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 #19 with an average rating of 7.0. Microsoft holds a 15.7% mindshare in AS, compared to Broadcom’s 0.5% 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 234 Microsoft Entra ID reviews

8,927 Views
4,600 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

Symantec Advanced Authentic...

Read 9 Symantec Advanced Authentication reviews

315 Views
144 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: June 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft Entra ID vs. Symantec Advanced Authentication

June 2025

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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

234

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

19th

Average Rating

7.8

Reviews Sentiment

8.7

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of June 2025, in the Authentication Systems category, the mindshare of Microsoft Entra ID is 15.7%, down from 20.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Symantec Advanced Authentication is 0.5%, up from 0.4% 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

"I saw the benefits of Microsoft Entra ID immediately after I started using it."

"The scalability is quite good."

"Azure AD has features that have helped improve our security posture."

"Entra ID is our directory that registers all users, guest users, and even labs. It's integrated with Microsoft technologies like Authenticator, SSO, and MFA, streamlining operations and creating a seamless environment."

"Microsoft Entra ID significantly improved secure access to applications and resources in our environment, primarily through the widespread use of single-sign-on."

"The most valuable features in Active Directory are the password writeback product and the MDM technology."

"It is one of those costs where you can't really quantify a return on investment. In the grand scheme of things, if we didn't have it, we would probably have a lot more breaches. It would be a lot harder to detect issues because we would have people using static usernames and passwords for various sites, making us open to a lot more attacks. The amount of security and benefit that we get out of it is not quantifiable but the return of investment from a qualitative point of view is much higher than not having it."

"The solution has some great features, such as identity governance, and user self-service. The Outlook application is very good and is used by a lot of people even if they are using Google services."

More Microsoft Entra ID pros

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

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

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

"Rules on Risk Authentication are very good."

Cons

"We have a custom solution now running to tie all those Azure ADs together. We use the B2B functionality for that. Improvements are already on the roadmap for Azure AD in that area. I think they will make it easier to work together between two different tenants in Azure AD, because normally one tenant is a security boundary. For example, company one has a tenant and company two has a tenant, and then you can do B2B collaboration between those, but it is still quite limited. For our use case, it is enough currently. However, if we want to extend the collaboration even further, then we need an easier way to collaborate between two tenants, but I think that is already on the roadmap of Azure AD anyway."

"The solution has certain limitations. For example, it has very little governance functionality."

"Customers should be informed that public review features are not intended for production use."

"The product needs to be more user-friendly."

"In my opinion, Microsoft sometimes releases products too early without providing enough documentation."

"For example, there were some authentication features that, for security purposes, had certain limitations. Those limitations still exist, but the portal now has options so that the customers can make custom features to manage their identity."

"I would like to dive into some of the things that we saw today around the workflows at this Microsoft event. I cannot say that they need to make it better because I do not have much experience with it, but something that is always applicable to Microsoft is that they need to be able to integrate with their competitors. If you look at IDP, they do not integrate with Okta."

"They can combine conditional access for user actions and application filtering. Currently, they are separated, and we cannot mix the two. I do not know how it would be possible, but it would be interesting."

More Microsoft Entra ID cons

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

"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."

"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

"Previously, only building and global administrators could purchase subscriptions or licenses. Mid-last year, Microsoft made it so users can purchase the license online. Microsoft business subscription is for 200 to 300 users. If you have more than 300 users, you can't purchase the business plan. You have to purchase the enterprise plan. The enterprise plan is for 301 users and above. Pay as you go is also available. If you pay as you go in Azure, you will be billed for whatever you use."

"We are working with the Premium P2 licenses, which are reasonable. If you invest in the on-premises environment setup, then it costs so much. However, on-prem AD gives you the ability to manage your organization in a very organized manner, where you can create a group policy."

"Everything needs to be considered for the requirements and if it is within the budget, then you can come up with a solution, whether it is SaaS, PaaS, or IaaS."

"We have a yearly license."

"Make sure that you get the most out of your Office 365 licenses for Azure AD. If you have additional concerns for users who don't have an Office 365 license, consider Azure AD Premium P1 and P2. Be aware that you have to evaluate your license usage beforehand."

"It is worth the money."

"Most features of Entra ID are part of Microsoft's ecosystem and included in Microsoft 365 bundles, which means there are no additional costs associated with pricing and licensing."

"Microsoft Azure AD has P1 or P2 licensing options, and it depends on the customer's needs. To use Conditional Access, you need to have the P1 license, and to use the PIN features, you need the P2 license."

More Microsoft Entra ID pricing and cost advice

"The price is reasonable."

"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."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Educational Organization

18%

Computer Software Company

12%

Financial Services Firm

10%

Manufacturing Company

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

Google Cloud Identity vs Microsoft Entra ID

Compared 11% of the time

Microsoft Intune vs Microsoft Entra ID

Compared 9% of the time

Okta Workforce Identity vs Microsoft Entra ID

Compared 7% of the time

Auth0 vs Microsoft Entra ID

Compared 5% of the time

Amazon Cognito vs Microsoft Entra ID

Compared 5% of the time

More Microsoft Entra ID Competitors

Thales Authenticators vs Symantec Advanced Authentication

Compared 100% of the time

More Symantec Advanced Authentication Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft Entra ID

June 2025

Download Microsoft Entra ID product report

Buyer's Guide

Symantec Advanced Authentication

May 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.

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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

June 2025

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