Quick Overview
- 1#1: Cisco Duo - Provides adaptive multi-factor authentication with push notifications, biometrics, device trust, and risk-based policies for secure access.
- 2#2: Okta - Offers comprehensive identity and access management with advanced MFA options including biometrics, hardware tokens, and contextual authentication.
- 3#3: Microsoft Entra ID - Delivers integrated MFA capabilities within Microsoft's cloud identity platform supporting passwordless, FIDO2, and number matching.
- 4#4: Auth0 - Developer-focused authentication platform with flexible MFA supporting OTP, push, and WebAuthn for custom applications.
- 5#5: Ping Identity - Enterprise-grade identity security solution featuring intelligent MFA with adaptive risk assessment and zero-trust access.
- 6#6: RSA SecurID - Robust authentication suite providing hardware tokens, software OTP, and risk-based MFA for hybrid environments.
- 7#7: Microsoft Authenticator - Mobile app for generating TOTP codes, push approvals, and passwordless sign-ins compatible with multiple services.
- 8#8: Authy - Cross-platform authenticator app with cloud backups, multi-device sync, and push-based two-factor authentication.
- 9#9: Google Authenticator - Simple mobile app for scanning QR codes and generating time-based one-time passwords for secure logins.
- 10#10: OneLogin - Unified access management platform with MFA support for SMS, email, push, and adaptive authentication policies.
Tools were ranked based on their robustness of security features (including multi-factor methods, risk-based policies, and passwordless options), ease of deployment and use, and overall value, ensuring they cater to diverse user and organizational requirements.
Comparison Table
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a cornerstone of modern security, and selecting the right software requires understanding key tools. This comparison table explores leading options like Cisco Duo, Okta, Microsoft Entra ID, Auth0, Ping Identity, and more, equipping readers to evaluate features, use cases, and practical fit for their needs. By examining these solutions side-by-side, users can identify the MFA software that best aligns with their security goals and operational requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cisco Duo Provides adaptive multi-factor authentication with push notifications, biometrics, device trust, and risk-based policies for secure access. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Okta Offers comprehensive identity and access management with advanced MFA options including biometrics, hardware tokens, and contextual authentication. | enterprise | 9.3/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Microsoft Entra ID Delivers integrated MFA capabilities within Microsoft's cloud identity platform supporting passwordless, FIDO2, and number matching. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | Auth0 Developer-focused authentication platform with flexible MFA supporting OTP, push, and WebAuthn for custom applications. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Ping Identity Enterprise-grade identity security solution featuring intelligent MFA with adaptive risk assessment and zero-trust access. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | RSA SecurID Robust authentication suite providing hardware tokens, software OTP, and risk-based MFA for hybrid environments. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 7 | Microsoft Authenticator Mobile app for generating TOTP codes, push approvals, and passwordless sign-ins compatible with multiple services. | other | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 8 | Authy Cross-platform authenticator app with cloud backups, multi-device sync, and push-based two-factor authentication. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 9 | Google Authenticator Simple mobile app for scanning QR codes and generating time-based one-time passwords for secure logins. | other | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 10.0/10 |
| 10 | OneLogin Unified access management platform with MFA support for SMS, email, push, and adaptive authentication policies. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.6/10 |
Provides adaptive multi-factor authentication with push notifications, biometrics, device trust, and risk-based policies for secure access.
Offers comprehensive identity and access management with advanced MFA options including biometrics, hardware tokens, and contextual authentication.
Delivers integrated MFA capabilities within Microsoft's cloud identity platform supporting passwordless, FIDO2, and number matching.
Developer-focused authentication platform with flexible MFA supporting OTP, push, and WebAuthn for custom applications.
Enterprise-grade identity security solution featuring intelligent MFA with adaptive risk assessment and zero-trust access.
Robust authentication suite providing hardware tokens, software OTP, and risk-based MFA for hybrid environments.
Mobile app for generating TOTP codes, push approvals, and passwordless sign-ins compatible with multiple services.
Cross-platform authenticator app with cloud backups, multi-device sync, and push-based two-factor authentication.
Simple mobile app for scanning QR codes and generating time-based one-time passwords for secure logins.
Unified access management platform with MFA support for SMS, email, push, and adaptive authentication policies.
