JumpCloud and Google SSO: Which Saves You More in 2025?

Implementing Single Sign-On (SSO) not only simplifies life for employees but also offers significant benefits to companies. Founders, CTOs, and IT managers have various options to consider, and for those already using Google Workspace, Google’s own SSO might seem like an obvious choice. However, it lacks certain functionalities that other solutions like JumpCloud provide. For organizations looking to move away from legacy systems or legacy infrastructure, alternatives like JumpCloud can be especially appealing. While JumpCloud is known for its robust identity and access management features, Google’s SSO might seem like a secondary feature. However, with the right integrations, Google SSO can be a powerful tool.

Both solutions cater to different business needs and sizes. To help you decide, let’s compare JumpCloud and Google SSO across several key areas:

1. Ease of Setup and Integration: How seamlessly can it be integrated into your existing systems? 2. Authentication and MFA Options: How securely and efficiently can access and identities be managed? 3. User Provisioning and Deprovisioning: How easily can access be granted or revoked? 4. Access Control and Management: How can you ensure organizational security? 5. Monitoring and Reporting: How can you maintain visibility and compliance?

Before diving into the details, let’s clarify the distinction between Google SSO and Google Cloud IAM:

Google SSO vs. Google Cloud IAM: What's the Difference?

Google Cloud IAM is an enterprise-grade identity solution offering SAML-based SSO and SCIM provisioning for user lifecycle management, directly competing with JumpCloud. However, it comes at a significant cost, making it less suitable for small and mid-sized companies. In this article, Google SSO refers to the Google Workspace SSO option, allowing users to log into various applications using their Google credentials.

Unlike traditional premises-based identity management systems, which rely on on-premises infrastructure and can be challenging to integrate with modern cloud tools, cloud-based solutions like JumpCloud and Google SSO offer greater flexibility and easier integration with today's cloud environments.

Limitations of Google SSO

While Google SSO is free and easy to set up, it has limitations, particularly in user lifecycle management:

• Limited access control options.
• Lacks user provisioning and deprovisioning for most third-party apps.
• Minimal monitoring and reporting capabilities.
• Limited automation features for user account management.

These limitations often lead organizations to consider more comprehensive solutions like JumpCloud. However, integrating Google SSO with Corma can provide a cost-effective alternative for startups and SMBs.

1. Setup and Integration Complexity

JumpCloud SSO

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Google SSO:

• Effortless setup, especially if you’re already using Google Workspace.
• Widely supported across millions of websites, making integration into existing workflows simple.

JumpCloud:

• Requires more hands-on configuration, including setting up SAML integrations for each SaaS application.
• May need manual configuration using API keys, requiring a dedicated IT team for setup and ongoing support.
• Offers additional features like device management and directory services, which can be beneficial for organizations looking for a more comprehensive solution.
• Supports integration and management of Linux devices, making it a strong choice for organizations with diverse device environments.

Best for Setup:

When it comes to ease of setup, Google SSO is the ideal choice for organizations seeking quick deployment. Its seamless integration with Google Workspace allows for a hassle-free implementation, enabling businesses to get up and running with minimal effort. This makes Google SSO particularly appealing for startups and small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) that need a straightforward solution without extensive configuration. In contrast, JumpCloud offers more customization options, which can be highly beneficial for organizations with complex requirements. However, this flexibility comes at the cost of a more involved setup process, often requiring a dedicated IT team to manage the initial configuration and ongoing support. Therefore, while JumpCloud provides greater adaptability, Google SSO excels in simplicity and speed of deployment.

Switching from Google SSO to JumpCloud can provide enhanced security and management features, but it requires a more complex setup and potentially higher costs. This transition is suitable for organizations seeking advanced identity management capabilities and willing to invest heavuly in terms of money and time in a more robust solution.

2. Authentication and MFA Options

Google SSO:

• Allows employees to use Google Workspace credentials for third-party applications.
• Supports MFA with Google Authenticator, security keys, and emails.

JumpCloud:

• Offers more flexible identity storage options, including its Universal Directory or external sources like Google Workspace or Microsoft AD.
• Provides a broader range of MFA methods, including SMS, email, biometrics, and JumpCloud Protect.
• Includes additional security features like conditional access policies and adaptive MFA, which adjusts security requirements based on risk levels.

