The real cost of enterprise SSO: per-connection vs per-MAU pricing

Enterprise Single Sign-On (SSO) pricing can be complex, primarily divided into two models: per-connection and per-Monthly Active User (MAU). For most B2B SaaS companies, per-connection pricing, which charges a flat fee per enterprise customer regardless of user count, is more predictable and often cheaper than per-MAU pricing, which scales with the total number of active users and can increase significantly with large customers. Hidden costs such as the "SSO tax," SCIM fees, connection caps, and engineering costs for in-house SSO development can inflate the final bill beyond advertised prices, catching teams off guard. The choice between these models depends on the company's growth stage and customer profile, with per-connection being more favorable for companies with fewer, larger clients, while per-MAU might suit those with many small connections and low user counts. The guide also discusses hybrid and flat-rate pricing models, emphasizing the importance of understanding these options to avoid unexpected expenses, especially as secure access becomes a standard requirement in enterprise procurement.

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