Cisco Duo
enterpriseProvides adaptive multi-factor authentication with push notifications, biometrics, device trust, and risk-based policies for secure access.
Device Health Assurance and real-time adaptive policies that continuously verify endpoint security posture before granting access
Cisco Duo is a leading multi-factor authentication (MFA) solution that provides secure user verification through methods like mobile push notifications, biometrics, SMS, hardware tokens, and passkeys. It integrates seamlessly with thousands of cloud, on-premises, and VPN applications, offering adaptive, risk-based policies that evaluate device health, location, and user behavior. Duo's platform emphasizes phishing-resistant authentication and zero-trust access controls to protect enterprises without disrupting workflows.
Pros
- Broad integration library supporting over 13,000 apps and services
- Adaptive authentication with real-time risk assessment and device trust
- Phishing-resistant methods like Duo Push and FIDO2 WebAuthn
- Intuitive mobile app and Universal Prompt for frictionless user experience
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers for advanced features may strain small budgets
- Initial setup complexity for custom integrations in legacy environments
- Reliance on mobile devices for optimal push-based authentication
Best For
Large enterprises and mid-sized organizations needing scalable, adaptive MFA with extensive integrations and zero-trust capabilities.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $3/user/month (Essentials) up to $9/user/month (Access) with volume discounts for enterprises.
Okta
enterpriseOffers comprehensive identity and access management with advanced MFA options including biometrics, hardware tokens, and contextual authentication.
Adaptive MFA, which uses AI-driven risk signals to dynamically enforce the right authentication level.
Okta is a comprehensive cloud-based identity and access management (IAM) platform that provides robust multi-factor authentication (MFA) to secure user access to applications across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments. It supports a wide array of MFA methods, including Okta Verify push notifications, SMS, voice calls, TOTP apps, hardware tokens, and passwordless options like FIDO2 WebAuthn. Okta's Adaptive MFA intelligently applies authentication policies based on contextual risk signals such as device trust, location, and user behavior, enhancing security without disrupting user experience. With seamless integrations for over 7,000 apps, it's designed for enterprise-scale deployments.
Pros
- Extensive MFA method support including adaptive, risk-based policies
- Seamless integration with 7,000+ applications and strong API ecosystem
- Enterprise-grade scalability, reporting, and threat analytics
Cons
- Pricing can be expensive for small businesses or basic needs
- Advanced configuration requires technical expertise
- Relies on internet connectivity for most features
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing scalable MFA integrated with full identity management.
Pricing
Free tier for up to 2 users; paid plans start at $2/user/month (Workforce Identity Cloud Express) up to $15/user/month (Enterprise) with MFA included; volume discounts and custom pricing for large deployments.
Microsoft Entra ID
enterpriseDelivers integrated MFA capabilities within Microsoft's cloud identity platform supporting passwordless, FIDO2, and number matching.
Risk-based Conditional Access that dynamically enforces MFA based on user risk signals, sign-in location, and device health
Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) is a cloud-based identity and access management service that delivers robust multi-factor authentication (MFA) capabilities to secure user sign-ins across applications and services. It supports diverse MFA methods including Microsoft Authenticator app push notifications, SMS/voice calls, hardware security keys (FIDO2), and passwordless options like Windows Hello. With advanced Conditional Access policies, it enables risk-based authentication tailored to user context, device compliance, and location, making it ideal for enterprise security.
Pros
- Deep integration with Microsoft 365, Azure, and thousands of SaaS apps
- Comprehensive MFA methods including adaptive, risk-based Conditional Access
- High scalability and global compliance certifications (e.g., GDPR, FedRAMP)
Cons
- Steep learning curve for admins unfamiliar with Azure portal
- Premium MFA features require Entra ID P1/P2 licensing
- Less cost-effective for small teams without existing Microsoft investments
Best For
Large enterprises and organizations deeply embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem needing advanced, policy-driven MFA.
Pricing
Free tier includes basic MFA for Microsoft accounts; Entra ID P1 ($6/user/month) adds Conditional Access; P2 ($9/user/month) includes Identity Protection.
Auth0
enterpriseDeveloper-focused authentication platform with flexible MFA supporting OTP, push, and WebAuthn for custom applications.
