IdP vs PAM (Privileged Access Management)
An IdP authenticates users to applications. A PAM tool (CyberArk, BeyondTrust, Delinea) manages privileged credentials, session recording, and just-in-time access elevation. They are complementary, not substitutes. Most enterprises run both. PAM pricing typically sits at $5 to $15 per privileged account per month at the entry tier (CyberArk and BeyondTrust publish ranges only on request).
IdP vs IGA (Identity Governance)
IGA products (SailPoint, Saviynt, Omada) handle access reviews, certifications, and provisioning workflows across the application estate. Most workforce IdPs include lightweight governance at the top tier (Okta Identity Governance, Entra ID Governance Suite). Dedicated IGA pricing is quote only at every vendor we surveyed.
IdP vs MFA-only
Duo, Yubico Account Security, and Twilio Authy are MFA-first products that handle the second factor without owning the full SSO surface. They are typically paired with another IdP (Entra or Okta) rather than running standalone. Duo includes basic SSO at Essentials ($3/user/mo) and can serve as a primary IdP for smaller estates.
IdP vs CIAM
Workforce IdPs (Okta, Entra) manage employees. CIAM products (Auth0, Stytch, WorkOS, Clerk) manage external customers. The auth flows, privacy obligations, and pricing models all differ. Some products bridge both (Okta sells Auth0 alongside Workforce, Microsoft has Entra External ID), but the buyer-side decision is usually two separate procurements.
Last verified June 2026.