Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Cisco Duo
Score 9.4 out of 10
N/A
Cisco Duo is a two-factor authentication system (2FA), acquired by Cisco in October 2018. It provides single sign-on (SSO) and endpoint visibility, as well as access controls and policy controlled adaptive authentication.
$3
per month per user
Google Authenticator
Score 8.7 out of 10
N/A
Google Authenticator is a mobile authentication app.N/A
Symantec VIP
Score 9.0 out of 10
N/A
Symantec Validation and ID Protection Service (VIP) is presented as a user-friendly, cloud-based strong authentication service that enables enterprises to secure access to networks and applications without impacting productivity. Also included with VIP Enterprise two-factor authentication is Symantec VIP Access Manager, a single access point to protect cloud and on-premise web apps via Single Sign-On (SSO).N/A
Pricing
Cisco DuoGoogle AuthenticatorSymantec VIP
Editions & Modules
Duo Essentials
$3
per month per user
Duo Advantage
$6
per month per user
Duo Premier
$9
per month per user
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Cisco DuoGoogle AuthenticatorSymantec VIP
Free Trial
YesNoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeOptionalNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Cisco DuoGoogle AuthenticatorSymantec VIP
Considered Multiple Products
Cisco Duo
Chose Cisco Duo
Google Authenticator generates codes, which is okay for certain sites, but not quite as robust as Duo. Of course, it's cheaper, but it doesn't do as much and the setup is more complicated on the back end. The only realm in which it's really even competitive with Duo is for …
Chose Cisco Duo
Duo Security has the ability to push a notification to your device where a simple Google Authenticator requires a rotating series of numbers. Duo also has the ability to use a yubikey to use biometrics as another form of authentication. The ability to use Duo to protect Windows …
Chose Cisco Duo
Duo / Cisco Secure Access, by Duo, is way better than the one I mentioned aboveI I also used Authenticator but with that software, it always requires me to enter the six-digit passcode all the time, there isn't support for the Apple Watch, and I need my phone handy to access …
Chose Cisco Duo
We were using Google Authenticator but I faced lots of issues with code and Google time sync so I replaced it with Cisco Secure Access. It gives us all the features and I never faced any issues and downtime.
Chose Cisco Duo
Yubico also works with Duo, however, the setup and use of Yubikey's tend to be for advanced users. The lay audience will never be able to successfully deploy the use of these keys. Duo mobile apps simplify life with the bypass code creation or via push notifications. Google …
Chose Cisco Duo
Duo / Cisco Secure Access, by Duo is not a free application and requires a user license, unlike other solutions such as Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator. However, you do get what you pay for. Duo / Cisco Secure Access, by Duo provides great backups of stored …
Chose Cisco Duo
Ultimately we ended up going with Cisco Duo because we are a Cisco shop. All of our networking infrastructure, our phones, our wireless environment is Cisco based. It made logical sense to stay with a product that we already have a line of support with. With a smaller …
Chose Cisco Duo
We use Microsoft O365, and it looks like I can leverage my existing license to save money by moving away from Cisco Secure Access by Duo. I am still in the research phase, so we might or might not stay with Cisco Secure Access by Duo.
Chose Cisco Duo
Cisco is one of our trusted solution vendors and Cisco Duo can be good integrated to our security landscape.
Chose Cisco Duo
Duo is easier than many token-based or code-based methodologies. It allows self-enrollment in ways that Google 2fa does not. Okta costs too much. LastPass is great for passwords, but we didn't want to keep our auth egg in that same basket. Many imitators have shown up since we …
Chose Cisco Duo
Duo is the easiest one to use and definitely has the fastest turn around for sending you a code. I really enjoy using Duo and would recommend that anyone use this for their MFA.
Chose Cisco Duo
We choose Duo as we found the end-user interface much easier and more intuitive than other solutions. The push notification feature also worked very smoothly and was a factor in the decision. From the Administrator and security team side - the features and capabilities of Duo …
Chose Cisco Duo
The duo is highly configurable with multiple ways to authenticate. You can access a 6 digit refreshed code, we use the push feature that is life when your device requests a handshake Duo prompts the user automatically and very quickly, replying then completes the handshake. Duo …
Chose Cisco Duo
Duo is easier to use since it is an app and only needs your phone for authentication. The other products I have used in the past require a separate device. Everyone carries their phone with them so there is no need to remember to carry around another device.