Adaptive MFA with intelligent risk-based authentication that dynamically enforces factors based on user behavior, device, and context.
Auth0 is a developer-centric identity and access management platform that offers robust multi-factor authentication (MFA) capabilities integrated into its authentication services. It supports a wide array of MFA methods including TOTP apps, SMS, push notifications via Auth0 Guardian, WebAuthn/passkeys, and Duo, with adaptive policies based on risk assessment. Designed for seamless integration into web, mobile, SPAs, and APIs, it provides customizable login flows and anomaly detection to enhance security without compromising user experience.
Pros
- Comprehensive MFA options including adaptive and passwordless methods
- Developer-friendly SDKs and quick integration with modern apps
- Scalable with enterprise-grade security features like anomaly detection
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with monthly active users (MAUs)
- Steeper learning curve for non-developers due to code-based customization
- Overkill for simple MFA needs as it's part of a full IAM suite
Best For
Development teams and enterprises building custom applications that require flexible, scalable MFA integrated with broader identity management.
Pricing
Free tier up to 7,000 MAUs; paid plans start at $23/month (Essentials for ~2,000 MAUs), with Professional ($215+/month) and custom Enterprise pricing based on MAUs and features.
Ping Identity
enterpriseEnterprise-grade identity security solution featuring intelligent MFA with adaptive risk assessment and zero-trust access.
AI-powered adaptive authentication that dynamically adjusts MFA challenges based on real-time risk scoring
Ping Identity offers a comprehensive identity and access management (IAM) platform with robust multi-factor authentication (MFA) capabilities through its PingOne solution. It provides adaptive, risk-based MFA that evaluates user context, device trust, and behavior to enforce appropriate authentication methods like biometrics, push notifications, TOTP, FIDO2, and hardware tokens. Designed for enterprise-scale deployments, it integrates deeply with SSO, directories, and cloud environments for secure access control.
Pros
- Advanced adaptive MFA with AI-driven risk assessment
- Wide range of authentication methods and strong compliance support (e.g., NIST, GDPR)
- Seamless scalability and integrations for complex enterprise environments
Cons
- Complex setup and steep learning curve for non-experts
- High cost unsuitable for SMBs
- Customization requires significant professional services
Best For
Large enterprises with complex IAM needs requiring adaptive, high-security MFA across hybrid environments.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically subscription-based starting at $5-10 per user/month with minimums, quote-based for full IAM suite.
RSA SecurID
enterpriseRobust authentication suite providing hardware tokens, software OTP, and risk-based MFA for hybrid environments.
Advanced Risk Engine that enables dynamic, behavioral analytics-driven authentication policies
RSA SecurID is an enterprise-grade multi-factor authentication (MFA) solution from RSA Security, providing secure access through hardware tokens, software tokens, mobile push notifications, OTP, and FIDO2 support. It features an advanced risk-based authentication engine that analyzes user behavior, device, location, and context to dynamically adjust security requirements. Designed for large-scale deployments, it supports both on-premises and cloud-based architectures with deep integrations into VPNs, VDI, and identity providers.
Pros
- Comprehensive authentication methods including tokens, biometrics, and FIDO2
- Powerful risk engine for adaptive, context-aware authentication
- Scalable for global enterprises with proven reliability in high-security environments
Cons
- Complex deployment and administration requiring specialized expertise
- Higher pricing suited more for enterprises than SMBs
- Mobile app interface lags behind more modern competitors in intuitiveness
Best For
Large enterprises and government organizations needing robust, risk-based MFA with extensive customization and compliance features.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing based on users and features; typically starts at $3-5 per user/month for cloud deployments, with on-premises requiring significant upfront costs.
Microsoft Authenticator
otherMobile app for generating TOTP codes, push approvals, and passwordless sign-ins compatible with multiple services.
