Cisco Duo Passwordless
Cisco Duo Passwordless: A broad passwordless suite with strong authentication coverage and a low-cost entry tier. Ranked #1 of 27 in Passwordless Authentication Software by our editors (9.3/10); pricing: Free plan · 30-day trial; best for broad passwordless deployments on a budget.
At a glance
- Editor score9.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan · 30-day trial
- Best forBroad passwordless deployments on a budget
- Free planYes
- Paid from$3/user/mo
- Founded2010 · United States
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports passkeys, biometrics, FIDO2 keys, and Duo Push
- Includes SSO, directory synchronization, and device verification policies
- Offers a free plan and paid access from $3 per user per month
Where it doesn't
- Passwordless authentication starts with Duo Essentials, not Duo Free
- Advanced identity and remote-access controls require higher tiers
- Password fallback removal may require broader deployment planning
Our verdict on Cisco Duo Passwordless
Cisco Duo Passwordless provides password-free access to web applications through Duo Single Sign-On. It is designed for businesses and enterprises that need phishing-resistant authentication, centralized policy controls, directory synchronization, and SSO for cloud applications. Authentication options include passkeys, WebAuthn, Touch ID, Face ID, Windows Hello, Android biometrics, FIDO2 security keys, and Duo Push through Duo Mobile. The service supports web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
The published plans show a useful progression. Duo Free costs $0 per user per month and includes Strong MFA, integrations, and the free authenticator app. Duo Essentials costs $3 per user per month and adds Duo Directory, phishing-resistant MFA, complete passwordless authentication, single sign-on, Trusted Endpoints, and unlimited applications. Duo Advantage costs $6 per user per month and adds Cisco Identity Intelligence, Duo Passport, session theft protection, Active Directory Defense, and Risk-Based Authentication. Duo Premier costs $9 per user per month and adds VPN-less remote access to private resources plus endpoint protection checks for complete device trust. A 30-day free trial is also available.
Its ecosystem fit is a central strength. Duo can work with Active Directory, Microsoft Entra ID, OpenLDAP, Google Workspace, Okta, SCIM directories, AWS, Salesforce, and Workday. Organizations can deploy Duo Directory or connect existing identity sources, including external SAML identity providers. Duo Single Sign-On supports SAML and OIDC applications, while Trusted Endpoints and device verification policies add control over access conditions. Choose Cisco Duo Passwordless if you need broad authentication methods, multiple directory options, and a low starting price. Teams seeking passwordless access specifically will need at least Duo Essentials, while organizations that do not need SSO, directory integration, or device policies may prefer a narrower authentication product.
Your product? Our editors can test Cisco Duo Passwordless in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Cisco Duo Passwordless pricing
All 4 Cisco Duo Passwordless plans and prices →
Cisco Duo Passwordless fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $3/user/mo |
| Passwordless methods | Platform authenticators, passkeys, FIDO2 security keys, Duo Push |
| Magic links | Not verified |
| Biometric login | Yes |
| SAML SSO | Yes |
| OpenID Connect | Yes |
| Directory synchronization | Yes |
| Free trial | 30 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Compliance & security | SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, 2FA |
| Support | Email, Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 500+ integrations: Active Directory, Microsoft Entra ID, OpenLDAP, Google Workspace, Okta, SCIM directories … See all → |
| Pricing | Free plan · 30-day trial (source) |
| Website | duo.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Cisco Duo Passwordless integrations
Cisco Duo Passwordless lists 500+ integrations on its own site — the 9 named here are the ones its pages call out.
- Active Directory
- Microsoft Entra ID
- OpenLDAP
- Google Workspace
- Okta
- SCIM directories
- AWS
- Salesforce
- Workday
See all Cisco Duo Passwordless integrations →
Alternatives to Cisco Duo Passwordless
- Secret Double OctopusA broad hybrid authentication platform for organizations securing users, devices and legacy access.8.9
- Ivanti Passwordless AuthenticationEnterprise passwordless authentication with FIDO2, biometrics, risk policies and desktop login.8.8
- HYPR AuthenticateEnterprise passwordless MFA with broad endpoint, web, VPN, VDI, and RDP coverage.8.7
See all Cisco Duo Passwordless alternatives →
Cisco Duo Passwordless vs the competition
- Cisco Duo Passwordless vs Secret Double Octopus
- Cisco Duo Passwordless vs Ivanti Passwordless Authentication
- Cisco Duo Passwordless vs HYPR Authenticate
- Cisco Duo Passwordless vs OpenCIAM
- Cisco Duo Passwordless vs Mosaic by Transmit Security
- Cisco Duo Passwordless vs PingOne
Compare Cisco Duo Passwordless with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Cisco Duo Passwordless is ranked in 3 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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