Best 10 multi-factor authentication (MFA) providers for 2025

As cyber threats continue to evolve, businesses of all sizes are recognizing that passwords alone just don't cut it anymore. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) has become one of the most practical ways to protect your company's digital assets without making life miserable for your employees.

In this article, I'll walk you through what MFA is, how it works, and my picks for the top 10 providers in the market right now.

What is multi-factor authentication (MFA) and how does it work?

Multi-factor authentication is a security mechanism that requires users to provide two or more pieces of evidence to verify their identity before granting access to a system or application. By requiring multiple forms of identification, MFA makes it significantly harder for unauthorized individuals to gain access, even if they manage to compromise one of the factors.

MFA is sometimes referred to as two-factor authentication (2FA), though they're not exactly the same. While 2FA specifically requires two factors, MFA can involve two or more factors. This distinction matters because MFA offers the flexibility to use additional layers of security beyond just two factors when needed.

Here's a simple scenario: Imagine you're trying to access your company's financial records stored in a cloud-based application. With MFA enabled, you'll first enter your username and password as usual. However, instead of immediately gaining access, you'll be prompted to provide an additional form of identification. This could be a code sent to your smartphone, a fingerprint scan, or even a physical security key. Only after successfully presenting this second piece of evidence will you be allowed to view the financial records.

Types of multi-factor authentication (MFA)

There are several types of MFA, each relying on different factors to verify a user's identity:

• Knowledge-based authentication: This type of MFA relies on something you know, such as a password, PIN, or the answer to a security question.

• Possession-based authentication: This factor involves something you have, like a smartphone, physical security key, or smart card.

• Inherence-based authentication: Also known as biometric authentication, this type uses something you are, such as your fingerprint, facial recognition, or iris scan.

• Location-based authentication: This type of MFA considers the user's physical location when granting access. For example, an employee might only be allowed to access certain resources when connected to the company's secure Wi-Fi network.

End weak authentication for good

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Quick comparison: Best MFA providers at a glance

Methodology: How I chose the best MFA providers

When evaluating MFA solutions for this list, I looked at several key factors to ensure these recommendations would actually help you make a decision:

• Product capabilities: I examined each platform's authentication methods, integration options, and unique features. I prioritized providers that offer flexibility in how users authenticate and make it easy to integrate with existing tech stacks.

• Pricing transparency: I researched publicly available pricing information and, where possible, contacted vendors to understand their pricing models. Some providers are more transparent than others, which I've noted in the reviews.

• User experience: MFA should enhance security without creating friction. I considered how intuitive each solution is for both end users and administrators, looking at factors like enrollment processes, authentication speed, and management interfaces.

• Scalability: Your business will change, so I evaluated how well each solution can grow with you, whether that means adding users, integrating new applications, or adjusting security policies.

• Vendor reputation: Finally, I reviewed customer feedback, analyst reports, and market positioning to gauge reliability and support quality.

Rippling editorial policy: Rippling puts our customers (and prospective customers!) first. The Rippling team is committed to providing information supported by product data, insights, and customer feedback to inform our content.

Deep dive: My full review of each MFA provider

1. Rippling

Rippling IT offers an exceptional approach to MFA by integrating it directly into a unified platform that manages HR, IT, and Finance. This isn't just another standalone security tool; it's part of a comprehensive workforce management system that lets you automate security policies based on employee data.

Why it stands out: Rippling truly shines in how it connects MFA to your broader IT and HR operations. Through its partnership with Yubico, you can automate YubiKey purchases and distribution directly within the platform. 

Features like Supergroups and Workflow Studio allow for granular control and automation of security policies. The platform also leverages HR data for behavioral detection, adding an extra security layer not commonly found in other MFA solutions. Since Rippling knows details about your employees, it can flag unusual login behavior more accurately.

RPass, Rippling's built-in password manager, provides centralized, secure, one-click access to all applications, making it incredibly convenient for users while maintaining strong security.

Where it falls short: The breadth of features means there's a learning curve to get the most value from Rippling. Organizations coming from standalone MFA tools will need time to understand how access management, device management, and other modules connect with authentication. Implementation support is however available to help navigate this.

Is it right for you? Rippling is ideal if you're looking for a unified platform that combines MFA with employee lifecycle management, IT administration, and finance tools. It's particularly valuable for growing companies that want to automate security policies as they scale, or organizations that want their security measures to be tightly integrated with HR data.

Feature snapshot

Take the pain out of MFA with seamless logins

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2. Okta Adaptive MFA

Okta Adaptive MFA is a solution that secures access to applications and data across cloud, on-premises, and mobile environments. By leveraging a risk-based approach and analyzing user and device context, Okta dynamically adjusts authentication requirements to balance security with usability.

Why it stands out: Okta's integration ecosystem includes thousands of pre-built connections to web apps through standard protocols and APIs, allowing organizations to deploy MFA across their tech stack without extensive custom development. 

