Duo Review 2023: Expert Rated 4.8/5

Duo is a highly reputable MFA, as part of Cisco, which protects data for more than 30,000 customers across the globe. Duo offers active device monitoring, and it is highly customizable, allowing the admin to set “policies” across the entire user base, create groups, or apply access policies to certain apps. Its Trust Monitor for threat detection flags security events, and the admin can also set security policies like detecting certain users, countries, IP addresses, or important applications. Duo allows you to secure more than 120 applications.

On the other hand, the depth of Duo could make you initially paralyzed with “What do I tackle first?” The great news is Duo’s U.S.-based customer support is top-notch. When I called to set up a user, the technician explained the process in terms I could understand and followed up with an email that I could respond to directly to reach him if I had additional questions.

Duo can be used across all devices for all users, but specifically, the Duo Mobile application users and administrators access is compatible with iOS and Android. Duo recommends updating to the most recent version otherwise, you will not be able to download the most recent versions from the App Store or Play store. Duo mobile is not supported on ChromeOS or Huawei, and if you use it for non-standard Android like OnePlus or ColorOS, you will not be able to access support.

Duo introduced its Universal Prompt authentication to simplify login for web-based applications. It’s a cleaner look with enhanced security and easier to use. Basically, certain web browser or applications call up a prompt after you enter login information. The design makes it faster to login than before. Duo will stop supporting its traditional prompt in March 2024.

Duo is seamless to deploy and highly scalable, which is ideal for growing companies and enterprise businesses that require stop-gap authentication and protection for complex environments. When I installed it, navigating the admin dashboard was easy to do and customer support was very helpful. There was no wait time, the help desk talked to me in layman’s terms, offered to walk me through it, and followed up with an email.

See how Duo compares to other top-tier multi-factor authentication platforms:

Our rating process involves a thorough and detailed study of the various features stacked against the competition. I looked at the multiple facets and features provided by Duo compared to other significant industry players through direct testing to ensure an accurate rating. I’ve also applied my experience using Duo to provide a user’s perspective.

I signed up for a plan with Duo to test:

• Plan value: Most password managers offer various subscription plans from free to around $20 per month. While free plans may be sufficient for some, those that need more functionality may prefer paid plans.
• Platform compatibility: You likely access your online accounts from multiple devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, phones, as well as through different web browsers. Your password manager should be compatible with various devices, operating systems and browsers, and sync seamlessly between them all.
• UX: This is how you interface with all the features and functions of your new password manager — if it’s bad, you’ll be less likely to use the service. While this is a highly subjective category and some will disagree, it’s important to provide an overview based on my experience.
• Form filling: A password manager doesn’t have to include form-filling, but it’s somewhat standard and the ease with which it performs that function can be the deciding factor in which password manager you ultimately choose.
• Security: Since a password manager is first and foremost a security tool, it should come with all of the most up-to-date standard security features. This includes the highest level of available encryption (256-bit AES with PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA512); 2FA, such as biometric logins or multi-factor authentication, and a password generator.
• Two-factor authentication (2FA): Used all over the internet to protect your accounts, this is quickly becoming a standard security practice. 2FA is a great way to secure more sensitive accounts to ensure they’re not breached.

Learn more about our review methodology.