Microsoft Entra ID
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) software
Cloud directory services
Identity and access management (IAM) software
Passwordless authentication software
Privileged access management (PAM) software
Single sign-on (SSO) solutions
User provisioning and governance tools
Identity management software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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$6.00 per user per month
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What is Microsoft Entra ID
Microsoft Entra ID is a cloud-based identity and access management service used to manage workforce identities, authentication, and access to applications and resources. It supports single sign-on, multi-factor authentication, conditional access policies, and integration with Microsoft 365, Azure, and many third-party SaaS applications. Typical users include IT and security teams that need centralized identity control, access governance, and secure authentication for employees and partners. The product is commonly deployed as part of a broader Microsoft security and cloud platform, with licensing tiers that unlock advanced governance and privileged access capabilities.
Broad SSO app integrations
Entra ID provides a large catalog of pre-integrated SaaS applications for SSO using SAML, OIDC/OAuth, and WS-Fed, plus tooling for custom enterprise app integrations. It supports both cloud apps and on-premises apps via application proxy patterns. This breadth reduces the effort to standardize access across many business applications compared with point solutions focused primarily on authentication.
Strong policy-based access controls
Conditional Access enables policy decisions based on user, device state, location, risk signals, and application sensitivity. Administrators can enforce MFA, require compliant devices, block legacy authentication, and apply session controls. These controls help organizations implement consistent access rules across Microsoft and non-Microsoft applications from a central policy engine.
Integrated identity governance options
Entra ID supports lifecycle management capabilities such as automated provisioning to many SaaS apps, access reviews, entitlement management, and guest access controls (features vary by license). It also integrates with privileged access workflows through Microsoft’s privileged identity features (e.g., just-in-time elevation and approval-based activation, depending on edition). This combination supports common governance use cases without requiring separate tooling for every identity function.
Advanced features require add-ons
Many capabilities associated with governance, risk-based access, and privileged access are not included in the base edition and require premium licensing. Organizations often need to map requirements to multiple SKUs to get the needed feature set. This can increase total cost and complicate procurement compared with products sold as a single bundled tier.
Complexity at enterprise scale
Policy design (Conditional Access), role assignments, and tenant configuration can become complex in large environments with multiple business units and hybrid identity. Misconfiguration can lead to lockouts, inconsistent access outcomes, or gaps in enforcement if legacy auth paths remain enabled. Effective operation typically requires mature identity engineering practices and ongoing monitoring.
Microsoft ecosystem dependency
Entra ID works best when paired with Microsoft endpoints, Microsoft security tooling, and Azure/Microsoft 365 services. Organizations with heterogeneous identity stacks or non-Microsoft device management may need additional integration work to achieve comparable device-based controls and end-to-end governance. Some scenarios (e.g., certain on-premises app patterns or legacy protocols) may require extra components or architectural compromises.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free (Microsoft Entra ID Free) | Free — included with Azure and Microsoft 365 subscriptions | Basic directory services, user/group management, SSO across Azure/M365/SaaS, basic reports, self-service password change; limited security/retention vs Premium. |
| Microsoft Entra ID Premium P1 | $6.00 per user/month (paid yearly) | Conditional Access, MFA, SSO, hybrid identity, self-service password reset, dynamic groups, application proxy, advanced security and usage reports. |
| Microsoft Entra ID Premium P2 | $9.00 per user/month (paid yearly) | All P1 capabilities plus Identity Protection, Privileged Identity Management (PIM), risk-based conditional access, access reviews, advanced governance. |
| Microsoft Entra Suite | $12.00 per user/month (paid yearly) | Bundle including Entra Private Access, Entra Internet Access, Entra ID Governance, Entra ID Protection, and Verified ID (unified Zero Trust access features). |
Notes: Prices above reflect Microsoft’s published commercial list pricing for annual commitment; actual prices vary by region, currency, and purchase agreement (CSP/EA/volume licensing). Some Entra add-ons (External ID, Verified ID face checks, SMS auth, etc.) have separate usage-based pricing or free usage allowances. Please consult Microsoft’s pricing pages for region-specific rates and add-on details.
Seller details
Microsoft Corporation
Redmond, Washington, United States
1975
Public
https://www.microsoft.com/
https://x.com/Microsoft
https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsoft/
