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Head-to-head · Authentication Software

Keycloak vs Cisco Duo Passwordless

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Keycloak #3 in Authentication Software 9.0/10 Open source ✓ 1 of 2 features Visit Keycloak
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

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

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreKeycloak · 9.0/10
  • Free planonly Cisco Duo Passwordless
  • Free trialonly Cisco Duo Passwordless

Keycloak scores higher on our rubric for authentication software: 9.0 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #5.

Keycloak is the better fit for teams wanting self-hosted, open-source identity. Cisco Duo Passwordless is the better fit for teams prioritizing passwordless MFA and device trust.

  • Keycloak fits best

    Teams wanting self-hosted, open-source 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 Keycloak 9.0/10 Visit ↗ Cisco Duo Passwordless 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.7
Ranking #3 in Authentication Software #5 in Authentication Software
Best for Teams wanting self-hosted, open-source identity Teams prioritizing passwordless MFA and device trust
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Open source $3/user/mo
Free plan Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Free trial — 30 days
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Self-hosted Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, Linux Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Integrations 10 integrations 500+ integrations
Features Keycloak 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
  • Supports OpenID Connect, OAuth 2.0, and SAML 2.0.
  • Offers LDAP and Active Directory federation plus social login.
  • Includes TOTP, HOTP, WebAuthn/passkeys, and authorization policies.
  • 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
  • Organizations must deploy and manage the server themselves.
  • SCIM user and group management is a preview feature.
  • SCIM is disabled by default.
  • 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

Keycloak is an open-source identity and access management server for teams securing web applications, REST services, and other applications. Its self-hosted approach suits organizations that want to manage identity infrastructure…

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. KeycloakAuthentication Software 9.0Open source
  2. Cisco Duo PasswordlessAuthentication Software 8.7Free plan · 30-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Keycloak — where it wins

    • Supports OpenID Connect, OAuth 2.0, and SAML 2.0.
    • Offers LDAP and Active Directory federation plus social login.
    • Includes TOTP, HOTP, WebAuthn/passkeys, and authorization policies.

    Where it doesn't

    • Organizations must deploy and manage the server themselves.
    • SCIM user and group management is a preview feature.
    • SCIM is disabled by default.

  • 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
  • Keycloak9.0/10 · Open source

    A self-hosted, open-source identity server with broad protocol and MFA support.

    Visit KeycloakFull 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