Top SSO Software Tools for Modern Enterprises

What is SSO?

Today, enterprises need authentication that is not only secure but also seamless and scalable. Employees navigate multiple apps daily, and without a unified authentication system, managing credentials becomes a hassle, for both users and IT teams. The challenge isn’t just about security but efficiency, user experience, and scalability.

Single Sign-On (SSO) addresses this by providing one secure login for multiple applications. It reduces user friction, minimizes password fatigue, and simplifies identity management across an organization. Beyond convenience, SSO plays a key role in strengthening security, integrating with multi-factor authentication (MFA) and other IAM controls to create a robust access control framework.

For enterprises, the benefits go beyond login simplicity. SSO enhances compliance, streamlines IT operations, and supports scalability as businesses grow. It’s not just about reducing passwords, but about building a more innovative, secure authentication strategy that adapts to modern business needs.

This is a guide to top B2B SSO tools, featuring vendor insights and G2-sourced areas for improvement to help users make informed decisions. You can also browse through our blog on authentication, security, and SSO solutions.

Top SSO tools

1. Scalekit

Scalekit is an authentication platform designed primarily for B2B SaaS companies. It supports SSO, SCIM provisioning, and Social Logins, as well as integrates with multiple identity providers such as Okta, Microsoft Entra ID, OneLogin, and JumpCloud. Scalekit uses REST APIs, SDKs, and prebuilt UI components aimed at reducing development effort and accelerating implementation.

Its native multi-tenant architecture supports organization-level controls by design. Enterprise-first features include directory synchronization, user attribute mapping, and built-in role assignments. Additionally, Scalekit offers a customizable admin portal at no additional cost and provides developers with simulators and multiple environments for effective testing and QA.  Scalekit integrates with existing auth providers such as Auth0, AWS Cognito or Firebase. Its combination of developer-friendly features and flexible pricing supports quick onboarding of enterprise customers without significant upfront investment, making it particularly suitable for startups aiming to scale into the enterprise market.

Key SSO Features

• Out-of-the-box integrations: Okta, One Login, Microsoft Entra ID, JumpCloud, and PingIdentity
• Supports IdP-initiated SSO, custom user attributes, automatically fetches the latest IdP certificate. SAML and OIDC supported
• Intuitive IdP simulator that lets developers test the integration throughly factoring edge cases
• Self-serve UI portal for customers to manage SSO setup independently

What users love

What stands out

• Developers can integrate SSO in hours, using pre-built components
• Native multi-tenancy. Each organization’s settings, roles, and user attributes are separate
• Extensive documentation, supports popular SDKs, offer code snippets
• Multi-environment support for seamless testing across development, staging, and production
• Works alongside existing authentication providers like Auth0, AWS Cognito, and Firebase
• Flexible pricing that remains affordable for early adoption and scales sustainably as you grow

What users have reported as areas of improvement

• Wider range of feature support to be able to offload areas like session management
• An extended set of customization options

Pricing

First 3 enterprise SSO (or SCIM) connections are free. $40 per connection from 4th. Unlimited users and social logins included at no extra cost. Volume discounts available for larger deployments

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2. Auth0

Auth0 is an identity platform that provides authentication and authorization services for applications. It allows developers to manage user identities, secure APIs, and implement SSO across multiple apps. While Auth0 supports various authentication methods and has a B2B suite, it is primarily a B2C-first solution. Some of its features include username-password logins, social logins, password-less authentication, MFA, machine-to-machine login, anomaly detection, and more. They are well regarded in the dev ecosystem and are compliant by multiple standards.

