Google Cloud Identity vs Entra ID
Compare Cloud Identity and Entra ID for workforce accounts, application access, device requirements and the boundary between identity and productivity subscriptions.
Which identity approach fits the brief?
Consider Cloud Identity when managing Google identities and the selected Free or Premium capabilities fit the workforce. Consider Entra ID when its Microsoft tenant and chosen licences fit the directory and application brief. Separate identity from productivity services: a managed account does not automatically include every mailbox, collaboration app or advanced device control.
Seven differences that change the shortlist
| Buying question | Google Cloud Identity | Microsoft Entra ID |
|---|---|---|
| Identity environment | Google-managed workforce accounts and directory | Microsoft-managed workforce accounts and directory |
| Productivity boundary | Cloud Identity is separate from the complete Workspace productivity package | Entra ID scope is distinct from the complete Microsoft 365 app package |
| Basic access | Free edition provides core identity and endpoint scope | Free edition is included with qualifying Microsoft cloud subscriptions |
| Advanced controls | Premium adds enterprise app and device capabilities | P1, P2 and related offers add selected advanced capabilities |
| Provisioning | Verify the required edition and application connector | Verify the required licence and application connector |
| Devices | Check the actual Free or Premium endpoint capability | Check Entra policy plus any required separate device-management service |
| Costing | Identity edition plus any Workspace and operating needs | Entra licence plus any Microsoft 365, device or other services |
Four worked buying briefs
These are hypothetical scenarios with explicit assumptions. They do not establish equal capabilities, measured usability or a negotiated price.
| Requirement | Proposed exercise | Accept when |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription fit | Map identity and productivity needs separately | Every retained service has an explicit purpose |
| App integration | Assign an isolated user to an application | Sign-in and app-account outcomes are both understood |
| Device scope | Review the required platform and policy dependency | The retained package provides the required inputs |
| Departure | Walk through approved account removal | App access and business ownership outcomes are documented |
Identity-only user
Can the colleague use the intended apps without an unnecessary productivity package?
Google Cloud Identity: Specify Cloud Identity and any separately required Workspace services.
Microsoft Entra ID: Specify Entra ID and any separately required Microsoft services.
List mailbox, calendar, storage and app needs explicitly.
Application assignment
Does a group assignment create the intended app access?
Google Cloud Identity: Exercise the selected edition and app integration.
Microsoft Entra ID: Exercise the selected licence and app integration.
Check account provisioning separately from SSO.
Device requirement
Does the proposed policy have the required device information?
Google Cloud Identity: Check the retained endpoint feature and device configuration.
Microsoft Entra ID: Check the retained Entra and device-service configuration.
Record the actual supported platforms and required service dependencies.
User departure
Can the team remove access and preserve required business ownership?
Google Cloud Identity: Exercise the documented directory and connected-app process.
Microsoft Entra ID: Exercise the documented directory and connected-app process.
Include data ownership and sessions in the written brief.
Separate account administration from productivity
An identity service controls accounts and application access. A productivity subscription may add mail, calendar, documents or collaboration. List those needs per user instead of assuming the directory product includes the whole suite.
Google Cloud Identity Free and Premium have their own feature boundaries. Microsoft Entra ID Free is included with qualifying cloud subscriptions, while advanced workforce requirements may need additional licences.
Evaluate the connected directory and device setup
Choose one application and one representative device requirement. Confirm which service supplies each identity, device or policy input and which retained package permits its use.
Complete the brief with provisioning, removal, recovery and operating ownership. Neither a managed account nor an SSO demonstration proves that every downstream application is administered correctly.
Questions before you choose
Does Cloud Identity include Gmail for every user?
Do not assume that. Cloud Identity is distinct from the complete Google Workspace productivity package; specify the required services.
Are Cloud Identity Free and Premium equivalent?
No. Premium adds enterprise application, device and support capabilities. Check the required feature against the current edition.
Does this compare the complete Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 suites?
No. It focuses on identity scope and identifies the surrounding subscriptions that may still be required.
Your practical evaluation pack
Download the identity evaluation checklist (CSV)
Four proposed checks with blank evidence and owner fields. Keep the actual audience, application, package and operating arrangement with the evaluation.
Turn the comparison into your own evaluation
Use the same criteria and priorities for both products, keep unknowns unassessed and record the plan and evidence behind your ratings.
Build a Google Cloud Identity vs Microsoft Entra ID scorecard →Keep the assumptions with the figures
Use the date, billing cycle, units and limits with each example. Check current account terms before purchasing. Unverified prices and model costs stay unpriced.
Download the buying examples as JSON ↓Share the comparison
Use these examples when discussing the shortlist with your team.