Best 11 Passwordless Authentication Solutions For Business (2026)

We reviewed 11 passwordless authentication platforms on the methods they support, SSO compatibility, and how well they handle legacy environments that were not built with passwordless in mind.

Last updated on Jun 30, 2026
Joel Witts Written by Joel Witts
Craig MacAlpine Technical Review by Craig MacAlpine
Top 11 Passwordless Authentication Solutions

In 2025, “123456” was still the most common breached password globally, with over six billion stolen credentials captured and analyzed in a single 12-month period. Weak passwords cause an estimated 30% of all data breaches, and 78% of the most common passwords can be cracked in under a second. Passwordless authentication removes this risk entirely by eliminating passwords from the login process.

As well as this, research suggests that over 80% of data breaches involve weak or stolen passwords. And so, it’s easy to see why organizations are turning toward passwordless methods of authenticating users. But what can be classed as passwordless authentication?

While we use “passwordless authentication” as an umbrella term, the sub-types within this can be split into what we at Expert Insights consider “semi” passwordless, and “true” passwordless. “Semi” passwordless solutions include certain types of Single Sign-On (SSO) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), where the password itself still exists, but where users can log on to all connected accounts password-free via one connected portal, or sign-in using alternative methods of authentication, such as biometrics and authenticator apps. “True” passwordless, on the other hand, means that the password itself doesn’t exist; it was never created from the beginning and the user’s account was created using passwordless methods. This heavily relies on FIDO2 standards and public-key cryptography to authenticate users.

We’ve put together a list of the top passwordless authentication solutions for organizations looking to reduce password usage and simplify the log-in process for users. We’ve evaluated these based on SSO capabilities, methods of passwordless authentication available, policy management, and reporting capabilities.

What is Identity And Access Management?

Passwordless authentication lets users log in without typing a password. Instead of remembering and entering credentials, users verify their identity using biometrics (fingerprint or facial recognition), hardware security keys (physical devices you tap or plug in), push notifications (approving a login on your phone), or passkeys (cryptographic keys stored on your device). The result is a login experience that is both faster for users and harder for attackers to compromise, because there is no password to steal, guess, or phish.

Passwordless authentication replaces shared secrets (passwords) with asymmetric cryptography. FIDO2/WebAuthn is the dominant standard: during registration, the authenticator generates a public-private key pair, stores the private key in a secure enclave (TPM, Secure Element, or TEE), and sends the public key to the relying party. At login, the relying party issues a challenge, the authenticator signs it with the private key, and the server verifies the signature against the stored public key. Because the private key never leaves the device and each credential is scoped to a single origin, phishing and credential replay attacks are structurally impossible. Passkeys extend FIDO2 by enabling credential synchronization across devices via platform providers (Apple, Google, Microsoft). Hardware security keys provide device-bound credentials that cannot be synced or extracted. Enterprise deployments layer passwordless authentication with adaptive risk engines that evaluate device posture, location, and behavioral signals to determine whether to grant access or require step-up verification.

Identity And Access Management Solutions Compared

Here is a comparison of the top passwordless authentication platforms across key capabilities.

Product Best For FIDO2 Biometrics Push Auth Hardware Tokens
Thales SafeNet Trusted Access
Flexible authenticator options across regulated industries
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Cisco Duo
Fast, low-friction MFA rollout across distributed workforces
No
No
Yes
No
HID Advanced MFA
Converged physical and logical access on one credential
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
HYPR
Phishing-resistant passwordless in regulated environments
Yes
Yes
No
No
Microsoft Entra ID
M365 environments needing native passwordless integration
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Okta Workforce Identity Cloud
Large app portfolios needing centralized passwordless access
Yes
Yes
No
No
OneLogin Workforce Identity
Mid-market teams needing simple SSO and MFA
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Ping Identity PingOne
Enterprises needing adaptive, risk-based authentication
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Prove Auth
Consumer-facing environments needing phone-centric verification
No
Yes
Yes
No
RSA SecurID
Compliance-driven enterprises needing deep risk intelligence
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yubico YubiKey
Hardware-backed phishing resistance without software dependencies
Yes
Yes
No
Yes

How We Tested

We assessed each passwordless authentication solution based on authentication methods supported (FIDO2, biometrics, push, smartcards), SSO capabilities and app integration depth, policy configuration and adaptive access controls, deployment flexibility (cloud, on-premises, hybrid), admin reporting and compliance support, end-user experience and adoption friction, and customer feedback on reliability and support quality. This article was researched and written by Joel Witts, with technical review by Craig MacAlpine. Read our full methodology

