JumpCloud vs Azure AD: A Comprehensive Comparison for IT Leaders

As an IT leader, choosing the right directory service can make all the difference in managing your organization's identity and access. JumpCloud and Azure AD are two popular options, but they have distinct differences in their approach and capabilities.

JumpCloud's Directory-as-a-Service (DaaS) offers a more comprehensive solution, providing a single source of truth for user identities and access across all devices and applications. This is in contrast to Azure AD, which is primarily a cloud-based identity and access management solution.

Azure AD is a part of Microsoft's broader cloud platform, Office 365, and is often used in conjunction with other Microsoft services. JumpCloud, on the other hand, is a standalone solution that can integrate with a wide range of third-party applications and systems.

In terms of pricing, JumpCloud offers a more transparent and cost-effective model, with a flat annual fee based on the number of users. Azure AD, by contrast, is priced based on the number of users and the type of license required.

Replacing Active Directory entirely can be a daunting task, especially when considering the limitations of cloud-based alternatives like Azure AD. Azure AD falls short in managing on-prem systems, non-Windows endpoints, or accessing network resources without being integrated with a domain controller or add-on services.

One of the main challenges is that Azure AD is designed as a user management platform for the Azure cloud platform, with basic web application SSO capabilities. However, it's not a complete solution like AD was intended to be, making it difficult to replace Active Directory outright.

Azure AD also requires additional subscriptions, such as Microsoft Intune, to manage cross-OS endpoints, which can be a significant added cost for many organizations. This can be a major hurdle for businesses looking to modernize their IT infrastructure.

Here are some key differences between Azure AD and Active Directory:

As you can see, Azure AD has some significant limitations when it comes to managing on-prem systems and non-Windows endpoints. This can make it difficult to replace Active Directory entirely, especially for businesses with complex IT infrastructures.

Azure AD's access control model secures assets versus a traditional network perimeter with AD. It utilizes different protocols and modern means of authentication and authorization.

Azure AD's administrative model is flat, with permissions assigned to individual groups and users, either explicitly or implicitly, or through automations that leverage user attributes. This is in contrast to AD's hierarchical model with organizational units and nested groups.

JumpCloud's user directory simplifies user access management by offering a centralized location for managing user access to various applications and systems efficiently. This provides a comprehensive view of all user access within an organization, including user roles, permissions, and group memberships.

Here are the key differences in user directory management between Azure AD and JumpCloud:

Azure AD has different subscription levels that gate off its capabilities, with certain Microsoft services depending on its Premium service tiers. This can be a challenge for admins, who are used to familiar concepts like GPOs being replaced by Intune and Microsoft Endpoint Manager.

Nested groups are a legacy concept in cloud directories, which have a flat hierarchical model where permissions are assigned to individual groups and users. This is a significant difference from traditional network perimeters with AD.

Azure AD's access control model is based around securing assets, utilizing different protocols and modern means of authentication and authorization. This is a key departure from traditional network perimeters with AD.

JumpCloud's user directory simplifies user access management by offering a centralized location for managing user access to various applications and systems efficiently.

Here are some key differences between Azure AD and JumpCloud's user directory:

JumpCloud's open directory platform is interoperable and frees users to adopt the IT stack of their choosing from best-of-breed services. This can be a major advantage for SMEs, who can dramatically improve security and save on licensing, headcount, time, and effort by consolidating orchestration into a single directory.

Centralized Policy Management is a crucial aspect of Active Directory, allowing IT admins to control Windows system behavior with precision.

Group Policy Objects (GPOs) are a key feature of Active Directory, but they only work for Windows systems and aren't applicable in the cloud via Azure AD.

Microsoft has extended policies to other devices through Intune, which brings Windows administrative methodologies, software, and tooling to other platforms.

JumpCloud offers GPO-like policies for Windows, Linux, and macOS, as well as cloud-based resources.

IT admins can remotely disable virtual assistants, enforce full disk encryption, and configure system updates with just a few clicks using JumpCloud's policies.

JumpCloud also enables IT admins to create and execute their own commands and scripts on all three platforms when needed.

Optional policies for cross-OS patching are available with JumpCloud.

System Management is a core feature of JumpCloud that sets it apart from Azure AD. JumpCloud provides mobile Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) for Android, device management (MDM) for iOS/iPadOS, as well as endpoint management for Linux and Windows.

With JumpCloud, you can assign identities to devices without additional subscriptions, making it a cost-effective solution. Zero-touch onboarding is available for Apple devices, making it easy to get started.

JumpCloud's agents collect system telemetry, allowing admins to provide users with options for remote assistance. This feature is particularly useful when you need to troubleshoot issues remotely.

The platform services IT management and security needs with security add-ons, including cross-OS patch management and browser patching. This ensures that all devices are up-to-date and secure.

