Authy vs Duo: What are the differences?

Authy and Duo are two popular authentication services. Authy and Duo both provide multi-factor authentication solutions. Let's explore the key differences between them.

1. Pricing Model: Authy offers its services for free to individual users, while businesses and organizations are charged based on the number of users. Duo, on the other hand, offers both free and paid plans for individuals and organizations, with additional features available in the paid plans.

2. Integration Options: Authy provides a comprehensive set of integration options with various platforms and services, including major operating systems, cloud platforms, and popular web services. Duo also offers a wide range of integrations and supports a variety of platforms but may have fewer options in certain niche systems.

3. Authentication Methods: Authy mainly supports two-factor authentication (2FA), where a user receives a code through a text message or a voice call. Duo, in addition to 2FA, offers other authentication methods such as push notifications, biometric options, and hardware tokens, providing a more flexible and robust set of choices.

4. Ease of Use: Authy is known for its simplicity and user-friendly interface, making it easy for individuals and businesses to set up and use. Duo also prioritizes ease of use, but due to its wider range of authentication options, it may require more initial configuration and setup.

5. Security Features: Authy takes security seriously and offers features such as device recognition, backup and restore options, and encryption for user data. Duo also provides a high level of security, including features like endpoint integrity checking and policy enforcement, making it suitable for organizations with strict security requirements.

6. Customer Support: Authy offers support through email and an online knowledge base, but it does not provide phone support. Duo offers both email and phone support, with dedicated customer success managers available for larger organizations. This difference in customer support can be crucial for businesses that rely heavily on technical assistance.

In summary, Authy offers a user-friendly mobile app with features like one-touch authentication, backup and sync across devices, and support for multiple accounts, providing convenience and flexibility for users. Duo, on the other hand, focuses on enterprise-grade security with features like adaptive authentication, device trust, and comprehensive access policies, making it well-suited for organizations with stringent security requirements.