Top Identity and Access Management Solutions for 2026

Identity and Access Management (IAM) is a cornerstone of modern cybersecurity. In 2026, organizations are looking for more than just secure logins. They need platforms that reduce identity sprawl, enforce least privilege, and align with Zero Trust without slowing users down.

We’ve curated a list of the top IAM solutions that are setting the pace in 2026. These solutions support hybrid environments, cloud migration, and complex compliance requirements. They are built to scale with your business. First up: Delinea.

1. Delinea: The modern Identity Security leader expanding IAM from the inside out

Delinea has redefined IAM by focusing on where the most critical risks live, inside. With a foundation in easy-to-use Privileged Access Management (PAM), Delinea brings identity security that is intelligent, proactive, and adaptive with workflows that secure traditional IAM use cases.

Why Delinea leads in 2026

• Continuous discovery: Discover all identity types, human, non-human and AI, assess their risk and enforce intelligent access decisions workflows.
• Privilege-first IAM: Secure privileged users, credentials, secrets, and systems. These are the assets attackers go after first.
• Unified access controls: Manage permissions across servers, apps, cloud environments, and vaults using centralized policies.
• Cloud-ready and enterprise-proven: Support hybrid IT using flexible deployment models and automation.
• Frictionless user experience: Passwordless flows, just-in-time access, and simple approvals help users stay secure without slowing down.

Delinea is built for security teams that want to take comprehensive control of identity at the core. This enables faster audits, tighter governance, and less standing access across the board.

2. Okta: Workforce identity simplified at scale

Okta remains a dominant force in workforce identity and access management, especially for organizations using SaaS platforms. Its deep integrations, and growing risk-based access capabilities make it a familiar favorite in 2026.

What stands out:

• Cloud-native design that connects quickly with thousands of cloud apps
• Lifecycle automation for seamless provisioning and deprovisioning
• Strong Zero Trust alignment through adaptive MFA and context-aware access

Okta is a solid fit for businesses with diverse technology environments and extensive third-party integrations.

3. Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD): IAM for Microsoft-centric teams

Entra ID remains the go-to IAM solution for organizations running on Microsoft 365 and Azure. It expands traditional capabilities with Conditional Access, role-based policies, and hybrid identity support.

What stands out:

• Native integration across Microsoft services including Teams and SharePoint
• Hybrid identity bridging on-prem Active Directory with cloud identities
• Advancements in entitlement management and automated access reviews

For companies already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, Entra ID offers seamless and scalable IAM.

4. CyberArk (by Palo Alto): Privileged access and identity security combined

CyberArk built its reputation on protecting privileged access and has since grown into a broader IAM platform. It is now part of palo lto and delivers enterprise-grade security for both workforce identity and critical assets.

What stands out:

• Centralized protection for high-risk accounts and credentials
• Developer-focused tools like secrets management and secure access for DevOps
• Compliance-ready with policy enforcement and audit trails

CyberArk is ideal for mid to large organizations with large IT teams focused on partner access management with flexible delegated administration and partner-specific workflows.

5. Ping Identity: Orchestrated IAM for complex environments

Ping supports complex identity use cases across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Its platform is modular and highly configurable, making it a favorite for teams that need to tailor access journeys across user groups.

What stands out:

• Flexible deployment in cloud, on-prem, or hybrid models
• Advanced authentication including MFA, risk scoring, and passwordless options
• Supports both customer and workforce IAM in one system

Ping Identity works well for enterprises that need precise, policy-driven access control across distributed systems.

6. ForgeRock (by Ping): Full-spectrum IAM meets CIAM

ForgeRock delivers an enterprise IAM suite with strong capabilities in customer identity, adaptive access, and developer APIs. Now part of Ping, the platform benefits from deeper orchestration and ecosystem support.

What stands out:

• AI-powered authentication decisions based on user behavior and device signals
• Scalable CIAM for high-volume consumer identity use cases
• Privacy and consent management built into core services

ForgeRock is a strong option for customer-facing businesses where identity is part of the brand experience.

7. Saviynt: Identity governance meets cloud security

Saviynt leads with governance. Its platform focuses on role management, access certifications, and Segregation of Duties enforcement, especially in regulated industries and hybrid environments.

What stands out:

• Cloud-native architecture supporting SaaS and IaaS
• Role mining and entitlement visibility for least privilege enforcement
• Integrated risk scoring and policy automation

If compliance, audit-readiness, and scalable governance are your priorities, Saviynt delivers.

8. IBM Security Verify: Scalable IAM with AI intelligence

IBM Security Verify brings together identity governance, risk-aware access, and AI-based decisioning in a platform that supports hybrid enterprise environments.

What stands out:

• AI-driven access decisions based on behavioral and contextual data
• Passwordless authentication options including FIDO2 and biometrics
• Hybrid-ready architecture for cloud and legacy environments

IBM is a strong fit for large organizations managing high-complexity IAM programs.

9. One Identity: Identity governance that scales

One Identity combines access governance, PAM, and lifecycle automation in a modular platform that scales with your needs. It supports phased adoption and integrates easily with existing systems.

What stands out:

• Automated certifications and role-based access controls
• Built-in PAM features for monitoring privileged activity
• Flexible deployment on-prem, in the cloud, or via managed services

One Identity is a practical option for small to mid-size organizations seeking easy-to-deploy workforce IAM with strong SSO and lifecycle management.

10. JumpCloud: IAM built for IT-led teams

JumpCloud offers a cloud-native directory service with IAM, MDM, and device security built in. It is designed for lean IT teams supporting modern, remote-first environments.

What stands out:

• Centralized directory that replaces traditional on-prem solutions
• Lightweight MDM for managing devices and enforcing policies
• Streamlined onboarding and offboarding across SaaS and endpoints

JumpCloud is especially useful for small and mid-sized organizations that want identity management without complexity.

Choosing the right IAM platform for 2026

The best IAM platform is the one that matches your security priorities, operational needs, and risk profile. Some organizations need deep access governance and audit controls. Others prioritize speed, cloud support, or workforce productivity.

Delinea stands apart with the recent launch of Delinea Iris AI and comprehensive visibility that boosts efficiency with real-time, evidence-based access decisions for every identity: human, machine, third-party and AI. Its privilege-first approach gives security teams greater control, faster audits, and lower overall risk.

Ready to see how Delinea helps you own access control from the inside out? Try an interactive demo of Delinea Platform powered by Iris AI.