Microsoft Azure AD (Premium)
Microsoft Azure AD (Premium)
Microsoft Azure AD (Premium) provides centralized management of user identities and access across cloud and on-premises environments. It includes conditional access policies and integration with third-party applications for streamlined authentication.
Microsoft Azure AD (Premium) provides centralized management of user identities and access across cloud and on-premises environments. It includes conditional access policies and integration with third-party applications for streamlined authentication.
Cost considerations
Functionality
Compatibility
User experience
Customer support
Why these ratings?
Cyberse perspective
Solution details
Services support
Integrations
Key features
Market segment
Product features
Pricing
Deployment
Target industry
Subcategory
Cloud ecosystem partners
We use the following criteria to evaluate this product:
Cost considerations
Azure AD Premium runs about $6–$9 per user each month, which sits in the middle of the market. Deeper analytics and governance live only in the higher-priced P2 tier, so budgets rise if those controls are needed. Organisations that already license Microsoft 365 often see payback within two years, but stand-alone buyers face separate SKUs that push costs above entry-level rivals.
Cost considerations
Azure AD Premium runs about $6–$9 per user each month, which sits in the middle of the market. Deeper analytics and governance live only in the higher-priced P2 tier, so budgets rise if those controls are needed. Organisations that already license Microsoft 365 often see payback within two years, but stand-alone buyers face separate SKUs that push costs above entry-level rivals.
Functionality
Azure AD Premium covers the full employee journey, from HR-triggered account creation to automatic removal, while providing single sign-on, risk-based MFA and time-limited admin access. Governance dashboards and scheduled access reviews give clear evidence of who has which rights and why. Many rivals require separate add-ons for these functions, so Microsoft delivers wider identity coverage in one subscription.
Functionality
Azure AD Premium covers the full employee journey, from HR-triggered account creation to automatic removal, while providing single sign-on, risk-based MFA and time-limited admin access. Governance dashboards and scheduled access reviews give clear evidence of who has which rights and why. Many rivals require separate add-ons for these functions, so Microsoft delivers wider identity coverage in one subscription.
Compatibility
Microsoft Azure AD Premium connects directly to on-prem Active Directory and LDAP, offers standards-based connectors such as SAML, OIDC and SCIM for cloud apps, and provides a full REST interface via Microsoft Graph. These options let organisations integrate thousands of SaaS services and custom on-premise systems without major scripting. The breadth of interoperable touchpoints places its compatibility at the highest tier.
Compatibility
Microsoft Azure AD Premium connects directly to on-prem Active Directory and LDAP, offers standards-based connectors such as SAML, OIDC and SCIM for cloud apps, and provides a full REST interface via Microsoft Graph. These options let organisations integrate thousands of SaaS services and custom on-premise systems without major scripting. The breadth of interoperable touchpoints places its compatibility at the highest tier.
User experience
Microsoft Azure AD Premium lets employees sign in with their regular Microsoft account and reset forgotten passwords without calling the help desk, and MFA prompts appear in the same flow. The Entra admin portal is well-documented but some policy and licensing settings hide in shifting sub-menus, so admins still consult guides or search multiple portals. Most firms enable new users within hours, putting user experience ahead of many competitors, yet the navigation learning curve keeps the rating below perfect.
User experience
Microsoft Azure AD Premium lets employees sign in with their regular Microsoft account and reset forgotten passwords without calling the help desk, and MFA prompts appear in the same flow. The Entra admin portal is well-documented but some policy and licensing settings hide in shifting sub-menus, so admins still consult guides or search multiple portals. Most firms enable new users within hours, putting user experience ahead of many competitors, yet the navigation learning curve keeps the rating below perfect.
Customer support
Paid Professional Direct and higher Azure support plans provide 24×7 help with a one-hour initial response for critical identity incidents. Escalations route to identity specialists and most customers report dependable resolution even if tricky federation cases can lag. A vast Microsoft Learn library and community forums aid self-service, yet the SLA does not reach the sub-30-minute target some competitors offer
Customer support
Paid Professional Direct and higher Azure support plans provide 24×7 help with a one-hour initial response for critical identity incidents. Escalations route to identity specialists and most customers report dependable resolution even if tricky federation cases can lag. A vast Microsoft Learn library and community forums aid self-service, yet the SLA does not reach the sub-30-minute target some competitors offer