Where it falls short: Okta can be complex to configure initially, particularly if you want to take full advantage of its adaptive policies and extensive integration options. Smaller organizations without dedicated IT security staff might find the learning curve steep. And while Okta offers multiple pricing tiers, valuable features (like Adaptive MFA) sit in the higher-priced Essentials tier at $17 per user per month, which can add up quickly.

Is it right for you? Okta Adaptive MFA is suited for medium to large enterprises that need to secure access across a wide range of applications and have the resources to manage a sophisticated identity platform. 

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3. Cisco Duo

Cisco Duo provides MFA that protects access to applications and data across various environments with an emphasis on simplicity and user experience. It offers authentication methods including push notifications, biometrics, tokens, and passcodes, ensuring flexibility without sacrificing security.

Why it stands out: The Duo Mobile app provides a user-friendly authentication experience. When a Duo Push notification appears, users can approve to confirm their identity or deny to block an unfamiliar attempt. This approach reduces friction during logins and helps users maintain strong security.

Where it falls short: While Duo is excellent at core MFA functionality, it doesn't offer the same depth of identity management features as platforms like Rippling or Microsoft Entra ID. If you need advanced identity governance, lifecycle management, or privileged access management, you'll need to supplement Duo with additional tools.

Is it right for you? Cisco Duo is ideal for organizations that prioritize ease of use and want to deploy MFA quickly without a lot of complexity. It's suited for small to medium-sized businesses that need strong authentication but don't require comprehensive identity management features.

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4. Microsoft Entra ID

Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) offers a comprehensive identity and access management solution that includes MFA capabilities. As part of the Microsoft Entra family of products, it provides a wide range of user authentication methods and features to secure access across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments.

Why it stands out: If your organization is already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, Entra ID is a natural choice. The deep integration with Microsoft 365, Azure, and other Microsoft services means you can implement MFA with minimal friction. Features like single sign-on (SSO) and self-service capabilities (password reset, account unlocking) are built in.

Where it falls short: Many of Entra ID’s strongest features, like risk-based conditional access, require higher-tier licenses. Pricing can be steep for smaller budgets, and setup is often complex, especially when configuring or integrating non-Microsoft applications. Organizations without experienced IT staff may face a noticeable learning curve.

Is it right for you? Microsoft Entra ID makes the most sense if you're already using Microsoft 365, Azure, or other Microsoft services extensively. The native integration and shared licensing can make it cost-effective compared to adding a third-party MFA solution.

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5. Google Authenticator

Google Authenticator is a software-based authenticator app developed by Google that implements two-factor authentication services using time-based one-time password (TOTP) and HMAC-based one-time password (HOTP) algorithms. It adds an extra layer of security to user accounts by requiring a second form of verification beyond the account password.

Why it stands out: Google Authenticator's main strength is its simplicity and ubiquity. It's completely free, easy to set up, and works with a wide range of services beyond just Google products. The app generates six- to eight-digit one-time passwords for any 2FA-enabled account. The app also works offline, which means you can access verification codes even without a network or cellular connection. 

Where it falls short: Google Authenticator is just an app, not a comprehensive MFA solution for businesses. It doesn't offer centralized management, policy enforcement, or integration with identity platforms. This makes it suitable for personal use or very small businesses, but inadequate for organizations that need to manage MFA at scale.

Is it right for you? Google Authenticator is suitable for individuals or very small businesses that need basic 2FA for personal accounts or a handful of services. It's a good choice if you want something free, simple, and widely compatible.

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6. Authy

Authy is a popular 2FA app developed by Twilio that offers a user-friendly and secure way to protect online accounts from unauthorized access. It provides a set of features that make it appealing for users who need reliable 2FA across multiple devices.

Why it stands out: Authy's standout feature is multi-device sync with secure cloud backups. Unlike some authenticator apps, Authy lets you access your 2FA tokens across multiple devices. This can be convenient and prevents the nightmare scenario of losing your phone and being locked out of all your accounts. 

Where it falls short: Like Google Authenticator, Authy is primarily a consumer-focused app rather than an enterprise MFA solution. It lacks centralized management capabilities, policy enforcement, and integration with business identity platforms. While Authy is free for end users, developers implementing Authy for business applications face usage-based costs. 

Is it right for you? Authy is well-suited for individuals and small teams who want a step up from Google Authenticator, particularly if you value multi-device sync and secure backup capabilities.

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7. LastPass

LastPass is a password management and authentication solution that offers MFA capabilities integrated with password management. With LastPass MFA, businesses can implement a strong authentication system that goes beyond traditional 2FA while also managing passwords centrally.

Why it stands out: LastPass's primary advantage is the combination of password management and MFA in a single platform. This integration creates a streamlined experience where users can store passwords, autofill credentials, and authenticate with multiple factors all within one ecosystem.

Where it falls short: LastPass has experienced security incidents in the past (notably a breach in 2022), which has made some security-conscious organizations hesitant to trust it with sensitive credentials. While the company has invested heavily in improving security since then, this history is a consideration.

