Microsoft Entra External ID provides streamlined identity management with features like Active Directory integration, multi-factor authentication, and centralized user management, supporting both B2C and B2E needs. It's designed to enhance security while simplifying access management across applications.

| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Entra External ID | 1.9% |
| Microsoft Entra ID | 16.1% |
| Okta Platform | 9.2% |
| Other | 72.8% |
| Type | Title | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Identity and Access Management as a Service (IDaaS) (IAMaaS) | May 6, 2026 | Download |
| Product | Reviews, tips, and advice from real users | May 6, 2026 | Download |
| Comparison | Microsoft Entra External ID vs Microsoft Entra ID | May 6, 2026 | Download |
| Comparison | Microsoft Entra External ID vs Okta Platform | May 6, 2026 | Download |
| Comparison | Microsoft Entra External ID vs SailPoint Identity Security Cloud | May 6, 2026 | Download |
| Title | Rating | Mindshare | Recommending | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | 4.1 | N/A | 95% | 215 interviewsAdd to research |
| Microsoft Entra ID | 4.3 | 16.1% | 95% | 277 interviewsAdd to research |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 9 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 2 |
| Large Enterprise | 6 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 93 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 56 |
| Large Enterprise | 151 |
Microsoft Entra External ID enhances identity management by offering easy setup, robust monitoring, and centralized user management. It supports compliance with comprehensive reporting and integrates seamlessly with Azure. While it facilitates cross-company collaboration, user lifecycle management, and B2B guest access, users note the need for improved technical support, faster synchronization speeds, and more customizable interfaces. Integration with open-source software, legacy tools, and ERP systems is advised along with a more predictable pricing model and improved federated login security. Current licensing complexity and the need for more user-friendly interfaces are areas for development.
What are the most important features?In sectors like IT, finance, and healthcare, Microsoft Entra External ID is utilized for managing complex access needs and compliance requirements, supporting projects involving Active Directory, Microsoft Teams, and cloud-based infrastructures. These industries leverage its capabilities for managing identities and improving secure collaboration while ensuring alignment with existing on-premises systems.
Microsoft Entra External ID was previously known as Azure Active Directory External Identities.
| Author info | Rating | Review Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Consultant at Artifield | 3.5 | I have been using Microsoft Entra External ID for seven months as a consultant, evaluating its unified B2C and B2E features. While its unification is strong, it needs more customizable login options to improve its competitive edge. |
| Manager, Identity & Access Management at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees | 3.0 | I've used Microsoft Entra External ID mainly for identity lifecycle management and MFA, but it lacks full governance capabilities, has onboarding delays, limited connectors, and lags behind tools like Saviynt or SailPoint for large-scale identity solutions. |
| Software Architect at Velsera | 4.0 | I primarily use Microsoft Entra External ID for SSO due to its integration capabilities, though legacy tool integration needs improvement. Challenges in support and cost compared to alternatives like Okta exist, yet Entra offers valuable integration for current solutions. |
| IT Manager at Alex Apparels | 4.5 | I've found Microsoft Entra External ID reliable and convenient for managing users, licenses, and policies, with strong monitoring and support. It's stable, scalable, and secure, and we've seen time savings and improved identity management since implementation. |
| Network Security Administrator at a retailer with 51-200 employees | 4.0 | I use Microsoft Entra External ID for seamless SAML and SCIM integrations, enhancing administrative ease and user experience for our 200+ employees. Despite needing more open-source opportunities, our ROI has increased since moving from on-premises authentication. |
| Service Delivery Manager at Centric Infrastructure Solutions | 3.5 | I've had a good experience with Microsoft Intune and Entra External ID, though the licensing model is complex. As a project and service delivery manager, I guide implementation and value Microsoft's capabilities despite needing specialist knowledge for license management. |
| Director of Technology at a hospitality company with 51-200 employees | 4.5 | I rate Microsoft Entra External ID 9/10, finding it easy to use and stable. Despite limited personal interaction as an MSP handles most tasks, and minor Microsoft-related outages, its SSO and support are good. |
| Senior Manager at Viatris | 3.5 | I've used Microsoft Entra External ID for three years and find it easy to use with strong support, but the UI needs improvement, and adaptive authentication is unfamiliar; I rated it 7 out of 10 overall. |