Chose Cisco Duo
Duo Security has everything that we need. Didn’t find any missing feature. Quality of support as I mentioned before, is amazing. Easy to set up and use as compared to others. Pleasurable in terms of doing business with. Provides multi device sync and also backs up data. …
Chose Cisco Duo
It’s good, but not very reliable. Duo is much easier to use and set up.
Chose Cisco Duo
Duo is a simple tool and has a lightweight deployment for MFA use cases. It was selected for our client company due to its ease of use.
Chose Cisco Duo
Duo [Security] has a cleaner interface for 2-factor authentication and more usage in the industry so far.
Chose Cisco Duo
Duo seemed to integrate with the way we were doing things. Having push notifications is a huge plus as it helps with ease of use.
Chose Cisco Duo
Google's authenticator is OK, but I do not believe it integrates with some bigger programs as easily. We've got it integrated with ConnectWise, Continuum, IT Glue, and all of our internal Citrix environments and more. Duo just seems vastly better overall with integrations and …
Google Authenticator
Chose Google Authenticator
Setup was easier and transferring between accounts is simpler in Google Authenticator when compared against Symantec VIP. The other features kind of are the same where both provide keys in offline mode and work seamlessly. Keys are refreshed every 30 seconds in both the …
Chose Google Authenticator
Being under the google umbrella gives a level of reassurance to our users. It seems to be cleaner and easier to use for our users. Being able to use a product from an already known vendor helps onboard new users to the software. It is clean and easy to use, all of the users …
Chose Google Authenticator
First, Google Authenticator meets the security requirements which should be considered "table stakes". Second, simplicity is critical. Many users don' understand why they are setting up MFA (or they just don't care), and so adding additional complications to their day-to-day is …
Chose Google Authenticator
Google Authenticator does one thing, and one thing well - it authenticates you are the account owner for the online account you are logging into. There are other alternatives out there such as DUO, and LastPass authenticator but Google Authenticator works for some of the most …
Chose Google Authenticator
We were using Duo before in our environment for two-factor environment. But when it comes to availability we were always facing issues such as time-sync & app integration. After using Google Authenticator it resolved our synchronization issues as well as the third-party tool …
Chose Google Authenticator
We deploy Google Authenticator in residential and non-managed client scenarios. Google Authenticator can perform the basic functions needed for multi-factor authentication but lacks the more advanced features of solutions like Cisco's Secure Access by Duo. Google …
Chose Google Authenticator
Reputed platform.
Chose Google Authenticator
Google Authenticator is a great alternative to FortiAuthenticator for our vendors to have us use to login securely to their secure portals and FTP sites. Google Authenticator does not require a setup by the Admin in order to use it. Google Authenticator does not require …
Symantec VIP
Chose Symantec VIP
The Symantec VIP solution has a more easy implementation process, which makes implementation faster.
The Prove Of Concept of the solution presents the best results compared with Duo.
The final price charged was cheaper.
Chose Symantec VIP
We liked the pricing and support structure of Symantec VIP when compared to Azure Active Directory. When stacked up against Duo Security, the name recognition was also about the same (as it was between Symantec and Microsoft). We liked the speed of the mobile implementation …
Chose Symantec VIP
Symantec VIP compares really well to other alternatives but there is no offline token key. This is a features the competitors are starting to offer which makes a difference in the event the user has forgotten their token or there is an issue with the online verification.
Best Alternatives
Cisco DuoGoogle AuthenticatorSymantec VIP
Small Businesses
WatchGuard AuthPoint
WatchGuard AuthPoint
Score 9.0 out of 10
WatchGuard AuthPoint
WatchGuard AuthPoint
Score 9.0 out of 10
WatchGuard AuthPoint
WatchGuard AuthPoint
Score 9.0 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
WatchGuard AuthPoint
WatchGuard AuthPoint
Score 9.0 out of 10
Cisco Duo
Cisco Duo
Score 9.4 out of 10
Cisco Duo
Cisco Duo
Score 9.4 out of 10
Enterprises
Microsoft Entra ID
Microsoft Entra ID
Score 8.9 out of 10
Cisco Duo
Cisco Duo
Score 9.4 out of 10
Cisco Duo
Cisco Duo
Score 9.4 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Cisco DuoGoogle AuthenticatorSymantec VIP
Likelihood to Recommend
9.5
(158 ratings)
9.0
(50 ratings)
7.9
(11 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
9.9
(9 ratings)
8.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Usability
9.9
(75 ratings)
8.8
(7 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Availability
9.9
(8 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Performance
9.8
(3 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
9.9
(89 ratings)
8.6
(8 ratings)
9.0
(1 ratings)
Online Training
10.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
9.9
(9 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Configurability
10.0
(2 ratings)
4.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Ease of integration
9.9
(8 ratings)
8.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Product Scalability
9.8
(3 ratings)
5.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
10.0
(2 ratings)
8.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
10.0
(2 ratings)
8.0
(1 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
Cisco DuoGoogle AuthenticatorSymantec VIP
Likelihood to Recommend
Cisco
It is a very compete and solid solution Once it is in place, and you have configured the different settings and policies it is consistent and works well. It does take some time to work the kinks out. We had a Cisco support provider assist us while we stepped through the process of getting it set up.
