Best passwordless authentication solutions in 2025

Nineteen billion dollars. That’s the estimated size of the passwordless authentication market in 2024, and analysts expect it to surge past $80 billion by the early 2030s. The reason is simple: passwords are broken, and businesses are finally moving beyond them.

According to 2025 Verizon DBIR, the human element was a factor in 60% of data breaches, and the use of stolen credentials accounted for about 31% of incidents overall. This shows just how deeply credential abuse drives modern cyberattacks.

But this shift isn’t just about plugging security holes. It’s also about reimagining usability in a digital world where the average person juggles dozens of accounts. 

With 61% of organizations planning to roll out passwordless authentication in the next year, and 50% of US enterprises having already adopted some form of passwordless authentication, we're witnessing a fundamental transformation in how organizations approach identity security.

That’s why this guide explores the leading passwordless authentication solutions in 2025, weighing their security strengths, implementation complexity, and business impact to help security leaders choose the right path forward.

What are passwordless authentication solutions?

Passwordless authentication represents a security paradigm that eliminates traditional passwords entirely, replacing them with more secure and user-friendly verification methods.

Instead of relying on something a user knows (like a password), these systems validate identity through:

• Something they are (biometrics) 

• Something they have (a hardware token or mobile device)

• Something they can prove (cryptographic keys)

The idea is simple. Passwords are the weakest link in authentication. So eliminating them reduces the risk of credential theft, phishing, and brute-force attacks while also cutting down on help desk tickets related to forgotten or reset passwords.

Modern passwordless solutions combine biometric technologies, device-based authentication, and advanced cryptographic protocols to create user authentication experiences that are both more secure and more convenient than traditional password systems.

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Types of passwordless authentication

There are several distinct passwordless authentication methods, each with its own strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases:

Biometric authentication

Biometrics rely on unique physical traits to verify identity. Fingerprint authentication held the largest market share in 2024 because fingerprints are nearly impossible to replicate and are processed locally on secure enclaves, keeping data private. Facial recognition has matured with AI-driven anti-spoofing measures, capable of distinguishing real users from photos, masks, or deepfakes while adapting to natural changes in appearance.

Hardware security keys

Hardware keys are considered the gold standard for phishing-resistant authentication. These devices use FIDO2/WebAuthn protocols and PKI (public key infrastructure) to generate cryptographic signatures unique to each login, without exposing sensitive credentials. A simple tap or insertion verifies both the user and the legitimacy of the website, making them exceptionally resistant to credential theft.

Magic links and email-based authentication

Magic links provide passwordless access via time-limited login URLs delivered to a user’s email. While convenient, their security depends heavily on the integrity of the email account. To strengthen this approach, modern systems often pair magic links with device fingerprinting, geolocation checks, and anomaly detection.

Push notifications and mobile authenticators

Authenticator apps either generate time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) or send push notifications that users approve with a tap. Some advanced apps display additional login context (e.g., location, device, app name) to help users spot suspicious attempts. 

SMS and voice-based verification

These methods deliver one-time codes via text message or voice call. While nearly universal in availability, they are vulnerable to SIM swapping and other vulnerabilities like message interception. For this reason, SMS is increasingly treated as a backup option rather than a primary method of authentication.

Best passwordless authentication solutions for 2025

While organizations are finally moving beyond passwords, not all passwordless solutions are built the same. Here are 15 prominent ones in the market currently:

1. Rippling IT

Rippling IT management software transforms passwordless authentication by integrating it directly into workforce management and IAM, connecting identity security with employee lifecycle events in real-time. It supports multi-factor authentication (MFA), including hardware security keys (YubiKey), biometric authentication, and risk-based access controls that leverage HR data to detect suspicious behavior patterns. 

When employees join, change roles, or leave, Rippling IT automatically adjusts authentication requirements and app access without manual intervention. The platform combines single sign-on (SSO) for 600+ applications with RPass password management for legacy systems, ensuring comprehensive coverage. 