Key SSO features

• Enterprise SSO features such as IDP-initiated and SP-initiated SSO flows are supported but require custom coding
• Customization on branding and login levels also supported with custom development
• Tickets that function as Admin Portal with 1:1 dev set-up
• SAML and OIDC supported
• Dev, staging and production environments supported

What stands out with Auth0

• Good match for B2C customers and B2B companies that may not scale to enterprises
• Extensive set of features that can serve multiple use cases
• Offers robust security complying with many global standards

What users have reported as areas of improvement

• Users have reported that costs escalate and quickly become prohibitive. For example, enterprise plans start at $150/month with 3 connections, but double per set of 500 MaUs.  5 enterprise connections or more are available only in Pro plan that costs $800
• Lacks built-in multi-tenant support, making it complex for SaaS companies to configure hierarchical organizations, offer admin portal or customize workflows
• Users also report that support response times can lag, making it difficult to resolve authentication issues in real-time
• Ultimately, growing startups that want to save dev and support overhead cannot do that since custom coding and enterprise onboarding are resource intensive

Pricing

Auth0 has a variety of pricing models, ranging from free plans to starter kits to attract 0-1 startups and extends up to enterprise-grade packages. Starts at $35/month for B2C and $150/month for B2B, but costs can escalate significantly with increased MAUs and organizations

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3. Descope

Descope is a low-code/no-code platform for customer authentication and identity management. It allows organizations to create and customize user authentication flows using a drag-and-drop interface. The platform streamlines authentication with federated SSO, passsword-less login, multi-factor authentication (MFA), SCIM, and more while integrating with various tools for identity verification, fraud detection, and risk-based authentication. They also offer fine-grained access control and extensive user management features. Descope is often preferred by enterprises with complex security and compliance needs as a combination of its pricing and extensiveness.

Key SSO features

• No-code workflow builder for SSO
• SAML. OIDC, IdP or SP initiated — all combinations supported
• Custom attribute mapping among other enterprise-friendly features
• Mock tenant setup to simulate and resolve errors
• Admin portal for hands-free SSO setup

What stands out with Descope

• Easy, plug and play interface to create customized authentication and authorization flows
• Wide range of use cases supported — Enterprise SSO, SCIM, augmented MFA, fine-grained access control along with self-serve admin portal
• Significant ecosystem: be it IdPs supported, or the SDKs available
• Easy integration and seamless implementation reported by users

What users have reported as areas of improvement

• Documentation may require improvement, as some users find it lacking in detail and challenging to navigate
• There are a few noted feature gaps and integration challenges, with areas such as Google one-tap login and native multi-tenancy
• Users report a learning curve associated with the platform, especially regarding the auth flow builder, though support is generally responsive

Pricing

Descope has a free plan with 3 SSO connections and 7500 MaUs. But if you need more MaUs, tenants and apps, the plan gets expensive at $249/month for 5 connections and $799 for 10. Custom domains are not included in the free plan.

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4. Frontegg

Frontegg is a widely used authentication and user management platform designed for B2B SaaS applications. It offers a multi-tenant architecture that enables organization-level granularity for settings and configurations, supporting the entire user journey from signup to subscription. The platform includes fundamental authentication features along with advanced capabilities such as fine-grained authorization, API token management, subscription enforcement, and SSO via SAML and OIDC. Additionally, Frontegg provides a self-service Admin Portal, allowing users to manage personal and organizational settings independently, enhancing control and visibility over authentication and access management. Frontegg is better suited for scale-ups and beyond given the breath of features and pricing.

Key SSO features

• Complete SSO support through SAML and OIDC for IdP-initiated or SP-initiated flows
• Multi-tenancy with control over user access-based permissions
• Pre-built workflows for team management, permissions, and user onboarding
• Self-serve admin portal that lets customers configure SSO
• Covers a wide range of SDKs giving developers easy access

What stands out with Frontegg

• Quick and straightforward integration, reducing development effort
• Robust advanced features such as multi-tenancy, SSO, and MFA
• User-friendly Admin Portal that simplifies account, role, and settings management
• Responsive support team that helps address issues promptly
• Customizable UI and styling options that make it easy to tailor the experience

What users have reported as areas of improvement

• Some users find parts of the documentation outdated or lacking detail
• Occasional minor bugs and inflexibility in certain features are reported
• Changes to the product can sometimes happen without clear communication
• Advanced configurations may involve a learning curve
• Certain customization requests (e.g., deeper drag-and-drop capabilities) remain unmet

Pricing

Has a  free plan with 5 SSO connections, but limited to 7500 MaUs. Admin portal component, domain customization, multi-environment support etc., all involve talking to sales, making it expensive. Pricing also multiples as MaUs increase.

