Cisco Duo vs Microsoft Entra ID
Compare Duo and Entra ID for workforce authentication, directory and SSO requirements, enrolment, recovery and the retained package around existing applications.
Which identity approach fits the brief?
Consider Duo when its selected authentication and access edition fits the existing directory and application arrangement. Consider Entra ID when its workforce directory, Microsoft tenant and retained policy licences fit the wider identity brief. Duo’s paid editions now include directory and SSO capabilities; evaluate the exact scope rather than treating every Duo plan as only an authenticator. The products may also form part of a connected identity design.
Seven differences that change the shortlist
| Buying question | Cisco Duo | Microsoft Entra ID |
|---|---|---|
| Starting brief | Authentication and access capabilities in the selected Duo edition | Workforce directory and access platform in the selected Entra licence |
| Directory and SSO | Essentials and higher add directory and SSO capabilities | Core directory and SSO with advanced scope by licence |
| Authentication | MFA, passwordless and adaptive scope vary by edition | Authentication and advanced policy scope vary by licence |
| Devices | Check the selected endpoint or device-trust capability | Check Entra policy and any separate device-management dependency |
| Free boundary | Duo Free supports up to ten users with limited scope | Entra ID Free is included in qualifying Microsoft cloud subscriptions |
| Existing identity | Name the retained directory and app connection design | Name the tenant, identity source and app connection design |
| Costing | Edition, users, integrations and surrounding services | Licence, users, prerequisites and surrounding services |
Four worked buying briefs
These are hypothetical scenarios with explicit assumptions. They do not establish equal capabilities, measured usability or a negotiated price.
| Requirement | Proposed exercise | Accept when |
|---|---|---|
| Integration boundary | Map and exercise one authorised app login | Identity source and authentication responsibilities are clear |
| Enrolment | Enrol an isolated colleague in the required method | Package and device requirements are met |
| Recovery | Walk through the approved test recovery process | Ownership and effective app access remain controlled |
| Lifecycle | Walk through departure across connected services | Required account and session outcomes are documented |
A retained application
Can the application use the proposed identity and authentication path?
Cisco Duo: Validate the chosen Duo integration and directory arrangement.
Microsoft Entra ID: Validate the chosen Entra app and authentication arrangement.
Record which service is the identity source and which step performs authentication.
New enrolment
Can a test colleague enrol in the intended method?
Cisco Duo: Use the selected edition’s supported enrolment flow.
Microsoft Entra ID: Use the selected licence and policy’s supported enrolment flow.
Keep the supported devices and accountable help owner with the result.
Lost access method
Can the isolated account recover under an approved process?
Cisco Duo: Exercise the retained recovery and administrative workflow.
Microsoft Entra ID: Exercise the retained recovery and administrative workflow.
Use an authorised test account; this brief does not require production policy changes.
User departure
What must be removed across the connected services?
Cisco Duo: Map directory, Duo, app account and session responsibilities.
Microsoft Entra ID: Map Entra, connected app and session responsibilities.
Verify the full account lifecycle rather than assuming an MFA change removes every app session.
Draw the identity path before comparing packages
List the directory, application, authentication step and required device information. Determine whether the proposed service replaces a component, adds one or works alongside an existing identity provider.
Duo editions differ: Free has a narrower scope, while Essentials and higher include directory and SSO capabilities. Entra licence and surrounding Microsoft service boundaries also need explicit confirmation.
Scope enrolment, recovery and removal
Choose a representative app and an approved test account. Evaluate enrolment, normal sign-in, recovery and removal using the same written requirements. Record any app-side licence or connector dependency.
Include rollout and support work in the quote. This page does not rank phishing resistance, protection effectiveness or overall security, and it reports no production testing.
Questions before you choose
Is every Duo edition only an MFA application?
No. Current paid Duo editions include additional directory, SSO and access capabilities. Evaluate the specific retained edition.
Does Duo Free include the full paid package?
No. Duo Free supports up to ten users with limited scope. Paid editions and trials have different features.
Must Duo and Entra ID always replace each other?
No. They can address different parts of an identity design. Define the actual directory, authentication and application path before deciding the comparison boundary.
Your practical evaluation pack
Download the identity evaluation checklist (CSV)
Four proposed checks with blank evidence and owner fields. Keep the actual audience, application, package and operating arrangement with the evaluation.
Turn the comparison into your own evaluation
Use the same criteria and priorities for both products, keep unknowns unassessed and record the plan and evidence behind your ratings.
Build a Cisco Duo vs Microsoft Entra ID scorecard →Keep the assumptions with the figures
Use the date, billing cycle, units and limits with each example. Check current account terms before purchasing. Unverified prices and model costs stay unpriced.
Download the buying examples as JSON ↓Share the comparison
Use these examples when discussing the shortlist with your team.