Cisco Duo Reviews

Name: Cisco Duo
Brand: Cisco
Rating: 4.4 (88 reviews)

Vendor: Cisco

4.4 out of 5

88 reviews
96% willing to recommend

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What is Cisco Duo?

Cisco Duo is a cloud-based identity security platform safeguarding critical resources for any user and device worldwide. Known for its ease of use, Duo offers seamless protection across multi-cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments.

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Cisco Duo is the #1 ranked solution in top Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) solutions, #2 ranked solution in top Authentication Systems, #2 ranked solution in top Cisco Security Portfolio solutions, #3 ranked solution in top Single Sign-On (SSO) solutions, #4 ranked solution in top Access Management solutions, and #4 ranked solution in top ZTNA services. PeerSpot users give Cisco Duo an average rating of 8.8 out of 10. Cisco Duo is most commonly compared to Microsoft Entra ID: Cisco Duo vs Microsoft Entra ID. Cisco Duo is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 46% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a manufacturing company, accounting for 11% of all views.

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Featured Cisco Duo reviews

Charles Slaustas

Information Technology Contractor at Insight global

The features I use in Cisco Duo include Duo Pushes to confirm my identity to the device, and eventually as MFA security was increased, I actually had to use exchange passcodes. Sometimes, I have to go into the site and get into Cisco Duo to retrieve the passcode, and many of them have been two-factor, where the sites send a passcode that I have to enter into Cisco Duo. It has been more of the latter. I have not seen issues with lagging or crashing on Cisco Duo's end; it was usually on the client end, often because someone set up a bad upgrade or there were connection issues with the Cisco Duo cloud through the administrative site.

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Thomas Botts

Senior Network Engineer at a educational organization with 1-10 employees

The feature of Cisco Duo that I prefer the most is the policies, being able to control what we need to within the policies. You can get pretty granular. There isn't a lot of training that goes on in school districts. Email is an easy way where many people give out their credentials, so the level of protection is something that we definitely need in a school district. Cisco Duo's strong security authentication system has been easy when logging in, although the teachers don't appreciate it as much. We have it configured so users essentially just hit accept. If it sees any sort of built-in risk, then it steps up authentication. It's pretty easy. I appreciate it. I've encountered advantages with Cisco Duo in that it has stopped significant pushback from teachers. It has prevented credential sharing and unauthorized access. We've seen a huge decrease since we've rolled it out across the entire district.

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Chris Kincaid

Chief Technology Officer at University of Redlands

The Verified Duo Push feature is valuable. It gives an extra level of security beyond just the regular push. Before that came out, we had a few instances of people getting compromised, pushing the button because they thought it was something else they were doing, and it turned out to be an attacker compromising their account. We were able to enable that pretty much as soon as it went into production, which drastically cut down on any issues. It's been pretty easy. There haven't been too many challenges. It does what it says it does. It's easy. It's straightforward. It's not a hard process to do anything with it. Even though we don't take a lot of advantage of it, there are always new features that are coming out. It shows that Cisco puts time, effort, and development into it.

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Cisco Duo mindshare

Product category:

As of February 2026, the mindshare of Cisco Duo in the Authentication Systems category stands at 5.0%, down from 10.2% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Authentication Systems Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
Cisco Duo	5.0%
Microsoft Entra ID	7.8%
Okta Platform	4.6%
Other	82.6%

Authentication Systems

PeerResearch reports based on Cisco Duo reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Authentication Systems	Feb 1, 2026	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Feb 1, 2026	Download
Comparison	Cisco Duo vs Microsoft Entra ID	Feb 1, 2026	Download
Comparison	Cisco Duo vs Fortinet FortiAuthenticator	Feb 1, 2026	Download
Comparison	Cisco Duo vs Fortinet FortiToken	Feb 1, 2026	Download

Valuable Features

Cisco Duo offers valuable features like multi-factor authentication, single sign-on, and push notifications, enabling organizations to enhance security without requiring smartphones. It provides trusted user authentication and supports seamless integration with various applications. Easy deployment, comprehensive documentation, and a straightforward user interface enhance usability. Centralized management and compatibility with hybrid environments optimize user experience and administrative efficiency. Users appreciate its stability, quick setup, and effective threat remediation, making it a preferred choice for security needs across corporate networks.

"My experience with Cisco Duo's strong security authentication system has been good; it is seamless and easy to integrate, and it is flexible."
"Cisco Duo is very easy to deploy and the documentation is very thorough, which makes deployment straightforward."
"The thing that I appreciate the most about Cisco Duo is the ease of setup."

