OIDC vs SAML – Which Is Better for SSO?

Single Sign-On (SSO) protocols SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) and OIDC (OpenID Connect) are pivotal in the realm of federated identity management, each catering to different technological landscapes and user needs. SAML, established in 2002, is primarily XML-based and thrives in legacy enterprise environments, enabling users to access multiple applications with a single login. It is supported by platforms like Okta and Ping Identity but can be cumbersome to implement due to its heavy reliance on XML. OIDC, launched in 2014, serves as an authentication layer on top of OAuth 2.0 and uses JSON Web Tokens (JWTs), making it more suitable for modern applications, mobile apps, and APIs due to its simplicity and robust developer tooling. While SAML provides mature and battle-tested security for complex enterprise use cases, OIDC offers a more streamlined and developer-friendly experience, with built-in features for modern security practices and easier regulatory compliance. Organizations often adopt a hybrid approach, using SAML for legacy systems and OIDC for new applications, leveraging tools like Auth0 or Keycloak to manage both protocols seamlessly. Ultimately, the choice between SAML and OIDC depends on the specific requirements of the user base, application type, and technical resources, with both protocols offering distinct advantages in their respective domains.