Thales SafeNet Trusted Access Logo
Thales

Best for Flexible authenticator options across regulated industries

Thales is a global technology company providing security solutions across critical sectors for more than 30,000 organizations in 68 countries. SafeNet Trusted Access is their cloud-based access management platform, combining passwordless authentication, SSO, and adaptive MFA in one integrated service. The platform offers one of the widest ranges of phishing-resistant authentication methods available, including FIDO2 security keys, biometrics, and certificate-based smart cards.

Contact Sales
  • Supports FIDO2 security keys, push OTPs via MobilePass+ app, biometric authentication, certificate-based smart cards, GrIDsure pattern-based authentication, and PKI credentials
  • MobilePass+ app works across iOS, Android, and Windows desktops with device built-in biometrics or Windows Hello
  • Smart SSO lets users log into all cloud applications with a single identity through one centralized portal
  • Conditional access policies adjust authentication requirements based on risk signals like device, location, and session history
  • Per-user licensing covers multiple token types across physical and software authenticators
  • 150-plus out-of-the-box integrations; available on Google Cloud Marketplace

We recommend SafeNet Trusted Access for mid-sized to large enterprises that need passwordless authentication with the flexibility to support multiple authenticator types from one platform. The FIDO2 and smart card support makes it practical for regulated industries like finance, healthcare, and government where phishing-resistant authentication is a compliance requirement. The per-user licensing model is a genuine advantage; you are not paying extra when users switch from a software token to a FIDO2 key. If your priority is eliminating passwords across your application estate with strong centralized policy control, SafeNet Trusted Access delivers.

Strengths
Wide range of phishing-resistant methods including FIDO2, biometrics, and smart cards
Per-user licensing covers multiple token types without additional cost
Conditional access policies enforce passwordless authentication per application and user group
150+ out-of-the-box integrations with fast cloud-based deployment
Cautions
Pricing not publicly available; requires contacting Thales for a quote
2.

Cisco Duo

Cisco Duo Logo
Cisco

Best for Fast, low-friction passwordless rollout across distributed workforces

Cisco Duo is a cloud-based MFA and access management platform built around push-first authentication. It serves over 20,000 customers and processes half a billion authentications monthly. We were impressed by how quickly teams can get Duo running, with QR-code-based enrollment that keeps IT involvement minimal during rollout.

  • Duo Push one-tap approval replaces six-digit codes and works across phones and wearables
  • Adaptive access policies adjust based on user role, location, and device posture
  • Device trust verification checks both BYOD and corporate-managed endpoints before granting access
  • 200+ app integrations covering VPN, cloud, and legacy apps handle most hybrid environments

Users consistently praise the simplicity. Daily authentication stays out of the way, and non-technical staff adapt quickly. With that said, some customer reviews note that push notifications occasionally lag during peak usage, which slows down login. Device dependency is a recurring theme. A dead phone or lost connectivity blocks authentication entirely, with no graceful fallback in some configurations.

We think Duo is a strong choice if your priority is fast, low-friction MFA rollout across a distributed workforce. The push-first approach drives high user adoption with minimal training. It suits mid-market and enterprise teams best, especially those securing remote access and hybrid app environments. If your budget is tight, evaluate pricing carefully as your user base grows.

Strengths
Push-based approval removes code entry friction
200+ integrations cover VPN, cloud, and legacy apps
Device trust checks endpoint health before granting access
QR-code enrollment simplifies large-scale deployment
Cautions
Reviews note push notifications occasionally lag during peak usage
Customers note a dead phone blocks authentication entirely
3.

HID Advanced MFA

HID Advanced MFA Logo
HID Global

Best for Converged physical and logical access on one credential

HID Advanced MFA is an enterprise-grade identity platform that secures over 85 million identities globally. Its differentiator is converged credentials, using a single smart card or token for both physical building access and logical network authentication. We think this is the right fit if your organization needs doors and desktops under one identity framework.

