Microsoft Entra ID vs Yubico YubiKey comparison

Microsoft and Yubico are both solutions in the Authentication Systems category. Microsoft is ranked #1 with an average rating of 8.7, while Yubico is ranked #5 with an average rating of 8.0. Microsoft holds a 15.3% mindshare in AS, compared to Yubico’s 8.7% mindshare. Additionally, 95% of Microsoft users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Yubico users who would recommend it.

Microsoft Entra ID

Read 234 Microsoft Entra ID reviews

7,912 Views
4,140 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

Yubico YubiKey

Read 5 Yubico YubiKey reviews

4,045 Views
2,786 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Microsoft Entra ID

Yubico YubiKey

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Aug 11, 2024

Yubico YubiKey and Microsoft Entra ID compete in the physical authentication and integrated security solutions category. Microsoft Entra ID seems to have the upper hand due to its comprehensive integration with Microsoft's services.

What features are offered by Yubico YubiKey in comparison to Microsoft Entra ID?

Yubico YubiKey offers strong physical authentication, multi-protocol support, and robust security features. Microsoft Entra ID provides comprehensive integration with Microsoft services, advanced security features, and a feature-rich solution suitable for enterprises.

What areas of improvement can be found in Yubico YubiKey in comparison to Microsoft Entra ID?

Yubico YubiKey needs a simplified setup process, better compatibility, and improved documentation. Microsoft Entra ID requires enhanced performance, better documentation, and improved usability. Yubico YubiKey's compatibility issues are highlighted more frequently.

How is the ease of deployment and customer service of Yubico YubiKey in comparison to Microsoft Entra ID?

Yubico YubiKey is easier to deploy due to its plug-and-play nature but has mixed reviews in customer service. Microsoft Entra ID has a more complex deployment process but offers reliable customer support. Ease of deployment favors Yubico YubiKey, whereas Microsoft Entra ID's customer support is more consistent.

What setup costs and ROI can be seen with Yubico YubiKey in comparison to Microsoft Entra ID?

Yubico YubiKey is noted for its affordable setup cost and quick return on investment. Microsoft Entra ID is more expensive but justifies its price with comprehensive security features. Yubico YubiKey wins on cost-efficiency, while Microsoft Entra ID provides extensive capabilities that justify its cost.

To learn more, read our detailed Microsoft Entra ID vs. Yubico YubiKey Report (Updated: June 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft Entra ID vs. Yubico YubiKey

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)

Yubico YubiKey

Ranking in Authentication Systems

5th

Average Rating

8.6

Reviews Sentiment

7.1

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Passwordless Authentication (4th), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) (3rd)

Mindshare comparison

As of July 2025, in the Authentication Systems category, the mindshare of Microsoft Entra ID is 15.3%, down from 19.9% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Yubico YubiKey is 8.7%, down from 10.5% 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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OmerKhan1

IT Specialist at Friendly Solutions Corp

A stable solution that is efficient, user-friendly, and easy to use

It would be better if the product can come up with a serial number for the keys. It would be nice if they had a numbering system as a configuration identity that would help the IT and technical teams to identify the keys because they look all the same. It would be more like putting a tag on them.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"We have not had any formal issues with scalability."

"The most significant aspect is the security measures inherent in Microsoft Entra ID, including features such as conditional access policies."

"All of the features are amazing, such as identity governance and privileged identity management."

"Two very important features in terms of security are governance and compliance through the Conditional Access policies and Azure Log Analytics."

"The user management groups are valuable. It is a pretty basic product, but user management, in general, is valuable with the ability to differentiate between business lines and add different policies, group-based management, and dynamic user groups."

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

"Microsoft Entra ID scales effectively with the growing needs of our organization, as we have never faced any challenges with its scalability."

"It enhanced our end user experience quite a bit. Instead of the days of having to contact the service desk with challenges for choosing their password, users can go in and do it themselves locally, regardless of where they are in the world. This has certainly made it a better experience accessing their applications. Previously, a lot of times, they had to remember multiple usernames and passwords for different systems. This solution brings it all together, using a single sign-on experience."

More Microsoft Entra ID pros

"It's small and lightweight. Like a phone, it doesn't run out of battery. It also doesn't have to be unlocked. It doesn't break. Moreover, they're very durable and it's very convenient."

"The solution is simple to use and we have installed it in our clients' endpoints. The tool is just plug-and-play for the end user. The end user can just put in the key to the security computer and log in without any hassle. The solution is efficient, user-friendly, and easy to use."

