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Head-to-head · Authenticator Apps

Duo Mobile vs Yubico Authenticator

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Duo Mobile #5 in Authenticator Apps 8.9/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 3 of 4 features Visit Duo Mobile
Yubico Authenticator #6 in Authenticator Apps 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Yubico

Duo Mobile leads on 3 checks, Yubico Authenticator on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreDuo Mobile · 8.9/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Duo Mobile
  • Most featuresDuo Mobile · 3 of 4

Duo Mobile scores higher on our rubric for authenticator apps: 8.9 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #6.

On code type, Yubico Authenticator gives you Totp and hotp where Duo Mobile offers Totp. Duo Mobile offers push approvals; Yubico Authenticator doesn't. Duo Mobile offers encrypted backup; Yubico Authenticator doesn't. Duo Mobile offers team administration; Yubico Authenticator doesn't.

Duo Mobile is the better fit for teams needing push MFA plus third-party OTPs. Yubico Authenticator is the better fit for yubiKey owners storing codes in hardware.

  • Duo Mobile fits best

    Teams needing push MFA plus third-party OTPs

  • Yubico Authenticator fits best

    YubiKey owners storing codes in hardware

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 Duo Mobile 8.9/10 Visit ↗ Yubico Authenticator 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.8
Ranking #5 in Authenticator Apps #6 in Authenticator Apps
Best for Teams needing push MFA plus third-party OTPs YubiKey owners storing codes in hardware
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price $3/user/mo Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Mobile Desktop, Mobile
Platforms iOS, Android Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Docs Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Duo Mobile 3/4 · Yubico Authenticator 0/4
Push approvals ✓ (best) —
Encrypted backup ✓ (best) —
Multi-device sync Not checked yet —
Team administration ✓ (best) —
Specs
Code type Totp Totp and hotp
Supported platforms iOS, Android Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS/iPadOS, Android
Our review
Pros
  • Supports one-tap push approvals plus TOTP and HOTP codes
  • Encrypted backup, Instant Restore, and Security Checkup add useful safeguards
  • Administrative device enrollment and management support team deployments
  • Stores TOTP and HOTP credentials in the YubiKey secure element
  • Manages passkeys, PIV credentials, OTP slots, and fingerprints
  • Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS/iPadOS, and Android
Cons
  • Backup and restore depend on operating system and device settings
  • Backup restoration does not work across platforms
  • Administrative controls are provided through the broader Duo service
  • Requires a compatible YubiKey and is not a standalone authenticator
  • Does not provide encrypted backup or multi-device synchronization
  • Credentials are not extractable from the hardware key
Our verdict

Duo Mobile is a smartphone authenticator for individuals and organizations using Cisco Duo. It combines one-tap push approval and denial with TOTP and HOTP passcode generation, covering both Duo-protected applications and compatible…

Read the review →

Yubico Authenticator is a companion app for YubiKey security keys, designed for people who want one-time password credentials stored on dedicated hardware. It generates OATH TOTP and HOTP codes, adds accounts by QR code or manual entry,…

Read the review →
  1. Duo MobileAuthenticator Apps 8.9Free plan · 30-day trial
  2. Yubico AuthenticatorAuthenticator Apps 8.8Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Duo Mobile — where it wins

    • Supports one-tap push approvals plus TOTP and HOTP codes
    • Encrypted backup, Instant Restore, and Security Checkup add useful safeguards
    • Administrative device enrollment and management support team deployments

    Where it doesn't

    • Backup and restore depend on operating system and device settings
    • Backup restoration does not work across platforms
    • Administrative controls are provided through the broader Duo service

  • Yubico Authenticator — where it wins

    • Stores TOTP and HOTP credentials in the YubiKey secure element
    • Manages passkeys, PIV credentials, OTP slots, and fingerprints
    • Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS/iPadOS, and Android

    Where it doesn't

    • Requires a compatible YubiKey and is not a standalone authenticator
    • Does not provide encrypted backup or multi-device synchronization
    • Credentials are not extractable from the hardware key
  • Duo Mobile8.9/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

    A flexible authenticator for Duo push approvals, third-party OTPs, and team device management.

    Visit Duo MobileFull verdict →
  • Yubico Authenticator8.8/10 · Free plan

    A free, open-source companion for storing TOTP and HOTP codes on a YubiKey.

    Visit YubicoFull verdict →

More comparisons

All authenticator apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update