Microsoft Entra ID vs Symantec Advanced Authentication comparison

Microsoft and Broadcom are both solutions in the Authentication Systems category. Microsoft is ranked #1 with an average rating of 8.7, while Broadcom is ranked #17 with an average rating of 7.0. Microsoft holds a 14.8% mindshare in AS, compared to Broadcom’s 0.6% mindshare. Additionally, 95% of Microsoft users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 77% of Broadcom users who would recommend it.

Microsoft Entra ID

Read 235 Microsoft Entra ID reviews

23,813 Views
7,144 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

Symantec Advanced Authentic...

Read 9 Symantec Advanced Authentication reviews

351 Views
337 Comparison Views

77% willing to recommend

Microsoft Entra ID

Symantec Advanced Authentic...

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Aug 11, 2024

Symantec Advanced Authentication and Microsoft Entra ID offer robust authentication solutions. Users highlight Symantec Advanced Authentication's price and support, while Microsoft Entra ID's features make it the preferred choice despite higher costs.

What features are offered by Symantec Advanced Authentication in comparison to Microsoft Entra ID?

Symantec Advanced Authentication offers multi-factor authentication capabilities, detailed reporting, and strong customer support. Microsoft Entra ID features seamless integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, advanced security features, and comprehensive management options. Microsoft Entra ID's integration and security features give it an advantage.

What areas of improvement can be found in Symantec Advanced Authentication in comparison to Microsoft Entra ID?

Symantec Advanced Authentication could improve its scalability, intuitive management, and advanced customization options. Microsoft Entra ID needs enhancements in availability, user experience, and feature customization. Symantec users highlight scalability, while Microsoft users focus on availability and customization.

How is the ease of deployment and customer service of Symantec Advanced Authentication in comparison to Microsoft Entra ID?

Symantec Advanced Authentication is noted for straightforward deployment and responsive customer service. Microsoft Entra ID's smooth integration is praised, but the initial setup process receives criticism. Symantec has an edge in deployment ease, with Microsoft offering better integration experiences.

What setup costs and ROI can be seen with Symantec Advanced Authentication in comparison to Microsoft Entra ID?

Symantec Advanced Authentication offers competitive pricing and positive ROI. Microsoft Entra ID has higher initial costs, but users justify these with strong ROI from its comprehensive features. Symantec is favored for cost-effectiveness, while Microsoft is preferred for its feature-rich ROI.

To learn more, read our detailed Microsoft Entra ID vs. Symantec Advanced Authentication Report (Updated: July 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft Entra ID vs. Symantec Advanced Authentication

July 2025

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Helped 865,484 peers since 2012

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Microsoft Entra ID

Ranking in Authentication Systems

1st

Average Rating

8.6

Reviews Sentiment

7.1

Number of Reviews

235

Ranking in other categories

Single Sign-On (SSO) (1st), Identity Management (IM) (2nd), Identity and Access Management as a Service (IDaaS) (IAMaaS) (1st), Access Management (1st), Microsoft Security Suite (2nd)

Symantec Advanced Authentic...

Ranking in Authentication Systems

17th

Average Rating

7.8

Reviews Sentiment

8.7

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of August 2025, in the Authentication Systems category, the mindshare of Microsoft Entra ID is 14.8%, down from 19.2% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Symantec Advanced Authentication is 0.6%, up from 0.5% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Authentication Systems

Featured Reviews

Bahram Piri

Chief Executive Officer & Founder at IDmelon Technologies

Security focus and seamless implementation increase platform productivity

Microsoft Entra ID can be improved in many ways, and there's a big wish list.If we're focusing on security, something that I definitely expect is improvement in the UI and UX for frontline workers. This is important, especially for non-tech savvy individuals. It is something Microsoft Entra ID could do to improve for a wider audience. It's important to focus on the frontline workers since they are non-tech savvy individuals. They are not like those back-office engineering C-level employees who are constantly dealing with computers, and we need to build a specific user experience and user interface for them to handle this stuff. That's something I expect Microsoft to focus on more for Microsoft Entra ID.

