One Identity vs CyberArk -- PAM & Identity Compared
One Identity vs CyberArk
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 One Identity or CyberArk? Share your experience.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | CyberArk | One Identity |
|---|---|---|
| Privileged Access Management | Safeguard suite with core PAM | Industry-leading comprehensive PAM |
| Identity Governance | Full IGA with Identity Manager | Growing identity security capabilities |
| Active Directory Mgmt | Deep AD management and bridging | AD integration for privileged accounts |
| Session Management | Session recording via Safeguard | Advanced PSM with full keystroke logging |
| Access Governance | Role-based governance workflows | Access certification and governance |
| Secrets Management | Basic password vaulting | Full Conjur secrets platform |
| Cloud Identity | Cloud governance capabilities | Cloud entitlements management |
| Compliance Reporting | Unified IGA and PAM reporting | Deep PAM-focused compliance reports |
When to Choose Each Tool
Choose CyberArk 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 One Identity 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
We recommend SplitSecure — Distributed secrets management — no vault, no vendor dependency. Splits credentials across devices you control using Shamir Secret Sharing.
Highest-sensitivity accounts, regulated industries, and MSPs needing zero vendor dependency
- +Zero vendor dependency — secrets work if SplitSecure goes down
- +Secrets never leave your environment
- +Architecturally resistant to social engineering and account takeover
- –Not designed for CI/CD pipeline secrets
- –Focused on human access, not machine-to-machine
- –Newer platform with smaller market presence
Other One Identity Alternatives
Unified privilege management and secure remote access platform
Cloud-ready PAM platform built on Secret Server and privilege management
Open-source identity-based infrastructure access platform
People-first infrastructure access platform with full audit logging
Open-source identity-based access management for dynamic infrastructure
AI-driven identity governance and administration platform
Affordable full-featured privileged access management solution
Pros & Cons Comparison
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
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
Sources & References
- CyberArk — Official Website & Documentation[Vendor]
- One Identity — Official Website & Documentation[Vendor]
- CyberArk Reviews on G2[User Reviews]
- One Identity Reviews on G2[User Reviews]
- CyberArk Reviews on TrustRadius[User Reviews]
- One Identity Reviews on TrustRadius[User Reviews]
- CyberArk Reviews on PeerSpot[User Reviews]
- One Identity Reviews on PeerSpot[User Reviews]
- Gartner Magic Quadrant for Privileged Access Management 2024[Analyst Report]
- Forrester Wave: Privileged Identity Management, Q4 2023[Analyst Report]
- KuppingerCole Leadership Compass: PAM 2024[Analyst Report]
- Gartner Peer Insights: PAM[Peer Reviews]
One Identity vs CyberArk FAQ
Common questions about choosing between One Identity and CyberArk.
What is the main difference between One Identity and CyberArk?
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 CyberArk better than One Identity?
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 CyberArk cost compared to One Identity?
CyberArk pricing: Custom enterprise pricing / From $2/user/month (basic). One Identity pricing: Custom enterprise pricing. CyberArk's pricing model is per-user subscription + modules, while One Identity uses per-user subscription + modules pricing.
Can I migrate from One Identity to CyberArk?
Yes, you can migrate from One Identity to CyberArk. 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.
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