  • Single FIDO-based smart card unlocks office doors and authenticates into Microsoft 365 or VPN
  • Credential range covers PKI certificates, OATH tokens, mobile push, biometrics, and FIDO2 keys within the same policy framework
  • SSO integration reduces repeated login prompts across connected applications
  • Admin console provides reporting and analytics mapped directly to compliance requirements
  • FIPS 140-2 compliance support for regulated environments

Customers highlight the speed of authentication and the depth of security layering across transactions. The converged credential approach gets strong praise from organizations already managing physical access. Something to be aware of is that some users report initial setup is technical and requires a meaningful learning curve for new administrators. Publicly available customer feedback is also more limited than with some competitors in this space, which makes long-term operational patterns harder to assess.

We think HID is strongest for government, manufacturing, banking, and healthcare teams with building security requirements. The converged credential approach is a real differentiator for organizations that already issue smart cards for physical access. If you only need software-based MFA without physical access needs, lighter alternatives exist.

Strengths
Converged credentials unify physical and network access on one card
FIDO2, PKI, OATH, and biometric support in one framework
FIPS 140-2 compliance support for regulated industries
Audit-ready reporting without custom scripts or exports
Cautions
Reviews flag initial setup requires a steep learning curve
Customers note limited public feedback makes assessment harder
4.

HYPR

HYPR Logo
HYPR

Best for Phishing-resistant passwordless in regulated environments

HYPR is a passwordless authentication platform built on FIDO2 standards, designed for regulated industries like finance and healthcare. We were impressed by the approach here: HYPR eliminates shared secrets entirely, making credential phishing a non-issue rather than just harder to pull off.

  • Three components: HYPR Authenticate for passwordless workstation and app access, HYPR Affirm for biometric and document verification, HYPR Adapt for dynamic risk-based policy adjustments
  • Enterprise passkeys for Microsoft Entra ID with non-syncable, FIDO2 passkeys for workforce authentication
  • Deep integrations with Microsoft and CrowdStrike fit into existing security stacks
  • SSO pairing means users authenticate once at the workstation and flow into connected apps without repeated prompts

Customer sentiment is unusually positive. Teams running HYPR for multiple years report zero service outages and rarely need to contact support. When they do, response quality gets high marks. End-user adoption is strong because the login experience feels natural, especially the biometric flow. There are trade-offs. Some users say initial setup takes time and full-scale integration leans heavily on Windows PKI, which adds complexity.

We think HYPR is a top-tier option if your organization operates in a regulated space and needs phishing-resistant MFA that users will actually adopt. The FIDO2 certification and biometric verification check boxes that auditors care about. If you need a quick plug-and-play MFA without infrastructure planning, expect a longer runway to full deployment.

Strengths
FIDO2 passwordless eliminates credential phishing entirely
Strong end-user adoption via fast biometric login
HYPR Adapt adjusts authentication based on real-time risk
Deep Microsoft and CrowdStrike integrations
Cautions
Users report deployment requires Windows PKI knowledge
Reviews note device replacement forces full re-enrollment
5.

Microsoft Entra ID

Microsoft Entra ID Logo
Microsoft

Best for M365 environments needing native passwordless integration

Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) is Microsoft’s cloud-based identity and access management solution, currently trusted by over 1.2 billion identities globally to secure access to apps, devices, and data. If your organization already runs Microsoft 365, Entra ID is likely working under the hood already. We think it’s the default choice for Microsoft-heavy environments, and the depth of native integration is hard to match.

  • Native integration with SSO, MFA, and conditional access across Microsoft 365, Azure, and thousands of third-party apps
  • Windows Hello for Business uses built-in biometric authenticators; Microsoft Authenticator replaces passwords with push notifications; FIDO2 security keys provide hardware-backed authentication
  • Microsoft is now rolling out Entra passkeys on Windows
  • Conditional access policies set granular controls based on user role, device posture, location, and risk signals in real time
  • Self-service password reset reduces manual workload on IT

Customers consistently flag licensing complexity as the biggest frustration. Key security features like automatic access reviews and advanced risk-based sign-in protection sit behind the Premium P2 tier, and the licensing matrix isn’t always clear about what lives where. That price step catches teams off guard. Some customer reviews note that admin settings are fragmented across multiple portals, slowing down configuration and troubleshooting.

We think Entra ID is the natural starting point for any Microsoft 365 shop. The depth of native integration eliminates third-party identity connectors. Enterprise and hybrid environments get the strongest return. If you’re evaluating this for advanced security features, make sure your licensing tier covers what you actually need before committing. The free and P1 tiers leave meaningful gaps for security-focused teams.

