4 Best Entra ID Sync Software Solutions in 2026

Entra ID sync software tools help IT teams keep identity data aligned across systems, devices, and cloud services.

As organizations grow, manual updates and one-off integrations break quickly. Users change roles, devices move, and policies shift. Sync keeps everything consistent without constant cleanup.

In this guide, you’ll see how different Entra ID sync tools handle users, contacts, devices, and policies, and where each one fits. You’ll also see which approach makes sense depending on what you actually need to keep in sync.

Entra ID Sync Software Solutions Compared

4 Best Entra ID Sync Software Solutions

The best Entra ID sync software solutions are: 

1. CiraSync – Best for syncing Entra ID contacts to mobile devices 
2. Microsoft Entra Connect – Best for hybrid identity sync from on-prem AD to Entra ID 
3. Entra Connect Cloud Sync – Best for lightweight, cloud-managed hybrid identity sync 
4. Microsoft Intune – Best for syncing identity with devices and policies

Let’s review each tool in more detail. 

1. CiraSync – Best for Syncing Entra ID Contacts to Mobile Devices

CiraSync is an Entra ID sync tool that automatically syncs contacts and calendars from Entra ID and Microsoft 365 to users’ mobile devices. IT admins control which users or groups receive which contacts or calendars and choose how often syncs run.

Once configured, syncing happens automatically, without users searching the directory, saving contacts, or taking any action. 

Updates in Entra ID reflect on devices based on the sync schedule. CiraSync fits mid-size to large organizations, MSPs, and regulated environments. 

2. Microsoft Entra Connect – Best for Syncing AD to Entra ID

Microsoft Entra Connect is a Microsoft tool used to sync on-premises Active Directory with Entra ID. It synchronizes users, groups, and selected attributes so identities stay consistent across on-prem and cloud environments.

Entra ID typically becomes the cloud identity layer, while on-prem AD remains the source of truth.

Sync runs on a scheduled basis and can include password hash sync, pass-through authentication, and limited writeback features depending on configuration. 

Microsoft Entra Connect is commonly used in hybrid environments, transitioning workloads and identity management to Microsoft 365 and Azure. 

3. Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync – Best for Lightweight, Cloud-Managed Hybrid Identity Sync

Microsoft Entra Cloud Sync is a Microsoft-managed identity sync solution that connects on-premises Active Directory to Entra ID using lightweight provisioning agents. It syncs users, groups, and attributes to keep cloud identities aligned with on-prem directories. 

Unlike full Entra Connect, Cloud Sync relies on cloud-based configuration and rules, which reduces infrastructure and maintenance overhead. Sync runs on a defined schedule and supports common hybrid identity scenarios.  

Entra Connect Cloud Sync is typically used by organizations that want a simpler, more modern approach to hybrid identity synchronization. 

4. Microsoft Intune – Best for Syncing Identity with Devices and Policies

Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management tool that works closely with Entra ID to keep identity, device, and policy data aligned. It syncs Entra ID users and groups into Intune so devices, apps, and configurations can be assigned consistently. 

Device state and compliance information is evaluated in Intune and then reflected back into Entra ID for access decisions. 

Sync in Intune focuses on maintaining alignment between identity, devices, and policies, rather than replicating directory data itself. 

What is an Entra ID Sync Tool and What Does It Do? 

An Entra ID sync tool keeps data in Entra ID aligned with other systems. It moves users, groups, contacts, devices, or policies between Entra ID and connected platforms. 

Some tools run on schedules, others sync on demand. The goal stays the same. Reduce manual work, prevent mismatches, and keep identity-related data consistent as changes happen across the organization. 

FAQ