Here are some of the security add-ons offered by JumpCloud:

JumpCloud is designed for the specific needs of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), making it a great option for organizations with diverse infrastructure. It securely connects users to more resources without the need for additional servers or add-ons.

JumpCloud's open directory platform solves the challenges faced by modern IT professionals, unlike Azure AD which is geared towards extending an existing ecosystem into the cloud. Azure AD and Intune have some overlap with JumpCloud on a feature-by-feature basis, but the greatest difference lies in Microsoft engineering its products for the enterprise in service of the Windows ecosystem.

If your organization has a mix of AWS, macOS, Linux, Okta, Google Workspaces, and other non-Windows platforms, JumpCloud's flexibility makes it a better choice than Azure AD.

Many organizations are considering a switch from Microsoft Active Directory to Azure Active Directory, but it's essential to understand the differences and options available.

Azure AD isn't a direct replacement for AD, and organizations may find that the services required to achieve parity aren't the optimal stack for their needs.

Microsoft offers incentives to migrate to Azure AD, but this choice has downstream impacts on budget, security, and freedom of choice.

The transition away from AD as the sole directory is a significant inflection point for many organizations, and it's crucial to recognize that Microsoft doesn't have to remain central to identity and device management.

Google and JumpCloud have joined forces to offer an alternative solution, giving organizations more options for modernization.

JumpCloud is designed specifically for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have a mix of Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android devices. It's a more adaptable solution that can connect users to more resources without the need for additional servers or add-ons.

The open directory platform solves the challenges faced by modern IT professionals, unlike Azure AD with Intune, which is engineered for the enterprise in service of the Windows ecosystem. This means Azure AD with Intune is a better fit for organizations that are already heavily invested in Microsoft products and services.

If your organization has a diverse infrastructure, including AWS, Google Workspaces, and other non-Windows platforms, JumpCloud's open directory platform is likely a better choice. It's designed to be more flexible and scalable, making it easier to manage identities, devices, and access across your organization.

Here's a comparison of JumpCloud and Azure AD with Intune pricing:

JumpCloud offers a free trial and a free/freemium version, making it easier to test and evaluate the platform before committing to a paid plan.

Pricing and licensing are crucial factors to consider when choosing between JumpCloud and Azure AD. JumpCloud adopts a user-based pricing approach, allowing you to pay only for what you use, and their pricing scales with your business, making it an ideal choice for cost optimization.

Azure AD, on the other hand, offers a tiered approach with different editions, including Free, Basic, and Premium, allowing you to choose the right feature set based on your organization's requirements.

JumpCloud's pricing includes a fixed cost for each endpoint and additional costs for premium features, while Azure AD charges based on the number of user accounts, providing a granular and fair approach.

Here's a comparison of the pricing models:

Customer ratings of JumpCloud and Azure AD are also worth considering, with JumpCloud having a 4.5/5 rating on G2 and a 4.7/5 rating on Capterra, and Azure AD having a 4.5/5 rating on G2 and a 4.8/5 rating on Capterra.

JumpCloud and Azure AD offer flexible pricing models that allow you to pay only for what you use. This user-based pricing approach ensures you have full visibility into the pricing structure and can align your expenses with your organization's growth.

JumpCloud's pricing scales with your business, allowing you to add or remove users as needed without any hassle. This flexibility and transparency in pricing make JumpCloud an ideal choice for those who prioritize cost optimization and value-driven solutions.

Azure AD also offers a tiered approach, with different editions including Free, Basic, and Premium. This allows you to choose the right feature set based on your organization's requirements and avoid unnecessary costs.

Azure AD charges based on the number of user accounts, providing a granular and fair approach to pricing. This is in contrast to Okta, which requires ongoing maintenance and management of on-prem Active Directory, adding to the overall cost.

Here's a comparison of the pricing models of JumpCloud and Azure AD:

Customer ratings of JumpCloud and Azure AD are also worth considering. JumpCloud has a 4.5/5 rating on G2 and a 4.7/5 rating on Capterra. Azure AD has a 4.5/5 rating on G2 and a 4.8/5 rating on Capterra. While these ratings are impressive, it's essential to consider your organization's specific needs and requirements when choosing the right IAM solution.

Service Licensing can be a complex and costly aspect of using Microsoft's AAD + Intune. Microsoft has 30 different license variations, making it a daunting task to navigate and choose the right one.

As you consider M365, which bundles Intune, you'll need to assess these license variations carefully. Some consultants even specialize in demystifying Microsoft's licensing options.

Basic tiers are just the starting point, and additional costs come into play for fundamental capabilities like federated identity in AAD. This allows secure access to resources outside of Microsoft's stack using SSO.

Consuming external identities also incurs extra costs. Microsoft's Entra product family is a separate solution for decentralized identity, identity verification, and entitlement management.

In contrast, JumpCloud's foundation supports expanding capacity to accept and incorporate other identities into workflows. This is a key differentiator between JumpCloud and Microsoft's AAD + Intune.