Strengths
Native Microsoft 365 and Azure integration out of the box
Self-service password reset reduces daily IT workload
Conditional access enforces controls based on real-time risk
Thousands of third-party integrations for hybrid environments
Cautions
Customers note admin settings fragment across multiple portals
Users report key security features sit behind Premium P2 pricing
6.

Okta Workforce Identity Cloud

Okta Workforce Identity Cloud Logo
Okta

Best for Large app portfolios needing centralized passwordless access

Okta is a market-leading identity platform serving over 10,000 organizations with SSO, MFA, and passwordless authentication. Focused on usability, it comes with a host of integrations with existing cloud-based tools and applications. We were impressed by the integration depth here: over 8,000 pre-built connectors in the Okta Integration Network mean most apps work out of the box. Okta itself has gone 100% passwordless internally for workforce apps, which is a strong signal of product maturity.

  • FastPass generates public/private key pairs stored in the device’s Trusted Platform Module for phishing-resistant authentication
  • Works across managed and unmanaged Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS devices through Okta Verify, with fallback to FIDO2 keys, biometrics, and email links
  • Universal directory and lifecycle management centralize user provisioning across app stack
  • Over 8,000 pre-built integrations through the Okta Integration Network

The end-user experience gets consistently high marks. Customers say daily authentication is smooth, and non-technical staff adapt quickly to the SSO portal. Setup documentation is clear, and support is responsive when issues arise. The friction shows up in two areas. First, pricing escalates as you add capabilities like advanced MFA or lifecycle management. Second, policy management grows complex at scale. Customers with large user populations say configuring granular access policies requires solid IAM knowledge.

We think Okta is a top contender if your environment spans dozens or hundreds of SaaS apps and you need one identity layer across all of them. The integration depth is hard to beat. Enterprise teams and organizations with distributed, remote workforces benefit most from the FastPass experience and centralized access management. If your budget is tight or your app footprint is small, the pricing model may push you toward lighter alternatives.

Strengths
8,000+ pre-built integrations cover cloud and on-prem apps
FastPass uses TPM-stored keys for phishing-resistant login
Clean interface drives fast adoption across all user types
Universal directory centralizes user lifecycle management
Cautions
Customers note pricing escalates as features are added
Reviews flag policy config grows complex at scale
7.

OneLogin Workforce Identity

OneLogin Workforce Identity Logo
One Identity

Best for Mid-market teams needing simple passwordless SSO and MFA

OneLogin, now part of One Identity, is an IAM platform trusted by over 2,000 organizations for SSO, MFA, and passwordless authentication. Acclaimed for delivering easy-to-use, scalable, and secure identity products, OneLogin offers their Trusted Experience Platform with a suite of workforce identity capabilities. We think it’s a solid mid-market option if your primary need is simple SSO and MFA across a large app catalog.

  • 6,000+ pre-integrated apps and a multilingual interface covering 25 languages for globally distributed teams
  • SSO portal consolidates app access behind a single login with MFA options covering push notifications via OneLogin Protect, FIDO2 keys, biometrics, SMS, voice, and Google Authenticator
  • Desktop module adds certificate-based authentication tied directly to OS login credentials
  • One-click account termination lets admins disable a departing employee’s access across all connected apps

Customers appreciate the simplicity of the single-password experience and the convenience of having all corporate apps grouped in one portal. Daily users say it stays out of the way and does what it should. There are trade-offs. Some users report unexpected outages and connectivity glitches that raise reliability concerns for always-on environments. Support response times also draw criticism, with some teams reporting slow issue resolution.

We think OneLogin delivers well on its core use case: simple, centralized access management without heavy configuration. The 6,000+ integrations and 25-language support suit distributed, global teams. The platform also supports 25 languages, meaning organizations with a global presence can provide localised content for employees. If your organization needs advanced identity governance or has zero tolerance for service interruptions, evaluate the platform’s operational track record carefully before committing.

Strengths
6,000+ pre-integrated apps with 25-language support
One-click account termination for fast offboarding
Certificate-based Desktop module ties auth to OS login
Clean SSO portal for non-technical end users
Cautions
Customers note unexpected outages raise reliability concerns
Users report slow support response times
8.