2. Okta Identity

Okta enables passwordless access via options like magic links, OTPs, passkeys, and social login through its platform. Administrators can configure passwordless or optional password flows, and employ Okta FastPass to create logins by combining biometrics or device-based authentication with adaptive MFA.

3. Microsoft Entra (Azure AD)

Microsoft’s identity platform supports phishing-resistant access through Windows Hello for Business, FIDO2 security keys, and the Microsoft Authenticator app (PIN or biometric). This makes it a good choice for organizations already invested in Microsoft ecosystems.

4. Auth0

Auth0 provides flexible passwordless options, including magic links, one-time passwords via email or SMS, biometrics, passkeys, and social logins, all delivered through its universal login experience. The platform’s developer focus allows organizations to customize authentication flows to fit specific business needs.

5. Ping Identity

Ping Identity offers enterprise-grade passwordless authentication through PingID, supporting passkeys, email magic links, biometric authentication, and one-time passcodes. The platform is designed to work across both workforce and customer-facing applications, by leveraging built-in device authenticators. 

6. Cisco Duo

Cisco Duo enables passwordless authentication through passkeys, platform authenticators, security keys, and Duo Push notifications. It integrates with existing identity providers such as Active Directory, AD FS, and SSO platforms.

7. Yubico

Yubico specializes in hardware-based authentication with its YubiKey devices, which support FIDO2 and U2F standards to deliver phishing-resistant, passwordless login. Using public-key cryptography, YubiKeys provide strong protection against credential theft while ensuring credentials never leave the device. 

8. ForgeRock

ForgeRock enables enterprises to go fully passwordless through its partnership with Secret Double Octopus. The joint platform offers multiple paths to passwordless: a plug-and-play desktop MFA solution to cover endpoints, a universal MFA platform that unites tokens and keys, and the Octopus passwordless enterprise platform.

9. HYPR

HYPR extends passkey standards into a full authentication suite, combining desktop MFA, passwordless SSO, and mobile authentication in one platform. The HYPR authenticate app enables login, while the desktop MFA client closes gaps across Windows, Mac, Linux, and shared workstations. 

10. Beyond Identity

Beyond Identity offers a passwordless MFA platform by cryptographically binding identity to the user’s device, with no fallback on easily phishable factors like SMS or TOTP. It enforces trust at both identity and device levels and supports universal OS coverage. 

11. RSA SecurID

RSA’s passwordless solutions deliver a multi-modal approach that supports biometrics, FIDO2 passkeys, mobile app push, QR codes, code matching, and hardware tokens. Designed for hybrid and legacy environments, RSA’s platform offers offline and fallback passwordless options.

12. FusionAuth

FusionAuth supports passwordless authentication through passkeys, magic links, one-time codes, biometric authentication and secure device-based methods, enabling users to access applications without traditional passwords while maintaining enterprise-grade security.

13. SuperTokens

SuperTokens offers passwordless authentication through magic links and one-time codes within an open-source, developer-centric platform designed for integration and scaling. The solution supports both self-hosted and managed deployment options.

14. Passage by 1Password

Passage by 1Password enables logins powered by passkeys that eliminate multiple cybersecurity threats. The solution integrates into existing tech stacks, including React, Vue, Angular, Rails, and Django. Logins are powered by biometrics, making authentication good for a frictionless user experience.

15. AuthX

AuthX combines multiple authentication methods, including biometrics, FIDO passkeys, mobile push notifications, and Tap & Go functionality using RFID or NFC badges. The platform supports both digital authentication through facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, as well as physical access control through badge-based authentication.

The table below highlights all products for a comprehensive view:

Key features of passwordless authentication solutions

When evaluating passwordless authentication platforms, security teams should look for these capabilities:

1. Multi-factor authentication support

Even without passwords, defense-in-depth matters. The strongest solutions combine multiple authentication factors, for example, biometrics plus device verification or location controls, so that if one factor is compromised, another still protects access.

