Best JumpCloud alternatives in 2025

JumpCloud is a widely used platform for directory services, mobile device management (MDM), and identity access. But as organizations grow, their needs change.

The same tool that worked well at 50 employees may not scale as smoothly at 500. For some teams, this shows up as pricing limits; for others, it is gaps in HR integration, compliance, or device lifecycle management.

The directory services market itself has also evolved. What mattered a few years ago, such as basic identity management and single sign-on (SSO), has expanded into unified HR and IT platforms, cloud-native security, and compliance-ready reporting. 

Companies that began with JumpCloud may find themselves comparing options that better match their stage of growth or industry requirements.

The good news is that there is no shortage of alternatives. From Rippling’s all-in-one workforce platform to Microsoft’s tightly integrated ecosystem, each solution brings its own strengths. The challenge is knowing which one actually fits your situation.

This guide breaks down the leading JumpCloud alternatives, explains where they excel, and helps you choose the right platform for your team in 2025.

What is JumpCloud and why look for alternatives?

JumpCloud is a cloud-based directory platform that brings together identity and access management (IAM), device management, and SSO. Other core features include user directory services, multi-factor authentication (MFA), password management, and LDAP/RADIUS support.

These capabilities cover the basics for many organizations, but they don’t always meet every requirement as businesses grow or regulations tighten. Some teams eventually need more advanced integrations or enterprise-grade automation. Others find that pricing, scalability, or workflow preferences push them to explore different options.

The best JumpCloud alternative for most teams in 2025 is Rippling — it unifies directory, identity, MDM, and HRIS so access, policies, and device lifecycle updates follow employee data automatically. 

Strong alternatives by scenario include: 

• Okta (enterprise IAM & app catalog)

• Microsoft Entra ID (Microsoft-centric stacks)

• Ping Identity (modular enterprise IAM)

• Auth0/FusionAuth (developer-led CIAM)

• Google Cloud Identity (Workspace orgs)

• AWS Directory Service (AD on AWS)

• OneLogin (simple cloud IAM)

• ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus (AD MFA/SSPR add-on). 

We’ll cover all of these in more depth below.

Common reasons companies switch from JumpCloud

JumpCloud works well for many, but certain gaps push organizations to look elsewhere. The most common drivers include:

Pricing and cost considerations

JumpCloud’s per-user model can add up quickly, especially for larger teams or companies that need the full feature set. With plans ranging from $9–13 per user each month, costs may exceed budget expectations as usage scales.

Feature limitations or specific requirements

Some organizations need advanced compliance reporting, inventory management, or deeper HR and IT integration, which alternatives like Rippling provide more directly.

Integration challenges with existing systems

Organizations often have established identity providers, security stacks, or business tools. If JumpCloud doesn’t fit nicely into those workflows, the friction can add up.

Scalability and enterprise needs

Large enterprises may require stronger automation, administrative tools, or global deployment support that specialized enterprise solutions are better equipped to deliver.

User experience preferences

Interfaces and workflows vary widely across platforms. Some teams value a more modern look and feel, or self-service features that better match how their employees work.

Compliance and security demands

Businesses in regulated industries may need specific certifications, reporting frameworks, or security features that alternatives cover more comprehensively.

Cut IT busywork with automated access controls

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Best JumpCloud alternatives for 2025

These are the leading platforms to consider if you’re evaluating JumpCloud alternatives. Each has different characteristics depending on your size, stack, and requirements.

1. Rippling

Rippling stands out as a comprehensive alternative that goes beyond traditional identity management by integrating HR, IT, and device management into a unified platform. Unlike JumpCloud's focus on directory services, Rippling uses employee data as the foundation for IT operations.

The platform automatically handles complex scenarios like role changes, department transfers, and employee terminations across all connected systems. Rippling’s device management capabilities include physical logistics (ordering, shipping, and retrieving hardware) which eliminates many manual IT processes.

Key features

• Native HRIS integration driving automatic provisioning

• Device lifecycle management (procurement, shipping, retrieval)

• Sophisticated permission systems based on employee attributes

• Custom workflow builder for complex business logic

• Global inventory management and asset tracking

• 600+ third-party integrations 

Pricing

Starts from $8 per employee per month (PEPM) for core functionality. Overall pricing is customized based on modules selected and company size.