Security:

While JumpCloud provides a broader range of multi-factor authentication (MFA) options, including SMS, email, biometrics, and JumpCloud Protect, Google SSO's free MFA solutions are often sufficient for most businesses. Google SSO supports robust MFA methods such as Google Authenticator, security keys, and email-based verification, which effectively enhance security by adding an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access. These methods are typically more than adequate for preventing common security risks, especially for small to mid-sized businesses that do not operate in highly regulated industries or handle extremely sensitive data. Google's MFA options help eliminate the need for multiple passwords and reduce the risk of weak or reused passwords, making it a cost-effective and secure choice for many organizations.

3. Access Control and Management

Google SSO:

• Relies on Google Workspace user groups for access control, which can be limiting for larger organizations.

JumpCloud:

• Offers role-based access control (RBAC) for streamlined permissions management.
• Provides additional features like policy management and compliance reporting, which can be crucial for regulated industries.
• Delivers value to organizations through advanced access control and management features, resulting in improved security and operational efficiency.

Access Management:

JumpCloud’s RBAC and additional features make it more suitable for complex access needs, while Google SSO is simpler but less scalable. JumpCloud’s implementation of Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and its suite of additional features make it a more suitable choice for organizations with complex access management needs. RBAC allows administrators to assign specific roles to users, streamlining the process of managing permissions and ensuring that access rights are aligned with job responsibilities. This level of granular control is particularly beneficial for larger organizations with diverse teams and varying levels of access requirements. Additionally, JumpCloud offers advanced features such as policy management and compliance reporting, which are essential for industries with stringent regulatory standards. Many customers have reported improved security and streamlined operations after adopting JumpCloud’s advanced access management features; for example, organizations in the healthcare and finance sectors have highlighted how these capabilities helped them meet compliance requirements more efficiently. In contrast, Google SSO provides a simpler access management solution that relies on Google Workspace user groups. While this approach is straightforward and sufficient for smaller teams, it can become less scalable and more challenging to manage as the organization grows, especially when dealing with complex access hierarchies and compliance demands.

4. User Provisioning and Deprovisioning

Google SSO:

• Limited support for SCIM provisioning, often requiring manual user onboarding and offboarding.

JumpCloud:‍

• Supports SCIM provisioning for automated user creation and deactivation.
• Offers additional features like HR-driven provisioning, which automatically updates user access based on HR system data.

Provisioning:

JumpCloud's automated provisioning can save time and reduce errors, while Google SSO may require more manual effort. When it comes to user provisioning, JumpCloud's automated capabilities offer significant advantages over Google SSO. JumpCloud supports SCIM (System for Cross-domain Identity Management) provisioning, which allows for seamless, automated user creation and deactivation across a wide range of applications. This means that when a new employee joins, their accounts can be automatically set up in all necessary systems, and when someone leaves, their access can be swiftly and securely revoked. This automation not only saves IT teams considerable time but also reduces the risk of human error, ensuring that access rights are always up-to-date. In contrast, Google SSO has limited support for SCIM provisioning, often necessitating manual onboarding and offboarding processes. This manual effort can become increasingly time-consuming and error-prone as the organization grows, potentially leading to security vulnerabilities and inefficiencies in managing user access.

5. Monitoring, Auditing, and Reporting

Google SSO:

• Offers audit trails for Google apps but lacks comprehensive monitoring for third-party applications.
• Logs are sometimes annoying to find and the interface is not very user-friendly which can be a pain for IT mangers and CISOs.

JumpCloud:

• Provides more extensive monitoring and reporting features across all integrated applications.
• Offers additional compliance features like pre-built reports for standards like ISO27001, SOX, HIPAA, and GDPR.

Monitoring:

JumpCloud's comprehensive monitoring and compliance features make it a stronger choice for organizations with strict reporting requirements. Using Corma with Google SSO can help fill this gap. Corma centralizes monitoring across all connected apps, providing a clear overview of user access and permissions. This can be crucial for businesses that need to generate detailed access reports for compliance audits. ISO 27001 for instance is a key information security certification that requires businesses to to have logs on all access and users. This certification advances to be the gold standard in Europe, so simplifying the achievement of ISO 27001 though access management is more than a nice to have.