Room for Improvement

Cisco Duo needs better integration with legacy systems, enhanced Active Directory syncing, and easier deployment methods. Users express difficulties with its pricing model, telephony credits, and slow interfaces. There are calls for more seamless workflow and intuitive user experiences. Integration with non-Cisco tools, improved customization, faster authentication, and robust tech support would also benefit users. Reducing reliance on cloud-only solutions and expanding language support would make Duo more versatile.

"Compared to other vendors, Cisco Duo is on the pricey end."
"Conversational AI in Cisco Duo is limited in its current application."
"One downside of Cisco Duo is the expense, as there are clients that can afford only the basic package, which does not include Geo-fencing, leaving them unable to pay for the more expensive level, which I do not feel justifies the double price of that upper tier version."

ROI

Cisco Duo has shown a positive return through improved network security, reducing potential cyberattack costs, and enhancing employee morale and retention. Many users have reported decreased insurance premiums and reduced time spent on security management, attributing substantial financial savings to the consolidated authentication processes. Despite some concerns about productivity impacts and additional costs, the investment is largely justified due to robust security measures, streamlined operations, and a strong sense of employee safety.

Pricing

Cisco Duo pricing is generally perceived as reasonable and competitive, particularly for enterprises. Users appreciate the flexible licensing options, including free trial periods and various support levels. Costs are user-based and can be affordable, but larger deployments may find expenses higher. Despite some complexity in Cisco's overall licensing, Duo's model is straightforward. While some find it expensive compared to alternatives, its features and reliable integration justify the cost. Duo remains a preferred choice for enterprise-level security needs.

"My experience with pricing, setup costs, and licensing has been good, with no issues. I am pleased that the prices remained stable after Cisco acquired the solution."
"It's a bit confusing because we're on a three-year plan with a certain number of licenses, and we've gone over that number. They told us that when we renew, they will add all these licenses. We've expanded quickly, so everyone's kind of scared because no one knows what the bill is with the long pricing cycle."
"My experience with the pricing, setup cost, and licensing of Cisco Duo has been great. We've been there for 10 years. While we haven't gone through the setup part for a while, licensing is straightforward and convenient for higher education because student populations are included. So, we don't have to pay extra for it. We just pay for our knowledge workers, which has been great, and the cost is reasonable."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations primarily use Cisco Duo for multifactor authentication (MFA) to protect access to systems, applications, and data. It enhances security for VPNs, corporate networks, internal services, and cloud-based platforms by using a second factor such as a mobile device, ensuring users' identities. Cisco Duo integrates with various applications, including Office 365, Microsoft Remote Desktop, and VPN connections, providing a secondary authentication layer across diverse environments for banks, educational institutions, and corporate entities.

Service and Support

Cisco Duo's customer service and support are highly praised, with numerous users rating it 8 out of 10 or higher. Feedback highlights the effectiveness and responsiveness of support, quick resolution capabilities, knowledgeable staff, and a helpful attitude. However, prompts for improvement include faster response times and more direct communication, especially for users without advanced agreements. Despite the occasional delay, users express satisfaction, citing adept handling of technical issues and reliable assistance.

Deployment

Cisco Duo's initial setup is generally seen as straightforward and user-friendly among organizations. Many find the integration process quick, often completed within hours or days. Users appreciate the comprehensive documentation and ease of installation, although some experience minor challenges. While some rely on external support, most perform the deployment internally. Integrating with existing systems like Active Directory is sometimes complex but manageable with available resources. Typically, deployment draws positive feedback for its simplicity and efficiency.

Scalability

Cisco Duo demonstrates strong scalability, supporting various user numbers and cloud-driven expansion. Organizations highlight its ease of scaling, with users able to quickly increase capacity and integrate with existing systems. Companies appreciate the ability to add licenses and adapt to growing demands. Many find the platform handles diverse needs effectively, integrates seamlessly, and remains responsive. License adjustments and global deployment are straightforward, ensuring it meets evolving organizational requirements efficiently and reliably.

