# Microsoft Entra ID vs ViewDS Cobalt IAM: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[Microsoft Entra ID](https://cybersectools.com/tools/microsoft-entra-id) is a commercial [access management](https://cybersectools.com/categories/access-management) solution by [Microsoft](https://cybersectools.com/companies/microsoft). [ViewDS Cobalt IAM](https://cybersectools.com/tools/viewds-cobalt-iam) is a commercial [access management](https://cybersectools.com/categories/access-management) solution by [ViewDS](https://cybersectools.com/companies/viewds). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Our take

What our shortlists say about the one we picked.

### [Microsoft Entra ID](https://cybersectools.com/tools/microsoft-entra-id)

Best for: Companies running Microsoft 365

Entra ID earns its place because it is often already your identity provider, so the question is how far to extend it rather than whether to buy it. It fits companies of any size on Microsoft 365. Map what your current license includes against what you need, such as privileged identity management, before you add a second identity product.

From [Best IAM Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-iam-solutions), Fall 2026.

Reviewed by [Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze](https://cybersectools.com/about).

Need the answer fast? [Best Access Management Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-access-management-solutions) picks Microsoft Entra ID, Okta Single Sign-On, Ping Identity Platform and 4 more.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | Microsoft Entra ID | ViewDS Cobalt IAM |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial |
| Category | Access Management | Access Management |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Cloud | Hybrid |
| Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | Microsoft | ViewDS |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Microsoft Entra ID | ViewDS Cobalt IAM |
|---|---|---|
| MFA | Yes | – |
| SSO | Yes | – |
| Single Sign On | Yes | Yes |
| Authentication | Yes | – |
| RBAC | – | Yes |
| Multi Tenancy | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Microsoft Entra ID**

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

**ViewDS Cobalt IAM**

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

### Integrations

**Microsoft Entra ID**

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

**ViewDS Cobalt IAM**

No integrations listed.

## Which one fits you

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

- [Microsoft Entra ID](https://cybersectools.com/tools/microsoft-entra-id) fits if you want a cloud product.
- [ViewDS Cobalt IAM](https://cybersectools.com/tools/viewds-cobalt-iam) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options.

## Microsoft Entra ID vs ViewDS Cobalt IAM FAQ

Common questions when comparing Microsoft Entra ID vs ViewDS Cobalt IAM for access management.

### What is the difference between Microsoft Entra ID and ViewDS Cobalt IAM?

**Microsoft Entra ID**: Cloud-based identity and access management solution for enterprises. Built by Microsoft.

**ViewDS Cobalt IAM**: Multi-tenant IAM platform for MSPs and CSPs with SSO, MFA, and RBAC/ABAC. Built by ViewDS.

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

### Who makes Microsoft Entra ID and ViewDS Cobalt IAM?

**Microsoft Entra ID** is made by Microsoft. **ViewDS Cobalt IAM** is made by ViewDS. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is Microsoft Entra ID a good alternative to ViewDS Cobalt IAM?

Often, yes. Microsoft Entra ID and ViewDS Cobalt IAM are both Access Management products, and both cover Single Sign On. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [Microsoft Entra ID vs SecurEnvoy Access Management](https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-entra-id-vs-securenvoy-access-management)
- [Microsoft Entra ID vs Duo Single Sign-On (SSO)](https://cybersectools.com/compare/duo-single-sign-on-sso-vs-microsoft-entra-id)
- [Microsoft Entra ID vs Duo Cisco Duo Single Sign-On](https://cybersectools.com/compare/duo-cisco-duo-single-sign-on-vs-microsoft-entra-id)
- [ViewDS Cobalt IAM vs SecurEnvoy Access Management](https://cybersectools.com/compare/securenvoy-access-management-vs-viewds-cobalt-iam)
- [ViewDS Cobalt IAM vs Duo Single Sign-On (SSO)](https://cybersectools.com/compare/duo-single-sign-on-sso-vs-viewds-cobalt-iam)
- [ViewDS Cobalt IAM vs Duo Cisco Duo Single Sign-On](https://cybersectools.com/compare/duo-cisco-duo-single-sign-on-vs-viewds-cobalt-iam)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Microsoft Entra ID alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/microsoft-entra-id)
- [See all ViewDS Cobalt IAM alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/viewds-cobalt-iam)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-entra-id-vs-viewds-cobalt-iam

For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/microsoft-entra-id.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md.

More on Microsoft Entra ID and ViewDS Cobalt IAM: 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