2. Okta

Okta provides enterprise-grade identity and access management software with a focus on scalability and security. The platform serves as an identity provider with capabilities in SSO, MFA, and identity governance.

Key features

• 8,000+ pre-built app integrations

• Adaptive MFA with risk-based policies

• Privileged identity management 

• Identity threat protection with AI-powered detection

Pricing

Workforce Identity plans start at $6 per user/month for Starter Suite and $17 per user/month for Essentials Suite. Professional and Enterprise tiers are custom-priced.

3. Microsoft Entra ID

Microsoft Entra ID is a cloud-based IAM solution with deep integration into the Microsoft ecosystem. The platform serves organizations already invested in Microsoft 365, Azure, or Windows-centric environments.

Key features

• Risk-based conditional access

• Employee service and passwordless authentication

• Threat protection and risk detection

• Integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure services

Pricing

$6 per user/month for the P1 license and $9 per user/month for the P2 license. Some Microsoft 365 enterprise subscriptions include Entra ID at no additional cost.

4. OneLogin

OneLogin delivers cloud-based IAM for workforce and customer use cases. It includes SSO, MFA, directory sync, lifecycle automation, and developer tooling.

Key features

• Single sign-on to 6,000+ applications

• SmartFactor authentication with adaptive policies

• Directory synchronization from multiple sources

• Privileged access essentials

Pricing

Plans start at around $6 per user/month, with higher tiers and CIAM/education bundles available by custom quote.

5. Ping Identity

Ping Identity provides a modular IAM platform designed for large environments. Organizations can select capabilities, including orchestration, MFA & passwordless, and privileged access controls.

Key features

• Adaptive authentication

• Orchestration with drag-and-drop workflows

• API access management 

• Identity verification and access reviews

Pricing

PingOne for Workforce starts at $3 per user/month, while customer identity packages start at around $35k annually.

6. Auth0

Auth0 is a developer-focused customer identity and access management (CIAM) platform for adding authentication, authorization, and user management to customer-facing apps. It offers hosted login, SDKs/APIs, and fine-grained authorization with flexible deployment options.

Key features

• Universal login with branded, extensible flows

• Developer-friendly APIs and SDKs

• SSO, MFA (including passwordless)

• Machine-to-machine authentication and API tokens

Pricing

Paid plans start at $385/year for B2C companies, and $1,650/year for B2B organizations.

7. Google Cloud Identity

Google Cloud Identity provides identity and access management integrated with Google Workspace and cloud services. The platform offers endpoint management and security features within Google's ecosystem.

Key features

• Endpoint management for Android, iOS, and Windows devices

• Context-aware access based on device and user behavior

• MFA with hardware keys, push, and mobile devices

• BeyondCorp security model implementation

Pricing

Cloud Identity premium is priced at $7.20 per user/month.

8. AWS Directory Service

AWS Directory Service provides managed Microsoft Active Directory in the cloud. It enables organizations to run AD-dependent workloads on AWS without the overhead of maintaining their own AD infrastructure.

Key features

• Managed Microsoft Active Directory in AWS cloud

• Integration with AWS services like EC2, RDS, and FSx

• Secure LDAP for legacy app compatibility

• AWS security and compliance features

Pricing

Pricing varies by region, billed hourly. A 30-day limited free trial is also available.

9. ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus

ADSelfService Plus adds self-service password management, MFA, and basic SSO on top of Active Directory. It’s used to reduce password-related helpdesk load and add MFA to endpoints and access points.

Key features

• Self-service password reset (SSPR)

• Conditional access (IP, device, time, geolocation) 

• Password policy enforcement

• Mobile apps for iOS/Android

Pricing

Free edition for up to 50 users. Paid plans start at around $595 for 500 users, with higher tiers available.

10. FusionAuth

FusionAuth is another CIAM platform designed for developers. It offers flexible deployment options, including self-hosting, private cloud, or FusionAuth Cloud.

