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Software · head to head

Okta vs Vim

Okta logo

Okta

Software

The identity platform for builders

From
Free
Rated
-
Vim logo

Vim

Software

Highly configurable text editor built to enable efficient text editing

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Okta requires $1,500 annual minimum contract; Vim configuration system uses keyboard mappings with no graphical interface for settings
  • They diverge on capability: Okta covers Single sign-on (SSO), Vim covers Modal editing.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Okta and Vim actually diverge.

Attributes where Okta and Vim differ
AttributeOktaVim
Pricing modelUnknownfree
PlatformsWeb, SaaSLinux, Unix, macOS, Windows
Founded20091988

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Okta

  • Single sign-on (SSO)
  • Multi-factor authentication
  • Lifecycle management
  • Universal directory
  • API access management
  • B2B integration
  • Passwordless authentication
  • Adaptive MFA

Only in Vim

  • Modal editing
  • Extensive customization
  • Plugin support
  • Macro recording
  • Split windows
  • Syntax highlighting
  • Search and replace
  • Command history

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Okta

  • Employee SSOnot Vim
  • Customer identitynot Vim
  • B2B integrationnot Vim
  • Zero Trust securitynot Vim
  • Compliancenot Vim

Vim

  • Code editingnot Okta
  • Configuration filesnot Okta
  • System administrationnot Okta
  • Remote editingnot Okta
  • Terminal-based developmentnot Okta

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Okta

  • Requires $1,500 annual minimum contract
  • Admin-only MFA can be vulnerable to push notification fatigue attacks
  • Implementation requires significant services and integration fees in year one

Vim

  • Configuration system uses keyboard mappings with no graphical interface for settings
  • Requires browsing documentation to modify even basic settings
  • Lacks sensible defaults for many common configurations
  • Plugin ecosystem stability varies widely depending on custom configuration complexity

Pricing, plan by plan

Okta

Free
  • Starter Suite$6/user/month
    • SSO
    • MFA
    • Universal Directory
  • Core Essentials Suite$14/user/month
    • Adaptive MFA
    • Privileged Access
    • Lifecycle Management
  • Essentials Suite$17/user/month
    • Same as Core Essentials
    • Most popular
  • Professional Suite$null/custom
    • Device Access
    • Identity Security Posture
    • Threat Protection

Vim

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Powerful text editing
    • Extensive customization
    • Plugin ecosystem

Which should you pick?

Choose Okta if

  • You need single sign-on (sso).
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, SaaS.
  • You also want multi-factor authentication.

Choose Vim if

  • You need modal editing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Unix, macOS, Windows.
  • You also want extensive customization.

Questions people ask

Is Okta or Vim better?
Neither clearly leads. Okta starts at Free and Vim at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Okta or Vim?
Okta starts at Free and Vim at Free.
Does Okta or Vim run on more platforms?
Okta runs on Web, SaaS. Vim runs on Linux, Unix, macOS, Windows.
Can I use Okta for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Okta best used for?
Okta is most often used for employee sso, customer identity, b2b integration, zero trust security. Of those, employee sso and customer identity are not what Vim is typically brought in for.
What can Okta do that Vim cannot?
Okta covers Single sign-on (SSO), Multi-factor authentication, Lifecycle management, Universal directory. Vim covers Modal editing, Extensive customization, Plugin support, Macro recording.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Okta: What is the minimum contract for Okta Workforce Identity?

Okta requires a $1,500 annual minimum contract for Workforce Identity plans. Pricing starts at $6 per user per month (Starter) and ranges to $17 per user per month (Essentials), billed annually.

Source
Vim: Is Vim free and open source?

Yes, Vim is free and open source, distributed under a charityware license. The creator requested donations to ICCF Holland, a non-profit supporting AIDS victims in Uganda. All donations are forwarded to ICCF.

Source
Okta: Does Okta offer a free trial?

Yes, Okta provides a 30-day free trial so customers can explore all product capabilities before committing to a paid plan.

Source
Vim: What platforms does Vim support?

Vim runs on Unix-like systems (Linux, macOS, BSD), Windows (7, 8, 10, 11), VMS, and is available through package managers or standalone installation on all major operating systems.

Source
Okta: How many pre-built integrations does Okta support?

Okta offers over 7,000 pre-built integrations with popular enterprise applications including Salesforce, Slack, Workday, Box, Confluence, and Zendesk.

Source
Vim: Who maintains Vim now?

Vim was created by Bram Moolenaar, who passed away on August 3, 2023. Christian Brabandt is the current lead maintainer, and the project continues with volunteer contributors.

Source
Okta: What security features does Okta provide for admins?

Okta provides multi-factor authentication, adaptive MFA, single logout, and identity threat detection and response. However, only 94% of Okta customers have MFA enabled for administrators.

Source
Okta: Can Okta integrate with on-premises directories?

Yes, Okta's Universal Directory and lifecycle management support cloud and on-premises identity sources, including Active Directory and LDAP.

Source

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