Head-to-head · Active Directory Management Software
Netwrix Directory Manager vs One Identity Active Roles
Netwrix Directory Manager leads on 1 check, One Identity Active Roles on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreNetwrix Directory Manager · 8.9/10
- Free trialonly Netwrix Directory Manager
- Most featuresNetwrix Directory Manager · 5 of 5
Netwrix Directory Manager scores higher on our rubric for active directory management software: 8.9 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #5.
On deployment, One Identity Active Roles gives you Hybrid where Netwrix Directory Manager offers On_premises. Netwrix Directory Manager offers password self-service; One Identity Active Roles doesn't.
Netwrix Directory Manager is the better fit for automated multi-directory administration. One Identity Active Roles is the better fit for enterprise delegated AD administration.
- Netwrix Directory Manager fits best
Automated multi-directory administration
- One Identity Active Roles fits best
Enterprise delegated AD administration
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | Netwrix Directory Manager 8.9/10 Visit ↗ | One Identity Active Roles 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.9 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #3 in Active Directory Management Software | #5 in Active Directory Management Software |
| Best for | Automated multi-directory administration | Enterprise delegated AD administration |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | Pricing on request · 30-day trial | Pricing on request |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | 30 days | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, Windows | Web, Windows |
| Support | Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs | Tickets, Community, Docs |
| Integrations | 11 integrations | 11 integrations |
| Built for | Mid-market, Enterprise | Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Netwrix Directory Manager 5/5 · One Identity Active Roles 4/5 | ||
| Delegated administration | ✓ | ✓ |
| AD auditing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lifecycle automation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reporting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Password self-service | ✓ (best) | — |
| Specs | ||
| Deployment | On_premises | Hybrid |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | Netwrix Directory Manager manages users, groups, entitlements and passwords across Active Directory, Microsoft Entra ID and other connected directories. It is designed for IT and identity teams that need to automate routine administration… Read the review → |
One Identity Active Roles is an administration and governance product for organizations managing hybrid Microsoft identity environments. It brings on-premises Active Directory, Entra ID, and Microsoft 365 administration into a single… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Netwrix Directory Manager — where it wins
- Automates provisioning, deprovisioning and group lifecycle tasks
- Connects AD, Entra ID, Google Workspace, LDAP and SCIM
- Combines delegated workflows, auditing and password self-service
Where it doesn't
- Pricing is quote-based rather than published by plan
- Deployment is on-premises
- There is no free product plan
One Identity Active Roles — where it wins
- Granular role-based delegation across AD, Entra ID, and Microsoft 365
- Lifecycle workflows support provisioning, deprovisioning, and policy automation
- Auditing, reporting, and change history support administrative oversight
Where it doesn't
- Pricing requires contacting sales
- No free plan is available
- Password self-service is handled by a separate Password Manager product
- Netwrix Directory Manager8.9/10 · Pricing on request · 30-day trial
A broad directory administration suite for teams managing identities across connected systems.
Visit NetwrixFull verdict → - One Identity Active Roles8.5/10 · Pricing on request
A broad enterprise platform for delegated administration, lifecycle control, and auditing.
Visit One IdentityFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Cayosoft Administrator vs Netwrix Directory Manager
- Cayosoft Administrator vs One Identity Active Roles
- ManageEngine AD360 vs Netwrix Directory Manager
- ManageEngine AD360 vs One Identity Active Roles
- Netwrix Directory Manager vs Softerra Adaxes
- Netwrix Directory Manager vs Blazam
- Netwrix Directory Manager vs ManageEngine ADAudit Plus
- Netwrix Directory Manager vs Ithicos Directory Manager
All active directory management software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update