Key features

• Authentication and authorization with OAuth2, OIDC, and SAML

• Passwordless login, passkeys, SSO and MFA

• Threat detection, breached password checks, and role-based access control

• User and organization management 

Pricing

Community edition is free for unlimited users (self-hosted). Paid cloud and enterprise plans are available with advanced features, support, and SLAs.

Here’s a bird's-eye view of all products reviewed so far:

Key features to compare across tools like JumpCloud

When evaluating directory services and identity management platforms, it helps to compare capabilities across a few critical areas. These include:

1. Directory services and user management

Look for strong provisioning tools, group management, and automated onboarding/offboarding. The best platforms integrate directly with HR systems so employee lifecycle changes automatically update IT access.

2. Single sign-on

Evaluate the breadth of application support, ease of integration, and user experience for accessing multiple applications. Consider both SAML and modern OAuth/OIDC support, as well as the vendor's application catalog and custom integration capabilities.

3. Multi-factor authentication

Beyond SMS or email codes, modern MFA providers support mobile authenticators, hardware keys, biometrics, and even passwordless login. Adaptive MFA that adjusts requirements based on risk (location, device, behavior) adds another security layer.

4. Device management and MDM

Strong alternatives support Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, not just one platform. Compare policy enforcement, remote wipe, software deployment, and whether the tool integrates with your security stack.

5. LDAP and Active Directory integration

If you already use AD, evaluate migration options, hybrid deployment support, and compatibility with legacy infrastructure. This ensures continuity while adding modern IAM features.

6. API and integration ecosystem

Robust APIs allow for automation and custom workflows. Look for webhook support, SDKs, and a strong partner ecosystem to extend platform value.

7. Compliance and security certifications

Review certifications like SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and FedRAMP based on your industry requirements. Built-in compliance reporting and auditing also save time during regulatory reviews.

8. Reporting and analytics

Dashboards, real-time monitoring, and customizable reports are essential for spotting risks and optimizing operations. Integrations with SIEM tools extend visibility.

9. Conditional access policies

Advanced solutions offer risk-based access rules based on factors like device trust or app sensitivity. Flexible policy frameworks help balance security and usability.

10. User provisioning and deprovisioning

Automated lifecycle management minimizes admin overhead and reduces risk. Native HR integrations, approval workflows, and audit trails ensure secure, consistent access control.

How to choose the right JumpCloud alternative

Selecting the right identity platform means matching features to your organization’s size, growth plans, and compliance needs:

Assess your current setup

Map out your current infrastructure, including applications, operating systems, and security tools. Pay attention to legacy systems that need to remain supported, and think ahead to your company’s growth plans. A solution that feels sufficient today may not scale well in two or three years.

Evaluate integrations

Identity platforms live or die by how well they connect to the rest of your stack. Confirm that the solution supports your most critical applications and protocols such as SAML and OAuth/OIDC. Look at the availability of APIs, SDKs, and webhooks to ensure you can automate workflows or build custom integrations when needed.

Review security and compliance

Match the vendor’s certifications to your regulatory environment. Beyond certifications, review how the platform handles audit trails, incident response, and threat detection. The right choice should strengthen both day-to-day security and long-term compliance.

Test user experience

Run pilot tests with admins and employees to understand how intuitive the platform is. Smooth login flows, reliable MFA, and self-service options reduce IT burden and keep employees productive. A clunky or confusing experience often leads to low adoption and risky workarounds.

Evaluate vendor support

Investigate the level of support you’ll receive. Look at documentation quality, community resources, and response times. Premium support might be necessary if you lack in-house expertise, especially during migration and early deployment.

Plan for scalability

Consider how the solution will perform as your user base, device count, and application portfolio expand. Platforms that handle scaling poorly can become cost-prohibitive or operationally complex over time. Reviewing the vendor’s product roadmap is also key to ensuring future alignment.

Analyze cost and ROI

Go beyond the per-user license. Include implementation costs, training time, and ongoing support. Then weigh these expenses against the efficiency gains of faster onboarding, fewer helpdesk tickets, and a reduced risk of security breaches. Sometimes a higher-priced solution delivers stronger ROI when it saves hours of IT effort or prevents compliance failures.

