Okta vs. Duo: IAM features comparison for 2025

With remote work and cloud apps now standard, robust identity management isn't optional—it's essential. An effective IAM platform controls access to company resources while keeping your team working smoothly.

In this article, we will compare two IAM platforms, Okta and Duo, across a range of key criteria and explore a compelling alternative that's transforming how businesses approach identity management in 2025. 

Okta vs. Duo: Feature overview

Let's start with a high-level comparison of the core IAM features offered by Okta and Duo:

Okta vs. Duo: Security features

Here's how Okta and Duo help protect access to critical resources:

Okta security features

• Real-time visibility into SaaS app landscape
• Wide variety of authentication factors including adaptive MFA based on user context and behavior
• Granular, risk-based access policies
• Suspicious activity detection and response
• Centralized policies across on-prem and cloud resources

Duo security features

• Trusted endpoints and device security posture checking
• Multi-factor authentication including Duo Push
• Cloud file security through Cisco integrations
• Device health monitoring and anomaly detection
• Remote access policies based on device trust

While both platforms provide MFA and device-level security controls, Okta enables more granular, risk-based access management across a broader set of applications, services, and endpoints. These risk-based policies leverage broader contextual information (user behavior, location, device, etc.). In other words, its adaptive MFA and contextual access features allow creating extremely targeted policies based on user, device, location, and even unusual behavior.

Duo concentrates more on establishing device trust and health as a core access criterion. Features like its Device Health app and strong ties into Cisco Secured Endpoint are differentiators if you already rely on Cisco security tools.

Duo vs. Okta: Integrations

When it comes to integrations, here's how Okta and Duo compare:

Okta integrations

• 7000+ pre-built integrations in the Okta integration network 
• Supports SAML, OIDC, SWA (secure web authentication), and SCIM protocols
• Provides APIs and workflow connectors for custom integrations
• Common integrations include: Salesforce, Google Workspace, Box, Dropbox Business, Zoom, Slack, HubSpot

Duo integrations

• Supports web applications through SAML 2.0 protocol
• Integrates with identity providers like Microsoft Active Directory, Microsoft Entra ID and Okta
• Protects SSH/UNIX systems with command-line authentication
• Offers REST APIs for custom integrations
• Includes integrations for VPN and remote access technologies

When it comes to out-of-the-box integrations, Okta takes the lead compared to Duo. Its integration network covers over 7000 applications, simplifying extending identity and embedding MFA across your stack. Duo takes a more focused approach, providing tight integrations with Cisco products and select other strategic solutions. 

Okta vs. Duo: Analytics and monitoring

Okta's system includes analytics and reporting for tracking authentication patterns, user activities, and system changes. The platform offers system logs that capture detailed event context including actors, actions, and targets, with API access available for SIEM integration and custom querying capabilities.

On the other hand, Duo's analytics platform provides authentication logging that captures success and failure events, risk assessment data, and device information. The system includes dedicated logs for telephony activity, administrator actions, and deployment status. Duo also offers built-in reporting for authentication summaries, policy impact, and device enrollment monitoring.

Okta vs. Duo: Customer support

Both vendors provide enterprise support offerings:

Okta support

• Premium plan includes customer success manager and technical account manager access
• Training resources with discounts based on plan level
• Knowledge base and documentation resources
• Large developer community forum

Duo support

• 24/7 enterprise support through Cisco TAC (technical assistance center) with priority tiers based on subscription level
• Support portal with knowledge base and documentation
• Multiple support channels including phone and online case submission
• Self-service resources including end-user guides, admin documentation, and community forums

Okta vs. Duo: Pros and cons

To summarize, here are the key strengths and considerations for each platform:

Okta 

Pros

• 7,000+ pre-built integrations enabling streamlined access across applications
• Unified identity platform with SSO across SAML, OIDC, and SWA protocols
• Automated lifecycle management for user provisioning and deprovisioning
• Flexible authentication options including passwordless and biometric
• System logs with detailed event tracking and SIEM integration capabilities

Cons

• May require more initial setup time for advanced workflow configurations
• Some features may need additional professional services support
• Pricing may be higher for full platform capabilities

Duo 

Pros

• Phishing-resistant authentication using FIDO2 standards
• Device health monitoring and trust verification
• Integration with major identity providers and VPN solutions
• Comprehensive telephony and authentication logging
• Built-in reporting for policy impact and deployment progress

Cons

• May have more limited integration options compared to alternatives
• Some advanced features only available in higher subscription tiers
• Certain capabilities may require Cisco ecosystem integration

Okta vs. Duo: Use cases

Consider these common IAM use cases and how Okta and Duo align:

Okta use cases

• Workforce identity management for employees, contractors, and partners
• Customer identity management for consumer and SaaS applications
• Enterprise technology adoption and lifecycle management
• Organizations requiring identity governance and privileged access controls
• Development teams building identity services into applications

Duo use cases

• Cisco-centric IT environments looking to extend MFA across their stack
• Organizations implementing zero trust security frameworks
• Teams implementing phishing prevention and device trust verification
• Organizations transitioning to passwordless authentication
• Businesses securing remote access to applications and resources

Enhance your identity security with Rippling

While Okta and Duo each have their strengths, IT leaders should consider platforms that unify identity control with core business systems. Rippling is a great example.

Rippling offers a comprehensive approach by integrating identity management directly with HR and device management capabilities. Key platform features include:

• Unified identity platform powered by a central employee graph that connects HR data, IT systems, and device management
• Dynamic access controls that automatically adjust based on employment status, role, and department
• Custom zero-trust protocols leveraging hundreds of user attributes for granular security
• Automated lifecycle management from onboarding through offboarding
• Built-in password management with secure sharing capabilities
• Integration support across LDAP, Active Directory, OIDC, and RADIUS protocols

The platform's integration with HR systems creates a single source of truth for user identity, ensuring access permissions stay synchronized as employees move through the organization. When roles change or employees depart, Rippling automatically adjusts or revokes access across all connected systems—from software applications to physical devices.

Security remains paramount with comprehensive audit logging, compliance reporting, and certification standards including SOC 1/2/3, ISO 27001, and CSA STAR Level 2. The platform connects with over 600 business applications through pre-built integrations while supporting custom SCIM implementations for additional flexibility. With Rippling, organizations can strengthen security controls while reducing administrative overhead. 

Okta vs Duo FAQs

How does Duo Security compare to Okta?

Duo focuses primarily on securing access to applications via multi-factor authentication and device trust, with specific strengths around Cisco integrations. Okta delivers a more independent identity cloud across a much larger integration ecosystem. 

What is Cisco Duo Security used for?

Duo Security provides zero-trust access security and MFA for workforce and customer-facing applications. It helps verify user and device trust before enabling access to organizational applications and data. Common Duo use cases include enabling multi-factor authentication, checking device health and managing access policies.

Does Okta integrate with Duo?

Yes, Okta offers a pre-built integration with Duo to extend Duo's MFA capabilities to Okta-managed applications. This allows organizations to leverage Duo's flexible authentication options like Duo Push while still benefiting from Okta's access management features and integration portfolio.

This blog is based on information available to Rippling as of February 25, 2025.

Disclaimer: Rippling and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide or be relied on for tax, accounting, or legal advice. You should consult your own tax, accounting, and legal advisors before engaging in any related activities or transactions.