"Yubico YubiKey is highly valued for its anti-phishing feature, which prevents phishing of OTPs that are normally obtained through phones."

"YubiKey is a hardware security device with advanced security features."

"The most valuable feature of Yubico YubiKey is security."

Cons

"There is no great solution in the cloud for Conditional Access authentication and RADIUS-type authentication."

"Many people believe that the Azure Active Directory is overly complicated and antiquated."

"Microsoft needs to add a single setup, so whenever resources join the company or are leaving the company, all of the changes can be made with a single click."

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

"The solution has not saved costs. While we’ve eliminated some tools, there are some other features that we are dependent on as admin, which are not yet integrated with Azure AD."

"Some of the features that they offer, e.g., customized emails, are not available with B2C. You are stuck with whatever email template they give you, and it is not the best user experience. For B2C, that is a bit of a negative thing."

"The security policy of Azure Active Directory should be based on a matrix so that we can easily visualize which users have access to what."

"I would like to be able to authenticate Wi-Fi users using the Azure ID"

More Microsoft Entra ID cons

"It would be better if the product can come up with a serial number for the keys. It would be nice if they had a numbering system as a configuration identity that would help the IT and technical teams to identify the keys because they look all the same. It would be more like putting a tag on them."

"Yubico YubiKey could be improved by allowing for centralized administration, which is not currently available in India."

"It's a hardware device, so it isn't cost-effective to use for all your accounts. You might have a hard time getting budget approval. It's better to take a strategic approach and use it only for critical accounts. You can use other forms of authentication for the rest."

"Yubico YubiKey is inconvient. No one likes the idea of having to put a USB device into the system, having to remember to take it out, and having passwords. It may be very good for security but it is not great for people to use."

"Currently, an area where the product lacks is in addressing service needs."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Licensing fees are paid monthly."

"Entra has P1 and P2 licenses that are bundled with lots of applications."

"The cost is billed on a per-user licensing basis."

"We pay a yearly license. Licenses are very expensive."

"We have an agreement with Microsoft, and my company pays yearly."

"The pricing is good; it's not cheap but very reasonable."

"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."

"Its price is per user. It is also based on the type of user that you're synchronizing up there."

More Microsoft Entra ID pricing and cost advice

"We paid 100 bucks for one Yubikey."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Educational Organization

16%

Computer Software Company

12%

Financial Services Firm

10%

Manufacturing Company

Computer Software Company

13%

Government

12%

Financial Services Firm

10%

Manufacturing Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

No data available

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...

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What do you like most about Yubico YubiKey?

The solution is simple to use and we have installed it in our clients' endpoints. The tool is just plug-and-play for the end user. The end user can just put in the key to the security computer and ...

See all answers

What needs improvement with Yubico YubiKey?

Yubico YubiKey could be improved by allowing for centralized administration, which is not currently available in India. In India, administrators typically have control over all security devices, bu...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Yubico YubiKey?

I primarily use Yubico YubiKey ( /products/yubico-yubikey-reviews ) for authentication in environments such as Active Directory, cloud administration, trading room, and dealing room where phones ar...

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 6% 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

RSA SecurID vs Yubico YubiKey

Compared 42% of the time

Fortinet FortiToken vs Yubico YubiKey

Compared 11% of the time

Cisco Duo vs Yubico YubiKey

Compared 9% of the time

Thales Authenticators vs Yubico YubiKey

Compared 8% of the time

Fortinet FortiAuthenticator vs Yubico YubiKey

Compared 6% of the time

More Yubico YubiKey Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft Entra ID

June 2025

Download Microsoft Entra ID product report

Buyer's Guide

Authentication Systems

June 2025

Download Yubico YubiKey product report

Also Known As

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

YubiKey

Interactive Demo

Microsoft

Demo not available

Yubico

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

The YubiKey works with hundreds of enterprise, developer and consumer applications, out-of-the-box and with no client software. Combined with leading password managers, social login and enterprise single sign on systems the YubiKey enables secure access to millions of online services.

Yubico

Sample Customers

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

Google Inc., Salesforce, Novartis, Facebook, GitHub, CERN, Duke University, Code Enigma, Luther Burbank High School, ZorgSaam, Agfa, Santa Clara County Fire Department, Dyson Ltd, Portugal Telecom, Boral, Canonical Ltd

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft Entra ID vs. Yubico YubiKey

June 2025

Free Report: Microsoft Entra ID vs. Yubico YubiKey

Find out what your peers are saying about Microsoft Entra ID vs. Yubico YubiKey and other solutions. Updated: June 2025.

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