Stability

Cisco Duo exhibits notable stability, with most users highlighting its seamless performance and lack of significant downtime. Instances of minor outages are promptly addressed with effective communication. Users appreciate its reliable network connectivity and proactive support. Occasional regional issues are swiftly resolved, and the platform maintains robust stability, contributing to high user satisfaction. Although some experience brief interruptions, generally, the cloud-based system's dependability remains highly rated, ensuring smooth operations across various infrastructures.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Cisco Duo Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	32
Midsize Enterprise	16
Large Enterprise	31

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews
Company Size	Count
Small Business	328
Midsize Enterprise	209
Large Enterprise	465

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Manufacturing Company

11%

Computer Software Company

Comms Service Provider

Financial Services Firm

Educational Organization

Government

University

Retailer

Healthcare Company

Performing Arts

Real Estate/Law Firm

Media Company

Marketing Services Firm

Legal Firm

Outsourcing Company

Non Profit

Energy/Utilities Company

Construction Company

Insurance Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Hospitality Company

Transportation Company

Wellness & Fitness Company

Renewables & Environment Company

Logistics Company

Pharma/Biotech Company

Compare Cisco Duo with alternative products

Learn more about Cisco Duo

Cisco Duo is designed to secure access with identity-first protection and provides extensive visibility throughout an organization's identity ecosystem. Offering multi-factor authentication, Duo facilitates easy integration and management, allowing teams to protect data effectively on VPNs, applications, and networks. Its single-pane management improves security processes while enhancing trust, making it suitable for diverse IT infrastructures.

What are the key features of Cisco Duo?

Multi-factor Authentication: Strengthens user verification with multiple methods.
Push Notifications: Simplifies authentication with quick approvals.
Single Sign-On: Enhances convenience by allowing one set of credentials.
VPN Access: Secures remote connections with reliable authentication.
User Activity Visibility: Offers comprehensive insights into access patterns.

Which benefits and ROI should users consider?

Quick Deployment: Facilitates rapid integration within existing systems.
Effective Management: Streamlines IT operations with centralized control.
Regulatory Compliance: Aids in meeting industry standards for data protection.
Enhanced Trust: Strengthens security posture across networks.
User-friendly Approach: Simplifies authentication for non-technical users.

In industries like education and finance, Cisco Duo is widely employed to secure multi-factor authentication across platforms such as email, databases, and servers. Its integration capabilities with Microsoft 365, Active Directory, and VPNs like AnyConnect are instrumental in verifying user identities using mobile apps or OTPs, catering effectively to both remote and on-premise environments.

Cisco Duo was previously known as Duo Security.

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Microsoft Entra ID	4.3	7.8%	95%	266 interviews Add to research
Cisco Umbrella	4.4	N/A	97%	122 interviews Add to research

Author info	Rating	Review Summary
Information Technology Contractor at Insight global	5.0	I've used Cisco Duo extensively as IT support and later personally, finding it easy to set up, scalable, and reliable, with smooth MFA features and strong support; most issues stemmed from administrative handling, not the product itself.
Senior Network Engineer at a educational organization with 1-10 employees	4.5	I use Cisco Duo primarily for MFA, especially for email, appreciating its granular policy controls. It enhances security by preventing unauthorized access and credential sharing. My only complaint is the lack of alerts for telephony credits.
Chief Technology Officer at University of Redlands	5.0	We use Cisco Duo for multi-factor authentication to secure our assets. The Verified Duo Push feature enhances security. Although integration with Active Directory could improve, the setup is easy, and Duo outperforms alternatives like Microsoft Entra ID.
Senior Network Engineer at Shentel	4.0	I use Cisco Duo for centralized authentication, significantly saving time during onboarding and offboarding. While its Splunk integration could improve, its streamlined server management provides a notable ROI. We didn’t consider other solutions, opting directly for Duo.
Senior Network Engineer Specialist at Zenith Comp Co.,Ltd.	5.0	I implemented Cisco Duo for VPN MFA and found it easy to deploy, cost-effective, and highly integrative. It's stable, scalable, and supports secure, passwordless access. Support is excellent, and customers benefit from per-user licensing across multiple applications.
Network Engineer at West Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation, Inc.	4.0	I use Cisco Duo for MFA, appreciating its online and offline authentication features, which enhance security even when users travel. It needs smoother integration and push notifications. While helpful, it impacts productivity, lacking visible ROI due to login time.
Senior Iam Associate at Cognizant	4.0	I've used Cisco Duo for three years and find it easy to set up, reliable, and reasonably priced, with strong SSO and MFA capabilities, though it could improve in identity management and conversational AI features.
CISO at a tech services company with 11-50 employees	4.5	I've found Cisco Duo to be a reliable, scalable, and secure IAM solution, especially useful in federal environments, with strong MFA, Zero Trust features, and seamless integration, though I haven't directly interacted with their support.

Cisco Duo Reviews

What is Cisco Duo?

Featured Cisco Duo reviews

Cisco Duo mindshare

PeerResearch reports based on Cisco Duo reviews

Valuable Features

Room for Improvement

ROI

Pricing

Popular Use Cases

Service and Support

Deployment

Scalability

Stability

Review data by company size

Top industries

Compare Cisco Duo with alternative products

Learn more about Cisco Duo

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