Device Management and IT Operations

In today’s fast-paced business environment, effective device management is essential for maintaining secure and seamless IT operations. The integration of Google Workspace and JumpCloud offers organizations a unified approach to device management, supporting a diverse range of devices—including Linux, macOS, and Windows—across any location. This powerful combination enables IT teams to manage user access, enforce conditional access policies, and maintain robust access control without sacrificing security or adding unnecessary complexity.

By leveraging JumpCloud’s open directory platform alongside Google Workspace, companies can create a single source of truth for user identities and access management. This unified identity solution streamlines IT management, allowing organizations to efficiently manage devices, users, and access from a centralized platform. The result is a cost-effective alternative to traditional device management solutions, helping many organizations reduce operational costs while staying up to date with the latest technology.

The Google Workspace and JumpCloud partnership is a game changer for companies seeking to modernize their IT management and device management capabilities. With seamless integration, organizations can take advantage of Google Workspace’s collaboration tools and JumpCloud’s advanced device management features, all within a secure and scalable environment. The Work Transformation Set further enhances this integration, providing a comprehensive suite of tools that enable businesses to manage devices, accounts, and user access with ease.

Security remains a top priority, and the combined solution enables organizations to implement extra layers of protection, such as multi-factor authentication and conditional access policies. By integrating Google Cloud’s advanced security features with JumpCloud’s unified identity management, companies can safeguard their data, networks, and devices against evolving threats—without compromising productivity or user experience.

Beyond security, the Google Workspace and JumpCloud integration supports IT operations with a range of practical tools and services. From single sign-on (SSO) capabilities and automated user provisioning to integrated directory services, IT teams can efficiently manage user accounts, streamline onboarding and offboarding, and connect with other cloud-based services. This level of integration empowers organizations to create a secure, flexible, and scalable IT infrastructure that supports business growth and digital transformation.

Getting started is straightforward: organizations can download implementation guides, setup tutorials, and access dedicated support to ensure a smooth rollout. With these resources, companies can quickly implement a comprehensive device management and IT operations solution tailored to their unique needs.

In summary, the integration of Google Workspace and JumpCloud delivers a powerful, cost-effective solution for device management and IT operations. By unifying identity management, device management, and access control, this partnership enables organizations to modernize their IT management, enhance security, and drive business productivity—making it an essential platform for companies looking to stay ahead in today’s technology landscape.

The open and the hidden cost of JumpCloud

JumpCloud's own per-user pricing structure can add up quickly, especially for growing organizations. It starts at 11€ per user per month. The SSO alredy comes in with 2€ on top of that, the IAM package with another 2€. In the end the platform price comes in at a whopping 22€ per month per user (and there is still another premium plan above it at 27€). These costs, combined with the need for a dedicated IT team to manage the system, can make JumpCloud a less affordable option for startups and cost-sensitive SMBs, despite its robust feature set.

On top of that come the hidden costs of JumpCloud that often arise from the "SSO tax" imposed by SaaS providers, where SCIM provisioning and other advanced features are typically bundled into higher-priced enterprise plans. This means businesses may need to upgrade to more expensive subscriptions to unlock these features, leading to significant additional costs.

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

Choosing between JumpCloud and Google SSO depends on your organization’s size, needs, and budget.

• If you expect rapid growth or need advanced access control, provisioning, and compliance tools and have the budget—JumpCloud is a powerful, full-featured solution.
• For startups and SMBs seeking a simple, cost-effective option, Google SSO is free and easy to use. Paired with Corma, it can offer advanced features without the high costs.

As Greg Keller, co-founder and CTO of JumpCloud, emphasizes, adopting modern, cloud-based identity management solutions is crucial for organizations aiming to stay secure and competitive. He warns that sticking with legacy systems can expose businesses to unnecessary risks and hinder innovation.

In short, JumpCloud suits organizations with complex identity management needs, while Google SSO + Corma is ideal for smaller teams wanting strong security on a budget.

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