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Head-to-head · Authentication Software

Google Cloud Identity vs Cisco Duo Passwordless

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Google Cloud Identity #2 in Authentication Software 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 2 features Visit Google Cloud
Cisco Duo Passwordless #5 in Authentication Software 8.7/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 1 of 2 features Visit Cisco Duo

Google Cloud Identity leads on 0 checks, Cisco Duo Passwordless on 1, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreGoogle Cloud Identity · 9.1/10
  • Lowest starting priceCisco Duo Passwordless · $3/user/mo
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Cisco Duo Passwordless

Google Cloud Identity scores higher on our rubric for authentication software: 9.1 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #5.

Cisco Duo Passwordless is cheaper to start at $3/user/mo against $6/user/mo.

Google Cloud Identity is the better fit for organizations standardized on Google identity. Cisco Duo Passwordless is the better fit for teams prioritizing passwordless MFA and device trust.

  • Google Cloud Identity fits best

    Organizations standardized on Google identity

  • Cisco Duo Passwordless fits best

    Teams prioritizing passwordless MFA and device trust

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 Google Cloud Identity 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Cisco Duo Passwordless 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.7
Ranking #2 in Authentication Software #5 in Authentication Software
Best for Organizations standardized on Google identity Teams prioritizing passwordless MFA and device trust
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $6/user/mo $3/user/mo (best)
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — 30 days
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, Android, iOS Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Integrations 5 integrations 500+ integrations
Features Google Cloud Identity 1/2 · Cisco Duo Passwordless 1/2
Passkey sign-in Not checked yet Not checked yet
Directory sync ✓ ✓
Specs
Monthly active users Not checked yet Not checked yet
Auth protocols Not checked yet Not checked yet
MFA methods Not checked yet Not checked yet
Deployment Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • SAML and OIDC SSO with multiple MFA methods
  • Directory sync and automated user lifecycle provisioning
  • Context-Aware Access and endpoint management
  • Supports passkeys, biometrics, FIDO2 keys, and Duo Push
  • Includes SAML and OIDC single sign-on and directory synchronization
  • Works across web, desktop, and mobile platforms
Cons
  • Free edition includes 50 user licenses by default
  • Advanced security and provisioning features require Premium
  • Flexible Premium billing costs $7.20 per user monthly
  • Passwordless authentication starts with the $3 Essentials plan
  • Duo Free highlights MFA, integrations, and the authenticator app, not passwordless
  • VPN-less remote access and complete device trust require Premier
Our verdict

Google Cloud Identity is a cloud identity service for organizations that need centralized user and group management. It supports federation with Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID, SAML and OIDC single sign-on, multi-factor…

Read the review →

Cisco Duo Passwordless provides password-free access to web applications through Duo Single Sign-On. It is aimed at businesses and enterprises seeking phishing-resistant authentication, centralized policy controls, directory…

Read the review →
  1. Google Cloud IdentityAuthentication Software 9.1Free plan
  2. Cisco Duo PasswordlessAuthentication Software 8.7Free plan · 30-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Google Cloud Identity — where it wins

    • SAML and OIDC SSO with multiple MFA methods
    • Directory sync and automated user lifecycle provisioning
    • Context-Aware Access and endpoint management

    Where it doesn't

    • Free edition includes 50 user licenses by default
    • Advanced security and provisioning features require Premium
    • Flexible Premium billing costs $7.20 per user monthly

  • Cisco Duo Passwordless — where it wins

    • Supports passkeys, biometrics, FIDO2 keys, and Duo Push
    • Includes SAML and OIDC single sign-on and directory synchronization
    • Works across web, desktop, and mobile platforms

    Where it doesn't

    • Passwordless authentication starts with the $3 Essentials plan
    • Duo Free highlights MFA, integrations, and the authenticator app, not passwordless
    • VPN-less remote access and complete device trust require Premier
  • Google Cloud Identity9.1/10 · Free plan

    A Google-centered identity service with free core controls and paid adaptive security.

    Visit Google CloudFull verdict →
  • Cisco Duo Passwordless8.7/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

    Passwordless MFA and SSO with device verification, from $3 per user per month.

    Visit Cisco DuoFull verdict →

More comparisons

All authentication software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update