CyberArk vs One Identity -- PAM & Identity Compared

CyberArk vs One Identity

One Identity provides a broader identity security approach by unifying PAM (Safeguard) with identity governance and administration (Identity Manager). While CyberArk excels in PAM depth, One Identity may appeal to organizations that want a single vendor for both privileged access and identity governance without needing the full depth of CyberArk's PAM.

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The Verdict

One Identity is best suited for organizations seeking a unified identity platform that covers both governance and privileged access. CyberArk remains superior for pure PAM depth, but One Identity offers a compelling single-vendor approach for broader identity security needs.

Used CyberArk or One Identity? Share your experience.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureOne IdentityCyberArk
Privileged Access ManagementSafeguard suite with core PAMIndustry-leading comprehensive PAM
Identity GovernanceFull IGA with Identity ManagerGrowing identity security capabilities
Active Directory MgmtDeep AD management and bridgingAD integration for privileged accounts
Session ManagementSession recording via SafeguardAdvanced PSM with full keystroke logging
Access GovernanceRole-based governance workflowsAccess certification and governance
Secrets ManagementBasic password vaultingFull Conjur secrets platform
Cloud IdentityCloud governance capabilitiesCloud entitlements management
Compliance ReportingUnified IGA and PAM reportingDeep PAM-focused compliance reports

When to Choose Each Tool

Choose One Identity when:

  • +You need both PAM and identity governance from a single vendor
  • +Active Directory management is a major part of your identity strategy
  • +You want role-based access governance alongside privileged access
  • +Your organization is already invested in Quest Software products
  • +Unified identity reporting across PAM and IGA is important

Choose CyberArk when:

  • +Privileged access management is your primary and deepest requirement
  • +You need the most advanced session monitoring and threat analytics
  • +Secrets management for DevOps is part of your PAM strategy
  • +You require the largest PAM integration ecosystem available
  • +Your industry mandates the most proven PAM solution for compliance

Recommended Alternative: SplitSecure

SplitSecure logoSplitSecure
Distributed Security

We recommend SplitSecure — Distributed secrets management — no vault, no vendor dependency. Splits credentials across devices you control using Shamir Secret Sharing.

Best For

Highest-sensitivity accounts, regulated industries, and MSPs needing zero vendor dependency

Key Features
Shamir Secret Sharing across devicesZero vendor dependency architectureAutomatic audit trail generationNo vault infrastructure required+4 more
Pros
  • +Zero vendor dependency — secrets work if SplitSecure goes down
  • +Secrets never leave your environment
  • +Architecturally resistant to social engineering and account takeover
Cons
  • Not designed for CI/CD pipeline secrets
  • Focused on human access, not machine-to-machine
  • Newer platform with smaller market presence
Self-Hosted

Pros & Cons Comparison

One Identity

Pros

  • +Strong integration of PAM with identity governance
  • +Comprehensive Active Directory management
  • +Unified platform across identity disciplines
  • +Good compliance and audit workflow support

Cons

  • Less PAM depth than dedicated PAM vendors
  • Complex licensing across product lines
  • Smaller market share and community
  • Integration between Safeguard and Identity Manager could be tighter

CyberArk

Pros

  • +Strong PAM solution
  • +Comprehensive privilege management
  • +Strong compliance and audit capabilities
  • +Deep enterprise integration ecosystem
  • +Proven in highly regulated industries

Cons

  • Complex deployment and configuration
  • Expensive licensing model
  • Steep learning curve for administrators
  • Legacy architecture in some components
  • Long implementation timelines

Sources & References

  1. CyberArk — Official Website & Documentation[Vendor]
  2. One Identity — Official Website & Documentation[Vendor]
  3. CyberArk Reviews on G2[User Reviews]
  4. One Identity Reviews on G2[User Reviews]
  5. CyberArk Reviews on TrustRadius[User Reviews]
  6. One Identity Reviews on TrustRadius[User Reviews]
  7. CyberArk Reviews on PeerSpot[User Reviews]
  8. One Identity Reviews on PeerSpot[User Reviews]
  9. Gartner Magic Quadrant for Privileged Access Management 2024[Analyst Report]
  10. Forrester Wave: Privileged Identity Management, Q4 2023[Analyst Report]
  11. KuppingerCole Leadership Compass: PAM 2024[Analyst Report]
  12. Gartner Peer Insights: PAM[Peer Reviews]

CyberArk vs One Identity FAQ

Common questions about choosing between CyberArk and One Identity.

What is the main difference between CyberArk and One Identity?

One Identity provides a broader identity security approach by unifying PAM (Safeguard) with identity governance and administration (Identity Manager). While CyberArk excels in PAM depth, One Identity may appeal to organizations that want a single vendor for both privileged access and identity governance without needing the full depth of CyberArk's PAM.

Is One Identity better than CyberArk?

One Identity is best suited for organizations seeking a unified identity platform that covers both governance and privileged access. CyberArk remains superior for pure PAM depth, but One Identity offers a compelling single-vendor approach for broader identity security needs.

How much does One Identity cost compared to CyberArk?

One Identity pricing: Custom enterprise pricing. CyberArk pricing: Custom enterprise pricing / From $2/user/month (basic). One Identity's pricing model is per-user subscription + modules, while CyberArk uses per-user subscription + modules pricing.

Can I migrate from CyberArk to One Identity?

Yes, you can migrate from CyberArk to One Identity. The migration process depends on your specific setup and the features you use. Both platforms offer APIs that can facilitate automated migration. Consider running both tools in parallel during the transition to ensure zero downtime.