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5.  WorkOS

WorkOS is a developer-focused API platform designed to streamline the implementation of enterprise-level features. It provides tools for user management, SSO, Directory Sync, and an admin portal for enterprise onboarding. Additional capabilities such as audit logs, role-based access control, real-time fraud detection and security features support businesses in achieving enterprise readiness. With structured SDKs, detailed setup guides, and a flexible API, WorkOS simplifies integration by offering a unified connection to multiple identity providers. While they suit a range of B2B SaaS business, scaling with them can get expensive very quickly.

Key SSO features

• Enterprise-level SSO support with integrations to about 20 IdPs
• Supports SAML and OIDC protocols
• Offers a customizable login box builder suite called AuthKit to build and customize the whole authentication journey including SSO, Social Logins, password-less auth and more
• Support and documentation are widely recognized to be good
• Self-service portal for admins to be able to manage SSO setup independently

What stands out with WorkOS

• Straightforward integration with multiple identity providers and clear documentation
• Responsive and helpful support, often integrated directly (e.g., Slack)
• Users find setup and onboarding smooth, reducing development effort
• Unified API and interface simplify complex SSO and directory sync requirements
• Transparent pricing structure is appreciated by many

What users have reported as areas of improvement

• Users share that pricing can get expensive as usage grows since WorkOS follows a pay-per-connection model
• Occasional documentation gaps have been reported as well
• Some have experienced unexpected interface changes or outdated dependencies
• Role-based access can feel limited, with only basic member/admin roles available
• Constraints in the number of environments provided can make staging difficult

Pricing

WorkOS begins at $125 per SSO connection and applies a flat $99 fee for admin portal customization. Volume discounts are available.

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6. Clerk

Clerk is an authentication and user management platform that equips developers with pre-built tools for seamless integration of login, signup, and profile management. It offers ready-to-use UI components, flexible APIs, as well as specific auth flows such as SSO, SCIM, MFA and Social Logins. Clerk standouts with a wide range of front-end and back-end SDKs, database integrations and customization options. While they were predominantly B2C-first, they’ve recently re-positioned their SaaS offerings with native multi-tenancy and org management. They are well suited for B2C apps and low-scale web apps needing minimal auth controls.

Key SSO features

• Ease of integrations for B2C apps and web apps
• Simplified SAML and OIDC integrations
• Tenant management and basic B2B suite
• Pre-built components for easy customization

What stands out with Clerk

• Easy to use with framework-based components and guides
• Lets B2C and web apps offer login and auth roll out quickly
• Enables customization and on-brand login pages — crucial for B2C use cases
• Offers a good mix of MFA, password-less login and Auth for AI solutions

What users have reported as areas of improvement

• As a hybrid solution, B2B is not their strength and users have shared that it shows in slow feature roll out and support
• Do not have an admin portal out of the box – putting the entire setup workflow on an app’s dev and support teams.

Pricing

Clerk offers a free plan covering up to 10,000 monthly active users (MAUs) and 100 monthly active organizations (MAOs), each limited to 5 members. The Pro plan adds advanced features, starts charging beyond these limits, and offers an Enhanced Authentication add-on at $100/month.

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7. Stytch

Stytch is a developer-focused authentication platform specializing in password-less login solutions. It provides easy-to-integrate APIs and SDKs for email magic links, SMS OTPs, and biometric logins, reducing friction during onboarding and improving user experience. Designed for both B2B and B2C applications, Stytch allows for customizable authentication flows across web and mobile. It supports SSO via SAML and OIDC, though setup requires technical effort. They are well suited where hybrid use cases and a diverse set of features may be required, although the pricing can quickly escalate.