Ping Identity PingOne for Workforce

Ping Identity PingOne for Workforce Logo
Ping Identity

Best for Enterprises needing adaptive, risk-based passwordless authentication

Ping Identity offers a stack of identity solutions to provide seamless and secure user access from any device. With a focus on enterprise customers, Ping Identity currently manages over two billion identities. PingOne for Workforce is their cloud-based identity platform, and we think the adaptive authentication engine is the standout here, offering a more dynamic approach than static policy engines that treat every login the same way.

  • Identity intelligence layer applies adaptive and contextual authentication policies that adjust based on risk signals
  • Security team can give each predictor a weighting and implement intelligent authentication policies that grant, deny, or challenge access based on combined risk scores
  • Passwordless options include push notifications via PingID app, biometrics, and FIDO-enabled factors
  • Ping Identity acquired Keyless in October 2025 to integrate privacy-preserving biometric authentication
  • Self-service directory lets users manage their own credentials

Customers praise the speed of the authentication flow and the range of secondary verification methods: app-based push, email, phone, and manual codes all work. Setup and configuration are noted as being simple. The recurring complaint is push notification reliability. Some customer reviews note that tapping the notification sometimes fails to register, forcing users to open the PingID app manually and enter a code instead. A few users also report needing to complete the full MFA flow twice before access is granted.

We think PingOne for Workforce suits large enterprises that need risk-based authentication policies adapting to threat signals in real time. The scale is proven at two billion identities, and the adaptive engine adds a layer that simpler MFA platforms skip. Finance, healthcare, and public sector teams benefit most from the contextual policy approach. If your priority is a frictionless push-first experience, the notification reliability issues are worth evaluating during a proof of concept.

Strengths
Adaptive auth adjusts based on real-time risk signals
Proven scale at two billion identities
Multiple fallback methods keep authentication flexible
Self-service directory cuts help desk volume
Cautions
Users report push notifications sometimes fail to register
Customers note some users complete MFA twice before access
9.

Prove Auth

Prove Auth Logo
Prove

Best for Consumer-facing environments needing phone-centric identity verification

Prove Auth is a passwordless authentication platform that verifies identity through smartphone-derived signals rather than traditional credentials. We found the approach here distinctive: Prove treats the smartphone as the identity anchor, using cryptographic authentication layered with a behavioral reputation profile built from billions of mobile and telecom signals.

  • Phone-Centric Identity scans mobile, telecom, and usage signals to verify behavior matches historical patterns
  • Trust Score evaluates phone number reputation, associated device, and behavioral patterns in real time
  • Biometrics and push notifications via authenticator app serve as step-up options
  • Clean API integration with responsive developer support

Customers with years on the platform report strong uptime, with some teams running Prove for a decade with minimal service interruptions. The onboarding experience gets consistent praise for prefill capabilities that reduce friction on the consumer side. Something to be aware of is that frequent certificate changes have caused disruptions to SMS-based authentication services. Mobile network coverage gaps also affect verification reliability with smaller carriers.

We think Prove Auth is strongest in financial services, insurance, and consumer-facing environments where fraud prevention and onboarding conversion both matter. The phone-centric verification model adds a layer that traditional MFA skips entirely. If your organization processes high volumes of account openings or transactions and needs real-time identity confidence, this is well worth considering. Teams looking for out-of-the-box IAM vendor integrations should confirm connector availability before committing.

Strengths
Phone-centric verification uses behavioral and telecom signals
Strong uptime over multi-year deployments
Clean API documentation and responsive developer support
Prefill capabilities reduce consumer onboarding friction
Cautions
Reviews flag certificate changes disrupt SMS-based services
Customers note coverage gaps with smaller mobile carriers
10.

RSA SecurID

RSA SecurID Logo
RSA

Best for Compliance-driven enterprises needing deep risk intelligence

RSA SecurID is an adaptive MFA platform built for large enterprises with strict compliance requirements. We think the risk engine is the core strength here: it analyzes over 100 behavioral and contextual indicators per login attempt, making authentication decisions based on real-time threat signals rather than static rules.

  • ML-based risk engine evaluates geolocation, payment activity, cross-channel intelligence, and behavioral patterns to score each login attempt
  • Authentication methods span hardware tokens, software tokens, SMS OTPs, biometrics, FIDO2/WebAuthn, and mobile push notifications
  • Admins configure authentication methods at both user and application levels from a central management portal
  • Cloud, on-premises, and hybrid deployment models supported

Long-term customers praise RSA SecurID for reliability. Teams running it for years report consistent uptime and strong technical support. The platform earns trust in high-security environments where MFA failure isn’t an option. The trade-offs are well documented. Hardware tokens add logistical overhead: they get lost, replacement costs add up, and carrying a physical device frustrates some users. Licensing and ongoing maintenance costs also run higher than cloud-native alternatives in this space.

