# Duo Security

Duo Security (Cisco) is an MFA and zero-trust access platform rated 4.5/5 on G2 from 900+ reviews. Profile: pricing, features, and how it compares to Okta and Microsoft Authenticator.

**Category:** Multi-factor authentication and zero-trust access platform  
**Vendor:** Cisco Systems (acquired Duo Security)  
**Founded:** 2009  
**HQ:** Ann Arbor, Michigan, US (Cisco subsidiary)  
**Website:** https://duo.com  


## About

Duo Security is an Ann Arbor, Michigan-founded multi-factor authentication and zero-trust access platform, acquired by Cisco in 2018 for $2.35 billion. The platform provides MFA, device health verification, adaptive access policies, and single sign-on for protecting application and network access. Duo is particularly popular for its ease of deployment, the Duo Push mobile app (which replaced hardware tokens for most organizations), and its ability to protect both cloud and on-premises applications. As part of Cisco's security portfolio, Duo serves over 40,000 customers including Lyft, Facebook, and Toyota, and has become one of the most widely deployed MFA solutions globally.

## Ratings

| Source | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| G2 | 4.5/5 | ~900 |
| Capterra | 4.7/5 | ~500 |

## Funding

Acquired by Cisco ($2.35B, 2018)

| Round | Amount | Date | Lead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Series E | $70M | 2017 | Redpoint Ventures |
| Acquisition | $2.35B | 2018 | Cisco |

## Viability

Excellent. Cisco backing provides enterprise-scale distribution, compliance certifications, and long-term product investment. One of the most trusted MFA providers globally.

## Pricing

Duo charges per user per month. Free: 10 users, basic MFA. Essentials: $3/user/month (core MFA, SSO). Advantage: $6/user/month (adaptive policies, device trust). Premier: $9/user/month (full zero trust). Enterprise: custom.

| Plan | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0/mo | Up to 10 users, basic MFA |
| Essentials | $3/user/mo | Core MFA, SSO, unlimited users |
| Advantage | $6/user/mo | Adaptive access, device trust, BYOD |
| Premier | $9/user/mo | Full zero trust, VPN-less access |

## What reviewers say

_~1,400 G2 and Capterra reviews, 2025-2026_

**Praised:**
- Duo Push app is the fastest and most user-friendly MFA experience available
- Deployment is straightforward; most organizations are live within hours
- Free tier for 10 users is genuinely useful for very small teams
- Device health check before granting access adds a real security layer beyond just MFA

**Complaints:**
- Pricing steps up significantly from Essentials to Advantage tier
- Cisco integration complexity can make advanced configurations challenging
- Support quality varies; enterprise customers get better access than SMBs

## Compliance

- **SOC 2:** Yes (Type II)
- **GDPR:** Yes
- **HIPAA:** Yes (with BAA)
- **SSO:** Yes (SAML, OIDC)

## Integrations

- Active Directory
- Google Workspace
- Microsoft 365
- Okta
- Cisco AnyConnect
- Palo Alto
- AWS
- Salesforce
- ServiceNow
- Workday

## FAQs

### How does Duo compare to Microsoft Authenticator?

Duo provides a standalone MFA platform that works with any application, not just Microsoft services. Microsoft Authenticator is tightly integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem and is free for Microsoft 365 users. For Microsoft-only environments, Authenticator often suffices. For mixed environments with non-Microsoft apps, Duo provides broader coverage.

### Is Duo good for healthcare organizations?

Yes. Duo supports HIPAA compliance with BAA, has device health verification useful for clinical devices, and integrates with Epic and Cerner workflows. It's widely deployed in healthcare for securing EHR access and remote workforce authentication.


## Sources

- [Duo Security website](https://duo.com): Product and pricing
- [G2 Duo Security reviews](https://www.g2.com/products/duo-security/reviews): User reviews