Key SSO features

• OIDC and SAML protocols supported
• Admin portal with basic self-management capabilities
• SCIM provisioning, fraud and risk prevention
• Customized branding and domain controls

What stands out with Stytch

• Many reviewers find the platform easy to integrate, with clear documentation and straightforward APIs
• The support team is often cited as responsive, knowledgeable, and helpful during setup and troubleshooting
• Stytch accommodates both B2C and B2B authentication scenarios, offering flexibility in a single solution
• Features like password-less login, magic links, and MFA are appreciated for enhancing user experience

What users have reported as areas of improvement

• Some users desire more advanced customization options (e.g., deeper control over email templates or user data collection)
• A few mention documentation gaps, particularly when it comes to certain features or raw attributes
• New or evolving features can occasionally have bugs or limited configuration, requiring direct support
• Pricing can be less suitable for some cases, especially smaller teams wanting robust features at lower tiers
• Certain security decisions and product assumptions are locked in, limiting flexibility for highly specific use cases.

Pricing

‍Free plan includes 5 enterprise connections and up to 1000 MaUs. Beyond that, each connection costs $125, and every additional 1000 MAUs is $200. Customizations and white-labeling are available for an extra $99.

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Overview of top SSO Tools

Understanding SSO

We have already established how SSO solves password fatigue by enabling users to log in once and access multiple services seamlessly. Since adopting SSO means fewer login hurdles, improved productivity, and stronger cybersecurity, let us look at how it actually works.

SSO centralizes authentication through an Identity Provider (IdP), which verifies a user’s identity and issues a secure access token. This token acts like a digital passport, granting access to various connected applications without requiring multiple logins.

How SSO works

1. User Authentication – The user logs in once through the Identity Provider (IdP), which verifies their identity using credentials like a password or biometric authentication
2. Token Issuance – Upon successful authentication, the IdP generates an encrypted access token, confirming the user’s identity
3. Token Validation – When the user tries to access an application, the token is sent to the Service Provider (SP), which checks with the IdP to
   ensure the token is valid and hasn’t expired
4. Access Granted – Once verified, the user is granted access without needing to enter credentials again

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At its core, SSO relies on well-established authentication protocols such as SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language), OAuth, and OpenID Connect to facilitate secure communication between IdPs and SPs. These protocols ensure a smooth and encrypted exchange of authentication data, preventing unauthorized access and minimizing security risks.

If you are looking to implement SAML-based authentication with Okta, our step-by-step SAML implementation guide is a good reference.

Types of SSO Solutions

Organizations can choose from various SSO solutions based on their infrastructure, security needs, and scalability requirements:

• Cloud SSO Solutions – Ideal for businesses using SaaS applications, cloud-based SSO offers flexibility, remote accessibility, and simplified IT management. This is perfect for companies scaling up and managing distributed teams.
• On-Premise SSO Solutions – Hosted within an organization's internal network, on-premise SSO provides maximum control, security, and customization. It is well-suited for enterprises with strict regulatory requirements or proprietary authentication needs.
• Mobile SSO Solutions – Designed for seamless authentication across smartphones and tablets, mobile SSO enables users to switch between apps without re-entering credentials, enhancing productivity on-the-go.
• Web SSO Solutions – Tailored for web-based applications, they ensure secure and frictionless access to cloud services and online platforms.

Key Benefits of SSO

Implementing an SSO solution brings multiple advantages, making access management more efficient while boosting security:

• Enhanced security – Reduces the risk of password-related breaches by centralizing authentication and enforcing stronger security policies.
• Reduced password fatigue – Users no longer need to remember multiple passwords, minimizing password resets and frustration.
• Increased productivity – Faster access to applications eliminates time spent on logging in multiple times, improving workflow efficiency.
• Cost efficient IT management – Fewer password-related support requests mean reduced IT workload and operational costs.

Security Considerations for SSO Tools

One of the most significant concerns of SSO security is the central point of failure that it can become. Since SSO What users have reported as areas of improvement olidates authentication for multiple systems, a breach at this level can have widespread What users have reported as areas of improvement equences. This makes securing the SSO infrastructure a top priority to safeguard against cyber threats.

Phishing attacks pose another major risk. Cybercriminals often target login credentials through deceptive tactics, aiming to exploit SSO access. Without strong security measures in place, a single compromised password could grant unauthorized entry to an entire network of applications.