We think RSA SecurID fits enterprises where compliance mandates drive authentication decisions and risk-based intelligence justifies the investment. The 100+ indicator risk engine gives your security team visibility that simpler MFA tools can’t match. Organizations in finance, government, and critical infrastructure get the most value. If your team prioritizes low-cost, fast-deploy MFA with a modern push-first experience, lighter platforms will serve you better.

Strengths
Risk engine analyzes 100+ indicators per login
Granular controls per user and application
Cloud, on-prem, and hybrid deployment options
Long track record of reliability and strong support
Cautions
Users report hardware tokens add cost and logistics overhead
Reviews note licensing runs higher than cloud-native alternatives
11.

Yubico YubiKey

Yubico YubiKey Logo
Yubico

Best for Hardware-backed phishing resistance without software dependencies

Yubico is rated highly in the identity and access management space, serving millions of end-users in 160 countries and providing access to nearly 1,000 apps. YubiKey is a hardware security key that provides phishing-resistant authentication through a physical touch or tap. It supports FIDO2, U2F, OTP, PIV, and smart card protocols on a single device. We think it’s the strongest option if your organization prioritizes hardware-backed phishing resistance.

  • Plug it in, tap it, and you’re authenticated; no batteries, no software dependencies, no network connection required
  • Form factor range from the 5C NFC for cross-device use to the ultra-low-profile Nano that stays permanently in a laptop USB-C port
  • YubiKey Bio Series adds fingerprint authentication for biometric verification directly on the key
  • Yubico Authenticator app stores credentials on the key itself rather than on a mobile device
  • Crush-resistant, water-resistant, and battery-free; admins can pre-enroll users or allow self-enrollment

Customers consistently praise daily reliability. Once set up, the authentication experience is predictable and adds almost no friction. Documentation quality gets specific positive attention, and multi-year users report using the same key without issues. The challenges are inherent to hardware-based authentication. Losing a key without backup provisioning creates immediate access recovery challenges. And initial protocol setup involves a learning curve for teams with varied technical expertise.

We think YubiKey is the right choice for finance, government, and security-conscious enterprises that want a tangible trust anchor. The offline capability and protocol range set it apart from software-only MFA. Plan for backup key provisioning and user training during rollout. If your environment needs app-based or push-first MFA without physical tokens, this isn’t the right fit, but for teams that want phishing eliminated at the hardware level, YubiKey delivers.

Strengths
FIDO2 hardware auth eliminates phishing and credential theft
No batteries, no network, no software dependencies
Crush-resistant and water-resistant for multi-year use
Multiple form factors from NFC to Nano
Cautions
Losing a key without backup creates access recovery issues
Reviews note initial protocol setup has a learning curve

Other Identity And Access Management Services

Beyond our top 11, these passwordless authentication platforms are worth considering depending on your specific requirements.

12
Google Cloud Identity

Enables passwordless login using passkeys and device-based authentication.

13
IBM Security Verify

Supports biometric and FIDO2-based passwordless access for enterprises.

14
Keyless Zero-Knowledge Biometrics

Provides passwordless MFA with privacy-preserving biometric tech.

15
Authsignal

Integrates passkeys and biometric flows into existing apps via API.

16
Trusona Authentication Cloud

Offers passwordless login using QR codes and mobile push.

17
Beyond Identity

Uses device trust and biometrics to eliminate passwords entirely.

Identity And Access Management Pricing

Passwordless authentication pricing varies by platform, deployment model, and whether passwordless is standalone or part of a broader identity suite. Hardware key costs are per-device. The table below reflects publicly available starting prices where possible.