Read full review
Google
Logging into my work accounts is where Google Authenticator works best. Also, I had a personal account get hacked. I had an account created to book hotels, but someone was constantly resetting my password. To prevent further hacking attempts, I set up Google Authenticator. I do not believe it would be appropriate for banking accounts.
Read full review
Broadcom
Symantec VIP is best suited in environments where you need two factor authentication. As explained before, Symantec VIP is super easy to use and manage for our users across our entire organization. If you have your users using a virtual private network, Symantec VIP is the way to go; no doubt about it!
Read full review
Pros
Cisco
  • We use Cisco Duo with different type of device and application, but we never face any difficulties to integrate Cisco Duo with any of them.
  • We integrated Cisco Duo with some of our active directory and some of the OS are quite old but Cisco Duo works totally fine with them.
  • The end user application is very easy to use. We never had any complain from non tech team members of having trouble of using Cisco Duo.
  • There are several authentication methods available rather than passcode. I personally like the push notification which is always on time and quite fast.
Read full review
Google
  • One strength is in how it checks identity to stop unwanted people from getting access.
  • Another strength is in cutting down on the frustration of users for the authentication process.
  • With the pandemic and needing to work away from the office it also provided additional security in keeping our network/infrastructure safe.
Read full review
Broadcom
  • The UI is intuitive and simple to use and navigate. When generating a secure token to be used for VPN access, all the navigation is clear and intuitive. There is no confusion when our users use Symantec VIP.
  • Every generated token expires after 30-60 seconds, thus providing an extra layer of security and reducing any risk of someone re-using a token or pin to gain unauthorized access into our system.
  • The app is super responsive and has no lag and little to no latency. Everything loads quickly and is super speedy.
  • Our department can opt for a 6 digit code which we can use while logging in on different sites and SSO access can be easily set up and achieved with this tool.
Read full review
Cons
Cisco
  • Documentation is oftentimes missing key information for proper implementation. This is circumvented by reading third-party guides or contacting support for additional details.
  • They do not push Fail-Closed as much as I think they should. Fail-Open is fairly trivial to bypass and it should be made known to the customer during setup how much this will affect overall security.
  • More vendor integration is something that is always craved by administrators. There are so many third-parties to integrate with.
Read full review
Google
  • I once performed a factory reset of my smartphone which had Google Authenticator. I didn't have a backup for the device. When I restored my phone with the same google account, I was not able to restore the authenticator app settings. I had to add all the keys back into the app to use it. This is cumbersome, but I understand it is set up this way for security reasons.
  • I don't like the ease with which it lets you delete a key. If I accidentally delete a key, I am doomed to get my 2FA key reset, unless I still have the QR code saved somewhere.
Read full review
Broadcom
  • when setting a token to a phone call, the phone calls often take a minute + to call the user.
  • When Symantec's VIP app is removed or reinstalled on a phone, the credential ID will change, and that dictates a call to the helpdesk to allow the user access.
  • Temporary security codes while handy, must be set to expire immediately to stay secure.
Read full review
Likelihood to Renew
Cisco
There are a lot of competing solutions on the market; however, Duo "just works", and there is little to no learning curve for the new members to be acclimated to it. As long as that continues I see it as the preferred option moving forward
Read full review
Google
It works as intended, easy to setup, free and gives you another level of security against any unwanted access or cyber attacks
Read full review
Broadcom
No answers on this topic
Usability
Cisco
La interfaz es intuitiva y fácil de navegar, lo que permite a los usuarios administrar sus dispositivos y acceder a las políticas sin problemas. La integración con las aplicaciones SSO y SaaS facilita aún más el proceso de acceso, mejorando la experiencia del usuario.
