Auth0-vs-The-Okta-Identity-Cloud

Auth0 and The Okta Identity Cloud are both identity management platforms. The services they provide include single-sign-on (SSO), multifactor authentication, user and access management, etc. While the services they provide are similar, Auth0 is better suited for customer-facing logins, while Okta Identity Cloud is more often used for internal applications.  

Features

Though Auth0 and The Okta Identity Cloud offer a similar set of capabilities, each has a few standout features that help differentiate the two solutions.

On TrustRadius, Auth0 is praised for its quick setup, as it can be implemented with just a few lines of code (regardless of what codebase is already in place). Extensive documentation and tutorials allow new users and experienced developers alike to customize the Auth0 platform to meet their business needs. Users report that the platform’s interface is well-designed and easy to use. The free plan, which includes SSO and two-factor authentication, is ideal for organizations with up to 7,000 users and unlimited logins, making it a suitable option for small B2C companies on a budget. All of the paid tiers include logging so that developers can track usage and reconfigure the product to meet their users’ needs as needed.

On TrustRadius, The Okta Identity Cloud platform is primarily used by midsize businesses and enterprise organizations. It helps make employee onboarding and departure simple and more secure by allowing organizations to terminate a departed employee’s access to all internal applications at once. Okta Identity Cloud has a robust catalog of supported applications and can easily integrate with third-party software and applications. It integrates easily with a directory so that users can manage their own passwords without needing to contact IT. There are multiple levels of administrative permissions available, which allows teams to control access to the Okta platform based on roles and responsibilities. 

Limitations

Each platform has a few limitations to keep in mind when deciding which solution to purchase. 

Auth0’s 7,000-user free tier is a double-edged sword. It’s great for organizations that can stay under the user limit, but for companies that experience rapid growth, the cost of the paid plans can add up quickly as the number of users rises. Switching to a different product after exceeding the 7,000-user limit on Auth0’s free tier is likely not an attractive alternative. Users also note that Auth0’s website does not clearly explain which features are available under the paid plans. The simple user interface can also be limiting for those who want to customize the appearance to promote their brand. Experienced coders may lament the fact that Auth0 can only be configured through a GUI; there is no option to use a configuration file.

The Okta Identity Cloud provides volume discounts for organizations with over 5,000 users, but organizations smaller than that will have to pay by the user. This can add up very quickly, especially for midsize companies with under 5,000 users. There is also a $1,500 annual minimum fee that very small companies may not be able to afford. Okta uses session cookies to sign out users for security reasons, but users on TrustRadius report it’s difficult to tell when they’re signed out. 

Pricing

As mentioned, Auth0 offers a free plan with basic features for up to 7,000 users. The product’s Developer t($23+ per month), Developer Pro ($130+ per month) and Enterprise (contact sales for pricing) tiers promise more functionality—though the vendor provides little information about features included on the paid plans. 

The Okta Identity Cloud pricing is very granular. Individual services are priced per user, and there is an annual contract minimum of $1,500 that must be met. Volume discounts are available for organizations with more than 5,000 users. The vendor also offers a  free trial available.