Product Starting Price Billing Link
Thales SafeNet Trusted Access
Contact for quote
Annual
Cisco Duo
Free tier available; from $6/user/mo
Annual
HID Advanced MFA
Contact for quote
Annual
HYPR
From $3/user/mo (workforce)
Annual
Microsoft Entra ID
Free with M365; P1 $6/user/mo; P2 $9/user/mo
Monthly or Annual
Okta Workforce Identity Cloud
$1,500 annual minimum
Annual
OneLogin Workforce Identity
From $2/user/mo
Annual
Ping Identity PingOne
From $3/user/mo (Essential)
Annual
Prove Auth
Contact for quote
Usage-based
RSA SecurID
Contact for quote
Annual
Yubico YubiKey
From $25/key (YubiKey 5 NFC)
Per device

Identity And Access Management Checklist

These are the evaluation and deployment steps we recommend when selecting a passwordless authentication platform.

Semi-passwordless (SSO portals, push MFA) reduces password use; true passwordless (FIDO2 passkeys, hardware keys) eliminates passwords entirely, and the distinction affects which platforms fit.

FIDO2 credentials are bound to specific origins and cannot be phished or replayed, which is why compliance frameworks increasingly mandate phishing-resistant authentication.

Passwordless adoption depends on the login experience being simpler than what it replaces; if enrollment is difficult or authentication adds friction, users will resist the transition.

Passwordless authentication is only effective if it covers the applications users access daily; gaps force fallback to passwords and undermine the security benefit.

Applications using LDAP, RADIUS, or Kerberos may not support modern authentication protocols, and bridging these gaps requires platform-specific connectors or infrastructure changes.

Hardware keys require provisioning, distribution, backup key management, and replacement workflows that add operational overhead beyond software-only approaches.

Passwordless eliminates the password attack vector but does not address all identity risks; adaptive engines that evaluate device posture, location, and behavior add a necessary security layer.

Most organizations cannot go fully passwordless overnight; the platform needs to support password and passwordless authentication simultaneously during the transition.

The Bottom Line

Passwordless authentication is moving from an aspiration to a practical requirement for organizations serious about reducing credential-based attacks. The solutions in this guide range from hardware-backed phishing resistance to adaptive risk engines that evaluate hundreds of signals per login. The best fit depends on your environment: Microsoft shops benefit from native Entra ID integration, regulated industries should evaluate FIDO2-certified platforms, and organizations with large app portfolios need deep integration networks. We recommend shortlisting two or three solutions based on your deployment model, compliance needs, and user base, then running a proof of concept with real users before committing.

Everything You Need To Know About Passwordless Authentication (FAQs)

Passwordless authentication is the process of replacing the use of a password with an alternative credential, such as biometrics, FIDO passkeys, hardware tokens, or any other passwordless authentication method. In an enterprise network, this means that an employee, contractor, end-customer, or admin can access key network services and applications with secure, passwordless credentials.

Passwordless authentication is typically more secure than password-based authentication because, instead of using a traditional PIN or password, authentication is typically based around user biometrics, or cryptographic passkeys tied to the specific device or browser in use. Because of this, passwordless credentials are impossible to guess, making them much more difficult to compromise. Passwordless authentication is not infallible and can be compromised, but overall it provides a more secure and user-friendly authentication experience.

Passwordless authentication is easier on the end user and more secure than using passwords. Passwords should be an unpredictable mix of capital letters, lowercase letters, special characters, and numbers. While this makes strong passwords hard for a threat actor to replicate, it also makes them hard to remember.

Most people reuse a simple password across multiple accounts. The problem with this is that when one account is breached, all of your accounts are vulnerable. Passwords can also be stolen via credential-based attacks such as phishing, and by password-stealing malware. Even with multi-factor authentication in place, passwords are still the weak link when authenticating account access.

Passwordless authentication takes away this risk, by taking away your password. This ensures that your account is securely protected, while freeing users from having to remember a complex series of letters, keystrokes, and numbers.

In addition, passwordless authentication gives greater control to admins. Rather than needing to enforce password usage and sharing policies, admins can easily control all accounts and services that a user has access to. Enterprise solutions offer integrations with third-party services and directories such as Microsoft Entra, along with support for custom and on-premises applications. This ensures passwordless can be deployed across the entire organization, seamlessly.

Passwordless authentication replaces the user-selected “password” with a replacement security token. This can be a biometric check, such as using numerical data from a facial scan or fingerprint read or based on cryptographic key data stored on a local device.

Alternatively, some passwordless deployments may leverage one-time passcodes, such as a text message sent to a registered cell phone or use a third-party hardware token that is registered to an account using NFC. Many of the best passwordless authentication solutions support several of these options, enabling users to choose the most convenient or most secure password alternative.