2. FIDO2/WebAuthn compliance

Standards matter. Support for FIDO2 and WebAuthn ensures interoperability across browsers and devices while delivering phishing-resistant authentication that’s future-proof.

3. Biometric authentication capabilities

Modern biometrics should include liveness detection to block spoofing and process data locally within secure enclaves. Platforms that support multiple modalities (fingerprint, face, voice) give users flexibility across devices.

4. Risk-based authentication

Context-aware systems adapt authentication strength to risk. They analyze signals like device trust, network, geolocation, and behavior, prompting stronger verification only in high-risk situations while keeping routine access frictionless.

5. Single sign-on (SSO) integration

Passwordless should unify access across apps. Look for seamless integration with SAML, OpenID Connect, and OAuth, along with connectors for legacy apps that still anchor many enterprises.

6. Mobile device support

Support for operating systems like iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS is critical to ensuring consistency. Robust solutions handle native apps, mobile web authentication, and cross-device flows (authenticating on one device to access another).

7. API and SDK availability

Developer-friendly platforms offer REST APIs, SDKs, and webhooks, making it easy to extend passwordless authentication into custom apps and automate workflows.

8. Enterprise directory integration

Integration with Active Directory, LDAP, and cloud directories ensures consistent identity management and policy enforcement across hybrid environments.

9. Conditional access policies

Granular policy engines let admins define rules based on role, device trust, application sensitivity, or environment. Policies should be straightforward to configure, enforce, and audit.

10. Analytics and reporting

Visibility is non-negotiable. Logging and analytics should cover authentication patterns, anomalies, and user experience to support compliance reporting and continuous tuning.

11. Backup authentication methods

Fallbacks are essential. Secure alternatives, like temporary tokens or recovery via trusted devices, ensure users aren’t locked out if their primary method fails.

12. Zero-trust architecture support

Passwordless should fit into a zero-trust strategy, verifying identity and device health at every step, supporting continuous authentication, and dynamically adjusting access as risks change.

Benefits of passwordless authentication solutions

Organizations adopting passwordless authentication see measurable gains across security, operations, compliance, and user experience:

Enhanced security and reduced breach risk

By eliminating passwords entirely, organizations cut off the easiest path for attackers. Passwordless systems rely on cryptographic proof of identity and hardware-backed security, raising the bar so high that attackers are forced to use noisier, more detectable methods.

Improved user experience and productivity

Users no longer have to remember complex passwords or waste time with resets and lockouts. Biometric scans, device taps, or passkeys authenticate faster than typing passwords, delivering a seamless passwordless experience. Less friction translates into higher productivity.

Reduced IT support costs

Password-related issues are among the most common drivers of IT help desk tickets. Removing passwords significantly reduces this burden, freeing IT teams to focus on higher-value projects.

Better regulatory compliance

Passwordless authentication maps cleanly to MFA requirements across frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, and HIPAA. Built-in audit logs simplify reporting and demonstrate strong access control, strengthening compliance posture while reducing audit prep time.

Elimination of password-related attacks

Without passwords, entire password attack classes disappear. This dramatically shrinks the attack surface and reduces the noise security teams must monitor, enabling faster detection of more advanced threats.

Simplified identity management

A unified passwordless platform like Rippling IT consolidates identity across applications, cloud services, and on-premises systems. This reduces administrative overhead and ensures consistent policy enforcement across hybrid environments.

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Passwordless authentication by use case

Organizations need different approaches depending on whether they’re securing employees, customers, developers, or regulated environments:

Enterprise workforce authentication

Large organizations need solutions that support both cloud and on-premises apps, and adapt policies by role or clearance level. Centralized policy management, reporting, and SIEM integration help maintain visibility across the enterprise.