Read full review
Google
It's as easy as opening the app and what I need it for is there. I don't have to fumble with other accounts or getting something else to open it for me. I have all the access that I need for the use of the app within seconds and I can get access to the info that I need.
Read full review
Broadcom
No answers on this topic
Reliability and Availability
Cisco
In the last 5+ years we've been using Duo, there may have been 1 outage that impacted us. We do receive periodic notifications of issues but, for the most part, they impact carriers or functionality that we either don't use, or do not care about.
Read full review
Google
In terms of availability, I had not experienced any issues with outages or the product not working when needed
Read full review
Broadcom
No answers on this topic
Performance
Cisco
We do not see any degradation of performance of the protected applications. There are occasional lags in receiving the push but no show stooppers.
Read full review
Google
The performance of google Authenticator is good and I have not experienced any slow downs
Read full review
Broadcom
No answers on this topic
Support Rating
Cisco
I have not needed direct support for Cisco Secure Access by Duo as I have not had a problem with it, but I have full confidence that the support is outstanding. It is now a core component of the corporate technology stack - a problem would mean a serious degradation in the ability of the company to function.
Read full review
Google
I have found Google’s support to be hit or miss. There are times when they are very responsive, and I get my issue resolved quickly, and there are times where a response from them takes weeks. There is no in-between. But my support experience with this particular product is nonexistent because I have not had a problem with it yet. Hopefully, we do not have any problems with it either.
Read full review
Broadcom
Great vendor support, along with a great product solution
Read full review
In-Person Training
Cisco
There was no in person training but checking the box was the only way I could complete all of the questions.
Read full review
Google
No answers on this topic
Broadcom
No answers on this topic
Online Training
Cisco
This was not organized training but the videos that Duo provides to teach you how to install a particular integration are top notch.
Read full review
Google
No answers on this topic
Broadcom
No answers on this topic
Implementation Rating
Cisco
Implementation was straight forward and you can isolate different scenarios in order to test new application setup or add to an existing setup. Gui interface is pretty easy to understand and follow. I had no experience with Duo and still manage to easily set up new policies and rules.
Read full review
Google
It was easy to implement and it went very smoothly. No issues
Read full review
Broadcom
No answers on this topic
Alternatives Considered
Cisco
I would fully expect a competitor like Okta or any other multifactor mechanic to function pretty similarly, and I hesitate to say duos the best. I think the idea is that it's a simple concept, but it does it well. So I haven't evaluated any myself outside of duo, but I'm also not in the market and I don't feel like we need to go shopping for something else.
Read full review
Google
First, Google Authenticator meets the security requirements which should be considered "table stakes". Second, simplicity is critical. Many users don' understand why they are setting up MFA (or they just don't care), and so adding additional complications to their day-to-day is always challenging. When it is simple, it makes life a lot easier. Finally, trust (due to the brand name recognition, primarily) removes any notion of "what is this?" that the user may have from being required to install something on their personal device for work purposes.
Read full review
Broadcom
The Symantec VIP solution has a more easy implementation process, which makes implementation faster. The Prove Of Concept of the solution presents the best results compared with Duo. The final price charged was cheaper. Consultants that participate in the process get show to us in a more clear manner all scenarios where we can use the Symantec VIP.
Read full review
Scalability
Cisco
So far, the only limits we've encountered were tied to our imagination. Duo's strong list of supported integrations is amazing.
Read full review
Google
The product doesn’t have any features of tools that can help it scale
Read full review
Broadcom
No answers on this topic
Return on Investment
Cisco
  • Assess user risk within minutes
  • Cisco Secure Access by Duo cloud-based MFA eliminates the need for on-prem appliances and hardware; you don't need to invest in your data center
  • There is no on-going maintenance or service costs, eliminating time to patch and update
  • No required important IT time and extra resources beyond implementation
Read full review
Google
  • More secure data = less worried about a data breach.
  • Takes longer to log in, and if I don't have my phone then I have to go looking for it, so it really makes it so that you can't be without your phone, which in certain instances is annoying or not possible and can hold up work time.
  • Everyone is willing to use the same program because everyone likes Google—makes it easier to manage.
Read full review
Broadcom
  • It was as easy to implement and manage as promised, so that definitely saved us time and frustration.
  • It allowed us to improve on our existing PHI and PII security measures.
  • Allowing secure access from remote locations, especially smart phones, was a huge plus.
Read full review
ScreenShots