# Active Directory Permissions Analyzer vs AD Build Script: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[Active Directory Permissions Analyzer](https://cybersectools.com/tools/active-directory-permissions-analyzer) is a commercial [identity governance and administration](https://cybersectools.com/categories/iga) solution by [Paramount Defenses](https://cybersectools.com/companies/paramount-defenses). [AD Build Script](https://cybersectools.com/tools/ad-build-script) is a free [identity governance and administration](https://cybersectools.com/categories/iga) solution. Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | Active Directory Permissions Analyzer | AD Build Script |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Free |
| Category | Identity Governance and Administration | Identity Governance and Administration |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | On-Premises | On-Premises |
| Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| GitHub stars | – | 201 |
| Last commit | – | Oct 2016 |
| Company | Paramount Defenses | – |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Active Directory Permissions Analyzer | AD Build Script |
|---|---|---|
| Active Directory | Yes | Yes |
| Permissions | Yes | – |
| Security Audit | Yes | – |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| RBAC | Yes | – |
| Least Privilege | Yes | – |
| Privilege Escalation | Yes | – |
| Microsoft | Yes | – |
| Security Reporting | Yes | – |
| Enumeration | Yes | – |
| Configuration Management | – | Yes |
| Infrastructure | – | Yes |
| Open Source | – | Yes |
| XML | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Active Directory Permissions Analyzer**

10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**AD Build Script**

No features listed.

## Which one fits you

Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source.

- [AD Build Script](https://cybersectools.com/tools/ad-build-script) fits if you are a startup, you need a free product and you want an open-source product.

## Active Directory Permissions Analyzer vs AD Build Script FAQ

Common questions when comparing Active Directory Permissions Analyzer vs AD Build Script for identity governance and administration.

### What is the difference between Active Directory Permissions Analyzer and AD Build Script?

**Active Directory Permissions Analyzer**: AD permissions audit tool for analyzing ACLs, access rights, and security principals. Built by Paramount Defenses.

**AD Build Script**: An automated script that configures Active Directory domains using customizable XML configuration files.

The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.

### Who makes Active Directory Permissions Analyzer and AD Build Script?

**Active Directory Permissions Analyzer** is made by Paramount Defenses. **AD Build Script** is open-source with 201 GitHub stars. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is Active Directory Permissions Analyzer a good alternative to AD Build Script?

Often, yes. Active Directory Permissions Analyzer and AD Build Script are both Identity Governance and Administration products, and both cover Windows, Active Directory. Key differences: Active Directory Permissions Analyzer is Commercial while AD Build Script is Free, AD Build Script is open-source. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [Active Directory Permissions Analyzer vs Corpia IGA](https://cybersectools.com/compare/active-directory-permissions-analyzer-vs-corpia-iga)
- [Active Directory Permissions Analyzer vs Provision® IAM for Banks](https://cybersectools.com/compare/active-directory-permissions-analyzer-vs-provisionr-iam-for-banks)
- [Active Directory Permissions Analyzer vs Elimity Identity Visibility & Intelligence Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/active-directory-permissions-analyzer-vs-elimity-identity-visibility-and-intelligence-platform)
- [AD Build Script vs Corpia IGA](https://cybersectools.com/compare/ad-build-script-vs-corpia-iga)
- [AD Build Script vs Provision® IAM for Banks](https://cybersectools.com/compare/ad-build-script-vs-provisionr-iam-for-banks)
- [AD Build Script vs Elimity Identity Visibility & Intelligence Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/ad-build-script-vs-elimity-identity-visibility-and-intelligence-platform)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Active Directory Permissions Analyzer alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/active-directory-permissions-analyzer)
- [See all AD Build Script alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/ad-build-script)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/active-directory-permissions-analyzer-vs-ad-build-script

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More on Active Directory Permissions Analyzer and AD Build Script: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=compare-md