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Umair (Abu Mohaymin) Akhlaque

Group CEO at Flexsolutions

Ensures robust security features and ease of deployment, although it may lack some of the more modern authentication options

There has been a need for aggressive development to modernize the product and align it with contemporary security requirements. While the rebranding has been a step forward, further enhancements are essential to meet the evolving demands of the market. It lacks features such as ActiveSync Exchange security, and it doesn't offer alternatives like password-less authentication via biometrics or patches. While Symantec mainly relies on traditional token-based or password-based methods, newer authentication methods are missing from its repertoire. Support services often lack promptness and depth of knowledge, leaving customers waiting for weeks to resolve issues. In the realm of multifactor authentication, swift resolution of problems is critical, as any slowdown or interruption can significantly impact operations. Urgent improvement is necessary to ensure that support responses are faster and more effective, aligning with the demands of MFA implementation.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"The most valuable components of the solution are provisioning and deprovisioning since both features work...Microsoft Entra Verified ID is a very stable solution."

"The scalability of the product is decent."

"The interface is well laid out and it is easy to navigate."

"Microsoft Entra ID has simplified central management, including administration and an overview of all logins and user profiles."

"The most valuable feature for me is enterprise applications. This functionality allows the building of applications that are tied into APIs that we can grant specific permissions and limit the scope of access."

"Being able to easily authenticate yourself on the MSA app is valuable. It is easy to use. Rather than receiving a code in an SMS, you can just verify that it is you. You don't have to punch in any password or any six-digit code. That's the feature that I like the most."

"Microsoft Entra ID is regarded as the best ID management suite for integrating applications using SAML 2.0 for single sign-on."

"The implementation of Microsoft Entra ID has impacted my secure access to apps or resources in my environment because it made it easier."

More Microsoft Entra ID pros

"Rules on Risk Authentication are very good."

"One of the most valuable features of this solution is that it's a strong authentication solution that's able to integrate with applications."

"One of the most valuable aspects is its remarkable stability."

"It tells us exactly what we want in terms of authentication to various applications and provides protection for users who access them."

Cons

"The dashboard and interface could be better. It would be ideal if it was easier to use."

"To look at more documentation, engineering, or an open standard would be nice."

"Microsoft's pricing and licensing are difficult to understand. We engage with Microsoft partners regularly, but Microsoft's frequent rebranding complicates the process for us in the industry."

"I suggest improving the connector part. For technical users like me, it is manageable, but having comprehensive documentation for those who aren't familiar with the system would be beneficial."

"One challenge with Entra ID is its complexity, stemming from integrating many components into a single solution."

"Sometimes, what one customer may like, another may not like it. We have had customers asking, "Why is Microsoft forcing us to do this?" For example, when you use Exchange Server on-premise, then you can customize it for your company and these customizations are unlimited. However, if you use Exchange Online or with Microsoft 365, then your ability to make modifications is limited. So, only the cloud versus is limited."

"Sometimes, level-one support lacks the immediate information needed, causing delays in receiving appropriate support."

"Microsoft plans to move away from SMS authentication for Multi-Factor Authentication and only implement application-based authenticator, which will be challenging for retail outlets reliant on Microsoft Active Directory."

More Microsoft Entra ID cons

"Advanced Authentication talks about the Device ID. But how the device ID is captured, I want to know more about that."

"We have seen quite a few issues with bugginess. It is indeed pretty buggy and we have had to install some fixes."

"Urgent improvement is necessary to ensure that support responses are faster and more effective, aligning with the demands of MFA implementation."

"This solution could be improved with risk-based authentication. I think that this product has everything that most customers are looking for, but modern technology has people looking for security tools with risk-based authentication, which they have a separate tool for. If they could integrate this, it would improve Symantec Advanced Authentication. They have to look at what's newly trending and how things are moving forward, and then adapt and adopt those features. Symantec's technical support should also be improved, in terms of response time."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The licensing model is straightforward. I don't think there are any issues with the E3 license or E5 license."

"The pricing for Azure Active Directory is affordable; I would rate the cost a six out of ten."

"It is worth the money."

"I think we're on the E3 — I think it was about 35 dollars per user."

"The pricing for companies and businesses is okay, it's fair. But if you are trying to teach someone about Azure AD, there is no licensing option for that... It would be nice to have a 'learning' license, one that is cheaper for a single person."

"Azure has an educational package available for students with a variety of licenses and different software available."

"If you're on Azure, it can be free or it's incorporated, at no extra cost, or it can become extremely complicated."

"We are currently on the education plan, so the price is slightly better than the development plan."

More Microsoft Entra ID pricing and cost advice

"There are eventually going to be implementation costs. Sometimes you're required to have custom code developments there, so that has to be part of the implementation price."

