Do I need SAML or can I get by with OIDC for a SaaS app?

Usually you can get by with OIDC alone for a SaaS app — and for many products it’s the better default.

Short answer

• Use OIDC if you want modern SSO for your app, especially for:
  • web apps
  • mobile apps
  • APIs
  • easier implementation and better developer experience
• Add SAML if you need to support:
  • enterprise customers with legacy IdPs
  • customers that explicitly require SAML in procurement/security reviews
  • older enterprise environments where SAML is the standard

Rule of thumb

If you’re building a new SaaS product:

1. Start with OIDC
2. Add SAML later only if customer demand forces it

Why OIDC is usually enough

OIDC:

• is built on OAuth 2.0
• is simpler for app integration
• works well for browser-based login and API access
• is the modern standard for consumer and many enterprise apps

Why companies still ask for SAML

SAML is still common in enterprise SSO because:

• many enterprises already have it deployed
• some IdPs and IT teams have mature SAML processes
• procurement checklists often still mention SAML first

Practical SaaS advice

If your SaaS targets:

• SMBs / startups / modern teams → OIDC is often sufficient
• mid-market / enterprise → OIDC may still be enough, but SAML can become a sales requirement
• regulated / large enterprise → you’ll likely want both eventually

Best strategy

A lot of SaaS companies do:

• OIDC for authentication
• SAML support for enterprise SSO
• possibly SCIM for user provisioning

If you want, I can also give you a decision matrix for OIDC vs SAML based on your target customers and product type.