To mitigate these risks and fortify your SSO setup, What users have reported as areas of improvement ider these best practices:

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Strengthen authentication by requiring an additional verification factor beyond just a password. Even if credentials are compromised, MFA significantly reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access.
• Continuous Monitoring and Anomaly Detection – Implement real-time monitoring tools to track login activities and detect unusual patterns, such as logins from unfamiliar locations or devices. Early detection of suspicious behavior helps prevent security breaches.
• Employee Awareness and Training – Educate users about phishing tactics, safe login practices, and the importance of not sharing credentials. Human error remains one of the weakest links in security, and informed employees serve as a crucial line of defense.
• Secure Token Management – Authentication tokens play a key role in SSO, making it essential to protect them. Enforce encryption, ensure tokens have short expiration times, and implement automatic revocation mechanisms to minimize misuse.
• Regular Security Audits and Penetration Testing – Conduct frequent security assessments to identify vulnerabilities within the SSO system. Regular penetration testing helps uncover potential weak points before attackers can exploit them.

For a deeper understanding of the strategic importance of authentication in B2B SaaS applications, including essential features like stringent password policies and session management, read our detailed article on B2B SaaS Security & Trust.

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Different Types of SSO Protocols

SSO protocols facilitate secure communication between authentication providers and service providers, ensuring smooth and safe access to digital services. Let's break down some of the most widely used SSO protocols and their distinct features.

1. SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language)

SAML is a widely adopted protocol in enterprise environments, designed to enable secure authentication and authorization between identity providers (IdPs) and service providers (SPs). Since SAML is XML-based, it is well-suited for complex identity federation systems that require high security and interoperability across different platforms.

One of the key benefits of SAML is its ability to eliminate the need for storing passwords in multiple places. Instead, it relies on authentication assertions to verify user identities. This makes it a strong choice for enterprises managing multiple applications across different vendors.

For a deeper understanding of SAML’s implementation challenges and best practices, check out our guide on navigating SAML pitfalls.

2. OAuth (Open Authorization)

OAuth is an open standard used for token-based authentication and authorization, allowing third-party applications to access user data without requiring direct password sharing. Instead of handling login credentials, OAuth provides access tokens that grant permissions to specific resources.

This protocol is especially popular in social media, cloud services, and API-based apps. For example, when you use your Google or Instagram account to log into another website, OAuth is facilitates that process. It ensures that user credentials remain secure while enabling apps to communicate and share data safely.

3. OpenID Connect (OIDC)

OIDC is built on top of OAuth 2.0 and extends its capabilities by adding identity verification. While OAuth focuses on authorization (granting access to resources), OpenID Connect adds a layer of authentication, allowing applications to confirm who the user is.

With its JSON-based tokens (JWTs) and RESTful APIs, OIDC is optimized for modern web and mobile applications, making it easier to integrate identity management into applications. Its simplicity and flexibility have made it a preferred choice for developers looking for a streamlined authentication solution.

For organizations looking to implement SSO with OpenID Connect, Scalekit provides a comprehensive solution that enhances security and user experience.

4. Kerberos

Kerberos is a network authentication protocol that uses secret-key cryptography and a trusted third-party authentication server. It is commonly used in on-premise environments, particularly within Windows Active Directory domains and enterprise networks.

A key advantage of Kerberos is its ability to support single authentication for multiple services, reducing the need for users to repeatedly enter their credentials. Since authentication is handled via encrypted tickets rather than passwords, it significantly reduces the risk of credential exposure.

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Implementing SSO Tool

Successfully integrating SSO into an enterprise environment requires a strategic approach and careful planning. The first step is a comprehensive system assessment to evaluate your existing infrastructure, identify compatibility gaps, and determine necessary upgrades. This ensures that your SSO solution integrates seamlessly with your current systems.

API compatibility: Your SSO tools should work smoothly with existing software, enabling secure and efficient data exchange. Additionally, legacy system integration must not be overlooked—many enterprises still rely on older applications, and ensuring SSO compatibility with these systems is essential for a cohesive authentication strategy.

