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At a glance
- Okta Starter: $6/user/month annual; SSO, MFA, Universal Directory, 5 workflows; $1,500 minimum.
- Entra ID P1: $7/user/month annual; Conditional Access, MFA, SSO.
- Fifty users: $3,600/year (Okta Starter) vs $4,200/year (Entra P1 standalone).
- Checked September 27, 2026.
Okta Starter vs Microsoft Entra ID P1
Swipe or scroll sideways to compare all options.
| Difference | Okta Workforce Starter | Microsoft Entra ID P1 |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone annual-rate reference | $6/user/month; $1,500 annual minimum | $7/user/month (was $6 before July 1, 2026) |
| Sign-on | Okta SSO | Entra application SSO |
| Authentication/control distinction | MFA included; Adaptive MFA is an add-on to Starter | Conditional Access in P1; advanced risk-based capabilities require the appropriate higher entitlement |
| Directory | Universal Directory | Microsoft Entra ID |
| Workflow allowance | 5 Workflows listed | Microsoft identity/provisioning capabilities; not the same five-flow product |
| Existing-suite value | Separate Okta purchase unless already licensed | Included in eligible Microsoft 365 Business Premium/E3 subscriptions |
| Upgrade trigger | Lifecycle management, adaptive controls or governance | P2/Governance/Suite requirements beyond P1 |
| Main limitation / extra cost | Adaptive MFA is an add-on; five Workflows is a defined allowance | Advanced risk-based identity protection is beyond P1; existing suite entitlement matters |
| Best fit (Sigma assessment) | You want Okta SSO and directory functions across the chosen applications | Microsoft identity and Conditional Access fit, especially if P1 is already licensed |
| Official sources | Okta: Plans and pricing | Microsoft: Microsoft Entra pricing |
Sources: Okta’s Workforce pricing and Microsoft’s Entra pricing/licensing documentation. Similar prices do not mean the features are equivalent.
Avoid paying twice for identity features
For fifty users, Okta Starter totals $3,600 a year and a standalone Entra ID P1 totals $4,200. If Entra P1 is already licensed and meets the need, buying another identity subscription adds cost rather than replacing that existing entitlement. Okta can still be justified, but the reason should be a specific integration or operating requirement.
Conversely, a business with many non-Microsoft applications may prefer an Okta-centered workflow. That is a reason to test the required applications, not to assume one provider supports everything better.
Check the policy, not only the login
Demonstrate onboarding, access to a permitted application, a blocked access attempt and offboarding. Verify whether disabling the identity removes access promptly from each connected service. An application’s SSO support does not automatically mean its user provisioning and deprovisioning are equally complete.
For Microsoft, distinguish P1 from risk-based capabilities associated with higher entitlements. For Okta, distinguish Starter MFA from Adaptive MFA and lifecycle-management additions. Otherwise, the demonstration can silently exceed the quoted license.
Plan the transition carefully
Identity sits in the access path for other systems. Use a staged rollout and retain a documented administrative recovery process. Test existing integrations before moving the whole organization to a new sign-in policy.
Choose the platform that satisfies the required policies and application lifecycle at the best incremental cost. The current directory and staff expertise are legitimate parts of that decision.
What identity costs as you grow
At 20 users, Okta Starter’s $6 rate totals $1,440 a year, below its $1,500 annual minimum, so the minimum applies. At 50 users, Okta Starter is $3,600 a year and a standalone Entra ID P1 is $4,200. At 100 users, they are $7,200 and $8,400. If those users already have Microsoft 365 Business Premium ($22 per user per month), Entra ID P1 and Intune Plan 1 are included.
Questions to ask before you buy
- Do we already own Microsoft 365 Business Premium or E3?
- Which applications must use single sign-on and automatic user provisioning?
- Do we need adaptive or risk-based policies?
- Does our user count meet Okta’s $1,500 annual minimum?
Frequently asked questions
Does Microsoft 365 Business Standard include Entra ID P1?
No. Business Standard includes the free Entra ID features. Business Premium ($22) includes Entra ID P1 and Intune Plan 1.
How much does Microsoft Entra ID P1 cost in 2026?
$7 per user per month on annual billing for new purchases and renewals from July 1, 2026. It was $6 before that date.
Sources and pricing notes
Prices and specifications checked September 27, 2026 against the providers’ published sources below. Prices are US list or published rates before taxes, fees and equipment unless stated; offers change, so confirm the current terms before you buy.
- Okta. Plans and pricing
- Microsoft. Microsoft Entra pricing
- Microsoft. Microsoft 365 pricing and packaging updates (effective July 1, 2026)
How Sigma is paid. Sigma is a Hawaiʻi technology advisor. Provider or reseller partners compensate Sigma; product and service prices may include a margin. No procurement fee applies. Standalone consulting is quoted separately.