"The price is reasonable."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

14%

Financial Services Firm

11%

Manufacturing Company

Government

No data available

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

Questions from the Community

How does Duo Security compare with Microsoft Authenticator?

We switched to Duo Security for identity verification. We’d been using a competitor but got the chance to evaluate Duo for 30 days, and we could not be happier. Duo Security is easy to configure a...

See all answers

What do you like most about Azure Active Directory?

It is very simple. The Active Directory functions are very easy for us. Its integration with anything is very easy. We can easily do third-party multifactor authentication.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Azure Active Directory?

Our experience with the pricing, setup costs, and licensing of Microsoft Entra ID involves leveraging Microsoft 365 E5 licensing, so it's included. Being included in Microsoft licensing makes it mu...

See all answers

What do you like most about Symantec Advanced Authentication?

One of the most valuable aspects is its remarkable stability.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Symantec Advanced Authentication?

The price is reasonable.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Symantec Advanced Authentication?

See all answers

Comparisons

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Compared 11% of the time

Microsoft Intune vs Microsoft Entra ID

Compared 8% of the time

Amazon Cognito vs Microsoft Entra ID

Compared 5% of the time

Okta Workforce Identity vs Microsoft Entra ID

Compared 5% of the time

Auth0 vs Microsoft Entra ID

Compared 5% of the time

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Thales Authenticators vs Symantec Advanced Authentication

Compared 100% of the time

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft Entra ID

August 2025

Download Microsoft Entra ID product report

Buyer's Guide

Symantec Advanced Authentication

July 2025

Download Symantec Advanced Authentication product report

Also Known As

Azure AD, Azure Active Directory, Azure Active Directory, Microsoft Authenticator

CA Advanced Authentication, CA Strong Authentication, CA Risk Authentication, Arcot WebFort, Arcot RiskFort

Interactive Demo

Microsoft

Demo not available

Broadcom

Overview

Microsoft Entra ID is used for extending on-premises Active Directory to the cloud, managing application access, enabling multi-factor authentication, and single sign-on. It facilitates policy enforcement and secure access, ensuring centralized identity management across cloud and on-premises resources.

Organizations utilize Microsoft Entra ID for robust user and group management, identity synchronization, and conditional access. Its seamless integration with third-party apps, scalability, and support for remote work make it a preferred choice. The admin center streamlines identity and access tasks, enhancing efficiency and security with features like privileged identity management and audit logs.

What are the key features of Microsoft Entra ID?

Single Sign-On: Simplifies user access to multiple applications with one login.
Multifactor Authentication: Enhances security by requiring additional verification.
Conditional Access: Establishes policies that determine how users' access cloud apps.
Integration: Easily integrates with various third-party applications.
User Identity Protection: Safeguards user identities from threats.
Privileged Identity Management: Manages elevated access to sensitive resources.
Audit Logs: Provides thorough activity logs for oversight and compliance.

What benefits should users look for in Microsoft Entra ID reviews?

Enhanced Security: Offers strong multifactor authentication and identity protection.
Administrative Efficiency: Simplifies identity and access management tasks.
Scalability: Supports growing user bases and remote work environments.
Integration Capabilities: Compatible with numerous third-party applications.
User-Friendly Interface: Makes managing user identities straightforward.

Microsoft Entra ID implementation varies across industries. Tech firms leverage it for secure, scalable access management, while healthcare organizations utilize its identity protection features to safeguard patient data. Educational institutions adopt Entra ID for streamlined user management and policy enforcement, ensuring secure access for students and staff across on-premises and cloud resources.

Microsoft

CA Advanced Authentication provides a secure, user-convenient and cost-effective way to protect online and mobile applications. The solution consists of two components: CA Risk Authentication allows the enterprise to silently and transparently collect data and assess risk based on device identification, location and user behavior, among other factors, and CA Strong Authentication provides a wide variety of software-based, two-factor authentication credentials and technology to make passwords more secure. Together they enable an intelligent, layered security approach to protect user identities and organizational data.

Take the assessment

Broadcom

Sample Customers

Microsoft Entre ID is trusted by companies of all sizes and industries including Walmart, Zscaler, Uniper, Amtrak, monday.com, and more.

Global bank, Large Filipino Bank and SK Infosec

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft Entra ID vs. Symantec Advanced Authentication

July 2025

Free Report: Microsoft Entra ID vs. Symantec Advanced Authentication

Find out what your peers are saying about Microsoft Entra ID vs. Symantec Advanced Authentication and other solutions. Updated: July 2025.

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