environment
• Certain integrations work well but may not offer the depth found in older ecosystem-specific tools

Pricing

JumpCloud offers separate plans for device management, SSO and directory functions. An enterprise package bundles most features. Contact sales for exact pricing.

Okta provides an identity fabric designed to secure access for people, systems and AI agents. It’s a comprehensive solution with products covering IAM, PAM, identity threat detection and customer identity management.

Key features

• Single Sign-On with adaptive MFA plus strong controls for devices and APIs
• Customer identity tools that help block bots and fraud attempts while giving room to adjust login flows
• Privileged access options that protect high-risk accounts and limit unnecessary permissions
• Threat detection tools that watch identity posture and alert teams when risky actions appear
• Lifecycle management with steady governance checks for onboarding and offboarding

Cons to consider

• Some customer identity features may need engineering time to tune properly
• Complex environments can require add-on products, which increases overall cost

Pricing

Plans start at $6 per user each month. Contact the sales team for enterprise pricing.

Beyond the obvious need to manage identities, there are a few additional reasons why enterprise IAM has become essential today:

• The rise of agentic AI tools that need strict permission limits along with steady oversight
• Zero Trust programs that rely on continuous checks for users along with devices
• Increased pressure to maintain clear audit trails along with strong access reviews, driven by compliance requirements such as GDPR
• Higher risk from unmanaged accounts along with outdated authentication methods
• Distributed workforces that depend on safe access to internal systems along with cloud apps

Identity and access management (IAM) is a key part of any strong cybersecurity policy. The right solution will help you reduce access risks, pass audits and keep daily operations steady for both users and systems. We hope that this guide helps you choose a platform that best fits your environment and use cases.