Cisco Duo Reviews

Name: Cisco Duo
Brand: Cisco
Rating: 4.4 (85 reviews)

Vendor: Cisco

4.4 out of 5

85 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, #3 ranked solution in top Single Sign-On (SSO) solutions, #3 ranked solution in top Cisco Security Portfolio solutions, #4 ranked solution in top Access Management solutions, #5 ranked solution in top ZTNA services, and #5 ranked solution in top AI Data Analysis solutions. 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 computer software company, accounting for 13% 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 December 2025, the mindshare of Cisco Duo in the Authentication Systems category stands at 6.0%, down from 10.9% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Authentication Systems Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
Cisco Duo	6.0%
Microsoft Entra ID	9.6%
Yubico YubiKey	5.7%
Other	78.7%

Authentication Systems

PeerResearch reports based on Cisco Duo reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Authentication Systems	Dec 29, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Dec 29, 2025	Download
Comparison	Cisco Duo vs Microsoft Entra ID	Dec 29, 2025	Download
Comparison	Cisco Duo vs Fortinet FortiAuthenticator	Dec 29, 2025	Download
Comparison	Cisco Duo vs Fortinet FortiToken	Dec 29, 2025	Download

Valuable Features

Cisco Duo offers valuable features such as multi-factor authentication, which enhances security without requiring smartphones. Users benefit from seamless authentication options like push notifications, single sign-on capabilities, and intuitive integration with applications. Duo's single-pane-of-glass management simplifies administration and enhances security monitoring. Its flexibility and ease of use are appreciated across diverse environments, aiding secure and efficient remote access. Duo contributes to reduced security incidents and improved threat remediation with features like geo-locking and device verification.

"Clients I implemented Cisco Duo at immediately feel more confident in their security environment, and we can see a lot of illegal attempts to get in, giving me faith in the product."
"Cisco Duo has positively impacted my organization by helping to implement zero trust, ensuring that every user is protected against phishing or password theft, and reducing security incidents according to my records and reports for a year."
"I can recommend Cisco Duo because it is very easy to accept and understand."

Room for Improvement

Cisco Duo users identify areas for improvement such as better integration with third-party systems, faster and easier authentication processes, and improved user interface and management options. There is a demand for more feature inclusivity at lower costs and flexibility in licensing models. Enhancements in technical support, documentation, telephony credit management, and compatibility with Microsoft systems, especially regarding Hotmail accounts, are also requested. Reducing reliance on cloud for on-premises needs and simplifying the administrative setup is desired.

"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."
"Cisco Duo's customer support needs improvement."
"An AI support robot or bot that provides direct answers to questions without requiring the search for facts or documents to find solutions would be an improvement."

ROI

Cisco Duo enhances security, reducing risks and cyberattack costs. Employees feel safer, improving morale and retention. The integration with various applications simplifies IT processes. Many users notice immediate savings on cyber insurance premiums. Cisco Duo helps avoid costly breaches and supports regulatory compliance. Integration saves time and reduces authentication costs, although some experience decreased productivity. It improves stability and functionality, benefiting companies transitioning to remote work. However, large organizations may find ROI less favorable due to customization limits.

Pricing

Enterprise buyers report Cisco Duo as having competitive pricing with a reasonable setup cost. The solution offers flexibility in its tiered pricing model, typically based on a per-user licensing structure and is considered affordable compared to other market options. Although some find it expensive, many users note the value it offers, especially for large-scale deployments. While understanding licensing can be complex, Duo Security is often praised for its straightforward integration and cost-effectiveness for comprehensive enterprise security.

"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 utilize Cisco Duo primarily for multifactor authentication (MFA) across various environments, including VPNs, cloud applications, and server access. They implement it for securing Microsoft services, enhancing employee access security, and supporting remote work. It's particularly favored for its integration capabilities with existing systems like RADIUS, Active Directory, and firewalls. Banks, educational institutions, and enterprises leverage its features for authentication, identity verification, and compliance with security standards.

Service and Support

Cisco Duo's customer service receives mixed feedback. Many users find the support satisfactory, praising quick responsiveness and knowledgeable assistance. However, some report delays and suggest that certain issues require escalation. While many rate the service highly, noting efficient resolution of problems and smooth experiences, others mention slower response times without service agreements. There's appreciation for detailed documentation, but some users see room for improvement in responsiveness and availability of expert help.

Deployment

Cisco Duo's initial setup is generally straightforward and easy to manage, with many users reporting a smooth deployment process. Most configurations can be completed quickly, often within a few hours or days, depending on the infrastructure's complexity. Assistance from documentation and support teams enhances the ease of integration. Challenges sometimes arise with user onboarding or specific technical configurations, but these are typically resolved without significant difficulty.

Scalability

Cisco Duo's scalability excels due to its cloud-based nature. Users report it can support a vast number and diversity of users effortlessly. Companies around the globe spanning various scales and industries praise it for smoothly accommodating increasing demands. The system's ability to integrate seamlessly with existing frameworks ensures scalability is hassle-free, requiring only licensing adjustments. Many express confidence in its potential to expand without encountering limitations, underscoring its robust, scalable infrastructure.

Stability

Cisco Duo is highly stable, with consistent reliability and minimal issues reported by users. Many users have noted that it effectively maintains network connectivity and seamlessly integrates into existing infrastructures. Its proactive communication helps resolve occasional technical challenges quickly. While some experience rare outages or minor incidents, Duo generally remains operational without major disruptions. Most report no downtime, crashes, or performance lags, rating its reliability as consistently high.

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	30
Midsize Enterprise	16
Large Enterprise	30

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews
Company Size	Count
Small Business	353
Midsize Enterprise	214
Large Enterprise	488

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

13%

Manufacturing Company

11%

Government

Financial Services Firm

Comms Service Provider

Educational Organization

University

Retailer

Healthcare Company

Performing Arts

Real Estate/Law Firm

Outsourcing Company

Legal Firm

Media Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Non Profit

Construction Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Insurance Company

Hospitality Company

Marketing Services Firm

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	9.6%	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.
Staff Network Engineer at a manufacturing company with 10,001+ employees	4.0	Cisco Duo enhances security primarily through its user-friendly phone notification system, particularly benefiting older users. While effective, occasional delays in notifications require improvements. Despite not seeing an ROI, I value its flexibility and ease of setup over alternatives.
Director, Technology at Deer Creek High School	4.0	I manage security for various departments in a school district, and Cisco Duo's ease of use and strong authentication system have improved password management. While I see no immediate ROI, the enhanced security provides peace of mind.

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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