Last updated: April 22, 2026
OAuth vs SAML: Which SSO Protocol in 2026?
Quick Answer
OAuth 2.0 is an authorization framework for granting API access (used with OIDC for authentication). SAML is an XML-based SSO protocol for enterprise authentication. OAuth/OIDC is modern and API-friendly; SAML is for enterprise SSO with legacy identity providers.
OAuth 2.0 vs SAML — Side by Side
| Feature | OAuth 2.0 | SAML |
|---|---|---|
| main Purpose | Authorization (API access grants) | Authentication (SSO login) |
| Token Format | JSON (JWT for OIDC) | XML assertions |
| Transport | HTTP/REST | HTTP/SOAP (XML) |
| Mobile Support | Excellent: designed for APIs | Poor: XML-heavy, browser-focused |
| Complexity | Moderate | High: XML, certificates, metadata |
| Used By | Google, GitHub, Auth0 (social login) | Okta, Azure AD, enterprise IdPs |
| Modern Usage | Dominant for web/mobile apps | Enterprise SSO, legacy systems |
Verdict
Use OAuth 2.0 + OIDC for modern applications: it covers authentication and authorization with JSON/JWT. Use SAML only when integrating with enterprise identity providers that require it (Okta, Azure AD, ADFS).
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