Customer and consumer applications

For customer-facing systems, the focus is frictionless access. Biometrics, passkeys, and social logins streamline registration and login while improving security. Cross-device support lets users start on one device and finish on another, reducing drop-offs and boosting engagement.

Developer and API authentication

APIs demand scalable, programmatic authentication with hardware-backed tokens and detailed audit trails. Platforms should provide SDKs, APIs, and clear documentation to fit diverse application architectures, from microservices to enterprise systems.

Cloud and SaaS application access

Cloud-first organizations benefit from solutions that support SAML, OAuth, and OIDC, enabling seamless SSO across SaaS platforms. Compatibility with microservices, containerized apps, and serverless models ensures consistent security across modern deployments.

Mobile and remote workforce

Remote teams need authentication that works across varied networks and devices. MDM integration verifies device trust, while offline authentication and cross-device flows maintain access even in low-connectivity environments.

High-security and regulated industries

Finance, healthcare, and government require hardware-backed authentication, detailed audit logs, and compliance reporting. Solutions should meet standards like FIPS 140-2 and integrate with compliance monitoring systems to satisfy strict regulatory demands.

How to choose the right passwordless authentication solution

Selecting the right platform requires a clear view of your environment, security needs, and long-term goals.

Assess your current authentication landscape

Start by mapping out your authentication tools, SSO systems, and directories. Note common pain points such as frequent password resets, account lockouts, or integration gaps. This gives you a baseline for what must improve.

Define security and compliance requirements

Set requirements based on risk assessments and regulations. Ensure solutions provide the right authentication strength, audit trails, and reporting for current and future compliance needs.

Evaluate integration capabilities

Evaluate how well the platform connects with your apps and infrastructure. Look for support of standard protocols and strong APIs. The best solutions bridge both legacy systems and modern cloud environments.

Consider user experience and adoption

Adoption depends on simplicity. Choose authentication methods users will accept, like biometrics, passkeys, or push approvals. Plan training and consider a gradual rollout to reduce disruption.

Review vendor security and certifications

Investigate the vendor’s security track record, certifications (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA), and approach to incident handling. Favor vendors that are transparent and active in the security community.

Analyze total cost of ownership

Look beyond licenses. Factor in deployment, training, and support, but also potential savings from fewer help desk tickets and reduced breach risk. Consider scalability costs as your organization grows.

Test proof of concepts and pilots

Test shortlisted platforms with a small set of users and apps. Gather feedback on usability, performance, and integration challenges. Use these lessons to guide a smoother full rollout and determine the best way to implement passwordless authentication at scale.

Plan for scalability and growth

Select a solution that scales easily with more users, new apps, and global operations. Check the vendor’s roadmap to ensure alignment with emerging authentication standards and long-term security trends.

Secure your business with Rippling IT's passwordless authentication

Most authentication solutions treat identity as an isolated security problem, but the reality is that your biggest security risks — and opportunities — come from workforce changes. When someone gets promoted, transfers departments, or leaves the company, their access needs change immediately. Traditional systems leave dangerous gaps during these transitions.

Rippling IT's identity and access management platform solves this by treating your people's data as the foundation of authentication security. The platform doesn't just verify who's logging in; it understands why they should have access based on their current role, location, and employment status. When your sales manager moves from New York to London, Rippling IT automatically adjusts their geographic access policies. When a contractor becomes a full-time employee, their authentication requirements upgrade seamlessly.

This workforce-driven approach extends to everyday security decisions too. Rippling IT's behavioral detection doesn't just flag unusual login locations — it knows which travel patterns make sense for each employee. A salesperson flying between offices won't trigger alerts, but someone trying to access AWS from a country they've never been to will face additional verification steps.

With real-time visibility into authentication patterns across your entire workforce and automated compliance reporting that connects access events to actual business changes, security teams finally get the context they need to focus on real threats rather than administrative busywork. 

This isn't just passwordless authentication. It's authentication that actually understands your business.

FAQs on passwordless authentication solutions