Passwordless sign-in via push notifications and biometrics for Microsoft accounts
Microsoft Authenticator is a free mobile app designed for multi-factor authentication (MFA), generating time-based one-time passcodes (TOTP) for various services and providing push notifications for Microsoft account approvals. It supports passwordless sign-ins using biometrics or FIDO2 keys and offers cloud backup for secure account recovery across devices. Primarily optimized for the Microsoft ecosystem, it works well with Office 365, Azure AD, and third-party TOTP-compatible apps.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Microsoft services like Azure AD and Office 365
- Multiple MFA methods including TOTP, push notifications, and biometrics
- Secure cloud backup and easy cross-device sync
Cons
- Backup and recovery require a Microsoft account
- Occasional sync delays or issues with non-Microsoft services
- Limited advanced enterprise features compared to dedicated tools like Duo
Best For
Users and organizations deeply integrated with Microsoft 365 or Azure who need a reliable, free MFA app.
Pricing
Completely free with no paid tiers.
Authy
otherCross-platform authenticator app with cloud backups, multi-device sync, and push-based two-factor authentication.
Multi-device synchronization that keeps 2FA tokens in sync across all linked devices automatically
Authy is a cross-platform two-factor authentication (2FA) app developed by Twilio that generates time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) for securing online accounts. It stands out with seamless multi-device synchronization, allowing users to access the same set of 2FA codes across phones, tablets, and desktops without manual transfers. The app supports encrypted cloud backups and biometric/PIN protection, making it convenient for users managing multiple services.
Pros
- Seamless multi-device sync without QR code rescans
- Encrypted cloud backups for easy recovery
- Desktop apps available for Windows, macOS, and Linux
Cons
- Closed-source code raises transparency concerns
- Recent 2024 security breach involving user phone numbers
- Lacks native support for hardware security keys like YubiKey
Best For
Users needing reliable 2FA across multiple personal devices with easy backups and no manual setup hassles.
Pricing
Free for personal use; enterprise features available through Twilio Verify plans starting at custom pricing.
Google Authenticator
otherSimple mobile app for scanning QR codes and generating time-based one-time passwords for secure logins.
Optional cloud sync via Google Account for easy backups and multi-device access
Google Authenticator is a free mobile app that generates time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) for two-factor authentication across thousands of websites and services. Users set it up by scanning QR codes, and it produces 6-digit codes every 30 seconds without needing an internet connection. Recent updates include optional cloud sync via a Google Account for backups and multi-device support, making it more versatile while maintaining simplicity.
Pros
- Completely free with no ads or subscriptions
- Simple QR code setup and offline code generation
- Reliable TOTP support for most services with optional Google sync
Cons
- No native desktop or web version
- Backup historically cumbersome without Google Account sync
- Lacks advanced features like push notifications or hardware key support
Best For
Users who want a straightforward, no-frills MFA app for basic TOTP needs on mobile devices.
Pricing
Free
OneLogin
enterpriseUnified access management platform with MFA support for SMS, email, push, and adaptive authentication policies.
Adaptive MFA engine that uses contextual risk signals to enforce appropriate authentication without constant friction
OneLogin is a comprehensive identity and access management (IAM) platform that provides multi-factor authentication (MFA) as a core component to secure logins across thousands of cloud, on-premises, and mobile applications. It supports diverse MFA methods including push notifications, TOTP apps, SMS, biometrics, and hardware tokens, with adaptive policies that adjust security based on user behavior, location, and risk factors. Integrated with single sign-on (SSO) and user provisioning, it simplifies secure access management for organizations.
Pros
- Adaptive MFA that dynamically applies challenges based on risk context
- Extensive integration with over 7,000 pre-built apps and connectors
- Unified dashboard for managing MFA, SSO, and directory sync
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small teams without full IAM needs
- Setup and policy configuration has a learning curve for non-experts
- Relies on broader platform, less ideal as standalone MFA tool
Best For
Mid-sized enterprises and organizations needing integrated IAM with scalable, policy-driven MFA.
Pricing
Starts at $4/user/month (billed annually) for Professional plan with MFA; Enterprise custom pricing.
Conclusion
Cisco Duo leads the pack as the top MFA software, with its adaptive approach combining push notifications, biometrics, and risk-based policies for seamless security. Okta and Microsoft Entra ID stand as strong alternatives, offering comprehensive features like advanced MFA options and cloud integration, respectively, ensuring users find the right fit for their unique needs. This curated list underscores the importance of robust authentication in modern security, with these tools setting the standard for protection.
Elevate your security today by trying Cisco Duo— the top-ranked MFA solution that balances simplicity and strength to safeguard your access.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