JumpCloud competitors by business size and use case

The best identity platform depends on company size, industry, and complexity:

Small businesses and startups

Smaller organizations prioritize cost, simplicity, and quick setup.

• Rippling appeals to growing startups that want HR and IT processes connected from the start

• Platforms like Google Cloud Identity and OneLogin offer essential IAM 

• ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus works for teams already tied to Active Directory.

Mid-sized companies

With 100–1,000 employees, companies look for balance (scalability, security, compliance) without enterprise-level overhead.

• Rippling and Okta fit this market well, offering advanced features in a manageable package

• Microsoft Entra ID is a strong choice for businesses built around Microsoft technologies

Enterprise organizations

Larger enterprises need advanced governance, integrations, and audit-ready compliance.

• Rippling scales with enterprise HR and IT requirements, unifying device, identity, and workforce management.

• Okta, Ping Identity, and Microsoft Entra ID (enterprise tiers) deliver customization and enterprise-grade controls.

Developer and tech-focused teams

Tech companies want strong APIs, developer tools, and customer identity features.

• Auth0 and FusionAuth excel for application identity

• Okta and Ping Identity deliver workforce identity with developer support

Remote and hybrid workforces

Distributed teams need secure access anywhere, plus strong endpoint controls.

• Rippling and Okta stand out by combining identity management with robust device security

• Most major cloud-native platforms support secure remote work, but Rippling’s device logistics simplify onboarding and offboarding globally

How to migrate from JumpCloud to an alternative

Switching directory platforms can feel daunting, but a structured approach minimizes disruption and ensures continuity for users.

Plan your migration strategy

Start by documenting your current JumpCloud setup, including user accounts, groups, device policies, and app integrations. Build a timeline that allows for testing and phased rollout rather than a single cutover. 

Here’s an example. If you were to migrate to Rippling cross-OS MDM, here’s how that might look like:

Export and back up data

Export user data, group memberships, and configuration settings. Back up device policies and app integrations, noting any custom configurations that must be recreated.

Communicate with users

Give employees early notice about upcoming changes. Provide clear instructions for new login or MFA processes, and create training materials for common tasks like password resets or device enrollment.

Test and run pilots

Before company-wide rollout, test the new platform in a controlled environment. Run a pilot with a small user group to validate workflows, integrations, and access controls, then adjust as needed.

Validate and optimize post-migration

After rollout, confirm users can access all required apps and resources. Monitor device policies, security features, and performance. Gather feedback in the first few weeks and fine-tune configurations based on real-world usage.

Streamline your identity and device management with Rippling

Rippling offers a modern alternative to JumpCloud by unifying HR, IT, and device management in a single platform. This integrated approach addresses many of the pain points organizations encounter when trying to coordinate employee lifecycle management across multiple disconnected systems.

Unlike JumpCloud, which primarily focuses on directory services and device management, Rippling treats employee data as the central source of truth. When HR updates an employee’s role, department, or location, those changes automatically trigger the right IT actions — provisioning accounts, adjusting permissions, or revoking access on departure. This reduces manual coordination between HR and IT, lowers the risk of access errors, and keeps systems synchronized.

Rippling also takes device management beyond simple policy enforcement. It covers the entire lifecycle: procurement, configuration, deployment, and return. With a global inventory system and warehouse network, Rippling can ship pre-configured devices directly to new hires anywhere in the world and manage secure returns when employees leave. This level of automation helps distributed teams operate smoothly while maintaining consistent security and compliance standards.

Access control in Rippling is built around dynamic “supergroups.” Instead of static user groups, administrators can define policies based on any combination of employee attributes, such as department, location, certifications, or security clearance. As employee data changes, permissions update automatically, ensuring security remains current without ongoing manual intervention.

For organizations evaluating JumpCloud alternatives, Rippling provides clear value by aligning IT operations with HR processes. The result is fewer administrative handoffs, stronger security posture, and smoother employee experiences across the lifecycle. 

FAQs on JumpCloud alternatives