Customization: Every organization has unique security and user experience requirements, so your SSO solution should provide flexibility in authentication methods, access policies, and identity management configurations.

Scalability: As your business grows, your SSO solution must scale to accommodate increasing users and applications without compromising performance or security.

By addressing these factors, organizations can deploy a robust, secure, and scalable SSO solution that enhances both security and user experience. For a step-by-step implementation guide, explore our detailed resources on SSO best practices and protocol integrations.

Implementation Guides

1. Scalekit’s guide to SAML implementation

To implement SAML effectively:

• Ensure compatibility between the IdP and SP by verifying supported SAML versions and configurations.
• Secure authentication assertions with encryption and digital signatures to prevent unauthorized data interception.
• Configure session timeouts and automatic token revocation to mitigate security risks from prolonged authenticated sessions.
• Use a robust identity federation strategy to enable seamless authentication across multiple organizations or business units.‍

2. Scalekit’s Guide to OIDC implementation

• Choose an OIDC-compliant identity provider that supports industry-standard security mechanisms, such as token encryption and refresh token management.
• Define clear scopes and permissions to restrict user data access based on application needs.
• Implement secure token storage by using HTTP-only cookies or secure storage mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.
• Integrate session management techniques, such as silent authentication and token expiration handling, to improve user experience.

Overcoming Common Challenges in SSO Implementation

Implementing SSO in an enterprise environment  can require overcoming several technical and operational challenges. Here are common challenges and strategies to avoid them:

Integration complexity

Challenges often arise when applications lack native SSO support or when API limitations come in the way of authentication. To ensure a smooth deployment, conduct a system audit to assess compatibility. Go on to select SSO solutions that adhere to widely adopted authentication standards like SAML, OAuth, and OpenID Connect, and use API-based integrations to bridge gaps between legacy systems and modern identity providers.

Managing multiple applications

Managing authentication across multiple applications presents a significant challenge, as enterprises often rely on a diverse mix of software, platforms, and services. Implementing SSO across these environments requires careful planning to ensure seamless integration. Organizations must identify which applications require SSO and establish how they will interact with the identity provider to maintain security and efficiency.

High reliabilityReliability is equally critical. An SSO system must remain What users have reported as areas of improvement istently accessible to prevent disruptions to essential business applications. To achieve high availability, enterprises should invest in resilient infrastructure and What users have reported as areas of improvement ider solutions that offer multi-region deployment and failover mechanisms to minimize downtime.

Here are some practical tips to overcome these challenges:

• Thorough Planning: Conduct an in-depth assessment of the current authentication framework, ensuring alignment with business objectives and security policies.
• Continuous Monitoring and Optimization: Utilize advanced monitoring tools to track authentication requests, detect anomalies, and optimize performance.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Involve IT teams, security specialists, and application owners to facilitate smooth implementation and ongoing management.
• Scalability: Choose an SSO solution that scales with your business. As your enterprise grows, your authentication strategy should adapt without major overhauls.
• Documentation and Training: Provide comprehensive guides and training for your team. A well-informed team can manage and maintain the SSO system more effectively.

For more insights on implementing SSO and overcoming common challenges, you can explore our blog on authentication, security, and SSO solutions.

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Conclusion

SSO solutions simplify and secure user authentication by enabling access to multiple applications with a single login. Different SSO protocols cater to varying needs. SAML is ideal for enterprises requiring secure identity federation, OAuth is best suited for applications that need controlled access to user data, and OpenID Connect provides seamless identity management across platforms.

Security should be the top priority when implementing SSO. Enforcing multi-factor authentication, continuously monitoring system activity, and managing authentication tokens effectively are essential steps in safeguarding user access. Regular security audits further strengthen protection against potential threats.

IT teams should assess their organization's requirements and determine how SSO can enhance both security and user experience. Scalekit offers robust solutions that support multiple identity providers and authentication protocols, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems. A well-implemented SSO strategy not only strengthens security but also simplifies access management and improves productivity across the organization.

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