The underlying technology behind passwordless authentication, including FIDO2) is based on cryptographic key pairs. There is a public key, which is stored on the browser or application, and a private key, which is stored on the local device. The private key can only be accessed and matched with the public key using a secure authentication factor, such as a biometric check, OTP, hardware tokens, etc. This makes passwordless authentication highly resistant to phishing and malware, improving the security of accounts.

When choosing an enterprise passwordless authentication solution it’s important to consider first your internal requirements. Are you a cloud-based organization? Can your users authenticate using existing devices, or are new deployments required? Are users remote, and do you need to authenticate access to custom applications? These questions and more can be used to build an internal checklist of features to pass to vendors in the space.

With that said, there are some important features that all organizations should consider when choosing a passwordless authentication solution. These include:

  1. Passwordless authentication: The core feature set should be to enable users to securely authenticate without a password.
  2. Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Passwordless authentication solutions should enforce secure multi-factor authentication processes.
  3. Contextual authentication: Passwordless authentication systems should use contextual data to identify suspicious login attempts, such as “superman login” attempts or compromised devices.
  4. Strong user experience: It should be easy and seamless for admins and end users to navigate the system and authenticate to services.
  5. Admin policies and workflows: Admins should be able to create and modify policies for teams and users to enforce Zero Trust principles within the organization. For example, this may involve automatically onboarding and offboarding privileges.
  6. Reporting: Admins should have clear access to reports and logs for compliance and troubleshooting purposes.
  7. Integrations: The best solutions offer a range of integrations with third-party applications and services to streamline the deployment of passwordless authentication.
  8. Integrations with other security tools: Larger security teams should consider a solution designed to work alongside other security tools such as endpoint detection and response (EDR), mobile device management (MDM), unified endpoint security (UES) and endpoint protection (EPP) solutions to improve identity security effectiveness.

Here are some common passwordless authentication methods:

  • Biometrics: Uses unique biological traits like fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans to verify identity.
  • Security keys: Small hardware devices that plug into a computer or connect wirelessly to authenticate the user.
  • One-time codes (OTP): Sends a unique code to the user’s phone or email that is valid for a single login attempt.
  • Magic links: Emails a link to the user that, when clicked, automatically logs them in.
  • Push notifications: Sends a notification to the user’s smartphone, prompting them to approve or deny the login attempt.

When implementing passwordless authentication, it’s crucial to consider these security factors:

  • Device security: Ensure that the devices used for authentication (smartphones, security keys) are secure and protected against tampering or theft.
  • Biometric accuracy: Choose biometric methods with high accuracy and low false positive rates.
  • Fallback options: Provide alternative authentication methods in case the primary method is unavailable or fails.
  • Resistance to phishing: Select methods that are resistant to phishing attacks, such as security keys or biometrics.
  • Recovery mechanisms: Implement secure account recovery processes in case a user loses access to their authentication device.

Identity And Access Management Resources

Further reading on identity and access management from Expert Insights — buyers' guides, comparison articles, and platform-specific shortlists.

Written By Written By
Joel Witts
Joel Witts Content Director

Joel is the Director of Content and a co-founder at Expert Insights; a rapidly growing media company focussed on covering cybersecurity solutions.

He’s an experienced journalist and editor with 8 years’ experience covering the cybersecurity space. He’s reviewed hundreds of cybersecurity solutions, interviewed hundreds of industry experts and produced dozens of industry reports read by thousands of CISOs and security professionals in topics like IAM, MFA, zero trust, email security, DevSecOps and more.

He also hosts the Expert Insights Podcast and co-writes the weekly newsletter, Decrypted. Joel is driven to share his team’s expertise with cybersecurity leaders to help them create more secure business foundations.

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Craig MacAlpine CEO and Founder

Craig MacAlpine is CEO and Founder of Expert Insights. Before founding Expert Insights in August 2018, Craig spent 10 years as CEO of EPA Cloud, an email security provider that rebranded as VIPRE Email Security following its acquisition by Ziff Davis, formerly J2Global (NASDAQ: ZD) in 2013.

Craig is a passionate security innovator with over 20 years of experience helping organizations to stay secure with cutting-edge information security and cybersecurity solutions.

Using his extensive experience in the email security industry, he founded Expert Insights with the singular goal of helping IT professionals and CISOs to cut through the noise and find the right cybersecurity solutions they need to protect their organizations.