Quick answer
SAML and OpenID Connect are standards used for single sign-on. The app’s integration, identity provider and vendor documentation determine which one to choose.
Protocol comparison
| Question | SAML 2.0 | OpenID Connect |
|---|---|---|
| Common integration fit | Enterprise web apps and established SSO integrations | Web, mobile and modern application sign-in |
| Main artifacts | XML-based assertions and metadata | JSON Web Tokens and discovery metadata |
| Typical setup | Exchange identity-provider and service-provider configuration | Register a client and configure issuer, redirect URI and scopes |
| Best source for choice | App vendor’s supported identity-provider instructions | App vendor’s supported identity-provider instructions |
Microsoft’s decision guide compares the protocols for Entra integrations. It does not make one protocol universally preferable; support and app architecture matter.
Selection checklist
- Confirm the app’s protocol support in its current vendor documentation.
- Check the identity provider’s setup steps and required plan.
- Identify the app type and its callback, certificate or metadata requirements.
- Confirm how user attributes and sign-out work.
- Pilot one non-critical app and document the recovery path before rollout.
For a full SSO decision, see whether your small business needs SSO and SCIM user provisioning.
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Sources
Common questions
Is OIDC the same as OAuth?
OpenID Connect builds an identity layer on OAuth 2.0. OAuth by itself is an authorization framework.
Is SAML older than OIDC?
SAML 2.0 is commonly used for enterprise web single sign-on; OIDC is an identity layer designed for modern web and mobile applications.
Can one business use both?
Yes. Different applications can use different protocols with the same identity provider.