JumpCloud's integration capabilities allow for a centralized and cohesive approach to user management, simplifying the onboarding and offboarding processes.

With JumpCloud, you can integrate your existing IT infrastructure, including servers, applications, networks, and more, making it a great option for organizations with diverse IT resources.

Azure AD, on the other hand, excels in providing a unified experience within the Microsoft ecosystem, seamlessly integrating with Microsoft's extensive suite of cloud services, including Office 365, SharePoint, Teams, and more.

Here's a comparison of the two:

Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace sync with JumpCloud allows organizations to access either productivity platform at will with JumpCloud credentials, streamlining admin workflows and increasing the accuracy of user profiles.

Integration is a crucial aspect of any IT infrastructure, and both JumpCloud and Azure AD offer robust integration capabilities.

JumpCloud enables effortless integration with existing IT infrastructure, including servers, applications, networks, and more. This allows for a centralized and cohesive approach to user management, simplifying onboarding and offboarding processes, enhancing security, and increasing operational efficiency.

Azure AD, on the other hand, excels in providing a unified experience within the Microsoft ecosystem. It enables seamless integration with Microsoft's cloud services, including Office 365, SharePoint, Teams, and more.

Azure AD's integration capabilities also extend to third-party applications and services through its support for industry-standard protocols like SAML, OAuth, and OpenID Connect. This flexibility enables IT teams to integrate Azure AD with a wide range of systems and applications.

In comparison, JumpCloud's strength lies in its ability to integrate diverse IT resources across platforms.

Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace Sync allows organizations to access either productivity platform at will with JumpCloud credentials.

With this integration, organizations can access either Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace with just one set of login credentials.

The open directory platform imports attributes that decorate users with entitlements, streamlining admin workflows and increasing the accuracy of user profiles.

This means IT admins can easily manage groups in Workspaces, and the ability to import groups from AAD is launching soon.

JumpCloud and Azure AD both offer robust user management capabilities, but they differ in their approach. JumpCloud provides a comprehensive set of tools and features for managing user access across multiple systems and applications from a centralized platform.

JumpCloud's user provisioning and deprovisioning capabilities support a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This flexibility enables IT teams to seamlessly provision and deprovision user accounts across their entire IT environment, regardless of the operating system being used.

Here are some key differences between JumpCloud and Azure AD in terms of user management:

In summary, JumpCloud offers more comprehensive control over user permissions and access controls, while Azure AD is tightly integrated with the Microsoft ecosystem.

Non-System Needs are a crucial aspect of evaluating an identity management provider. JumpCloud's protocol-level hosted services support LDAP, RADIUS, Samba, and SSH.

If you need MFA for your network devices, JumpCloud's implementation of MFA for its LDAP and RADIUS services is a significant advantage. This is especially important for highly regulated industries like cyber insurance companies that require MFA to be enabled.

Additional servers and services may be needed to be compliant if MFA is not enabled for network devices. JumpCloud's hosted services can help avoid this extra complexity.

User provisioning and deprovisioning are critical tasks in user management. JumpCloud's ILM platform makes it easy to manage user access across multiple systems and applications from a centralized platform.

With JumpCloud, your IT team can efficiently manage user access and permissions across a wide range of applications and systems. This includes Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, making it suitable for organizations with diverse IT environments.

JumpCloud's user provisioning and deprovisioning capabilities extend beyond just managing user accounts. They also offer role-based access controls and security policies, ensuring that employees have the right level of access to perform their job duties while safeguarding sensitive data.

On the other hand, Azure AD is a great choice for organizations heavily invested in Microsoft technologies like Office 365 and Azure. Azure AD simplifies the user provisioning process by syncing user accounts with their on-premises Active Directory environment.

Here's a comparison of JumpCloud and Azure AD:

Ultimately, the choice between JumpCloud and Azure AD depends on your organization's specific needs and IT environment.

A user directory is a centralized location where you can manage user access to various applications and systems efficiently. JumpCloud's user directory offers a comprehensive view of all user access within your organization, including user roles, permissions, and group memberships.

This simplifies user access management, ensuring that the right users have appropriate access to the right applications and systems. JumpCloud's user directory can also integrate with other identity providers and human resources systems to automate group memberships and simplify identity lifecycle management.

Azure AD, on the other hand, is a popular user directory solution specifically designed for Windows-based systems and applications. It provides a comprehensive view of user access, encompassing user roles, permissions, and group memberships within your organization.

However, Azure AD primarily focuses on Windows-based systems and applications, so additional user directory solutions may be required to bridge the gap between Azure AD and non-Windows systems or cloud-based applications.

Here are some key features of JumpCloud's user directory:

By using a user directory like JumpCloud, you can simplify user access management, ensure that the right users have appropriate access to the right applications and systems, and improve security by consolidating orchestration into a single directory.