Is it right for you? LastPass may suit small to mid-sized businesses that need a straightforward way to combine everyday password use with stronger authentication.

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8. IBM Verify

IBM Verify is an identity and access management solution that provides advanced MFA and passwordless authentication capabilities. It integrates seamlessly with IBM's suite of security products and offers a range of features to secure access across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments.

Why it stands out: IBM Verify offers a wide array of MFA methods, including the IBM Verify app, authenticator apps, TOTP, email and SMS OTPs, and voice callbacks.  Integration with IBM Security Verify Bridge for Directory Sync extends MFA protection to users defined in external LDAP directories like Active Directory.

Where it falls short: IBM Verify works better when used as part of IBM's broader security ecosystem. If you're not already using other IBM security products, you might not get as much value from the integrations and synergies the platform offers. Also, the pricing model based on "resource units" can be confusing compared to straightforward per-user-per-month pricing from other vendors. 

Is it right for you? IBM Verify is best suited for large enterprises, particularly those already using IBM security products or those with complex identity requirements like LDAP directory integration.

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9. Auth0

Auth0 is an MFA solution that's particularly well-suited for developers building custom applications. The platform's adaptive MFA feature leverages advanced risk assessments to determine the appropriate level of authentication required for each login attempt.

Why it stands out: Auth0's adaptive MFA feature calculates an overall confidence score based on risk assessments like new device detection, impossible travel scenarios, and untrusted IP addresses. The platform also provides granular control over MFA policies through customization via Auth0 Actions.

Where it falls short: Auth0 is developer-focused, which means non-technical administrators might find it more complex to configure than solutions with more user-friendly interfaces.

Is it right for you? Auth0 is ideal for organizations with development resources that are building custom applications and need fine-grained control over authentication flows.

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10. Ping Identity

Ping Identity offers MFA solutions as part of its comprehensive identity management platform. Their offerings include PingOne MFA for customers and PingID for employees and partners, providing adaptive and risk-based authentication to balance security and user experience.

Why it stands out: Ping Identity's strength lies in its specialized solutions for different user populations. PingOne for Workforce is designed specifically for employees and partners, while PingOne for Customers is built for customer identity use cases with different pricing structures.

Where it falls short: Ping Identity's workforce pricing is straightforward ($3 per user per month for Essential, $6 for Plus), but customer identity pricing requires annual contracts starting at $35,000. This high entry point makes it inaccessible for smaller organizations or those just starting with customer identity management. Additionally, the platform can be complex to implement and may require professional services or dedicated IT resources to deploy effectively. 

Is it right for you? Ping Identity makes sense for larger organizations that need separate, specialized solutions for workforce identity and customer identity. If you're building customer-facing applications at scale or need sophisticated identity orchestration across multiple vendors, Ping's capabilities justify the investment.

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How to choose the best multi-factor authentication (MFA) software

Selecting the right MFA solution for your organization requires evaluating several key factors:

User-friendly interface

An MFA solution with a user-friendly interface greatly improves adoption and reduces unnecessary friction for employees. Look for providers that offer intuitive enrollment processes, clear prompts, and easy-to-use authentication methods. A positive user experience ensures that MFA becomes a seamless part of your employees' daily routines rather than a frustrating hurdle.

Prebuilt APIs and integrations

Look for an MFA solution that offers prebuilt APIs and integrations with the applications and services your business already uses. This makes implementation much smoother and ensures compatibility across your tech stack.

Scalability and flexibility

As your business grows and evolves, your MFA solution should be able to scale and adapt accordingly. Choose a provider that offers the flexibility to accommodate changes in your workforce, such as adding new employees, modifying access policies, or integrating with new applications.

Cloud-based MFA

Cloud-based MFA solutions offer several advantages over on-premises alternatives, including easier scalability, automatic updates, and reduced maintenance requirements. They also allow for greater flexibility, enabling employees to securely access company resources from anywhere with an internet connection.

Multiple authentication methods

Not all authentication methods are equally convenient or secure. Some users may prefer the simplicity of SMS-based codes, while others prioritize the added security of hardware tokens. The best MFA solutions offer a range of authentication options to cater to different preferences and security needs.

Consider a scenario where a sales representative is traveling abroad and loses their smartphone. If the MFA software only supports SMS-based authentication, the representative would be locked out of critical applications. However, if the solution also offers email-based codes or backup codes, they could still maintain access until a replacement phone arrives.

Ensure your workforce security with Rippling’s MFA

Rippling IT is part of an all-in-one workforce management platform that combines HR, IT, and Finance tools, including robust identity and access management features. If you only need IT solutions without the full platform, Rippling IT works standalone while still leveraging native employee and device data for powerful automation. 

Rippling supports various MFA methods, including:

1. YubiKeys: Rippling has partnered with Yubico to enable customers using Rippling App Management to automate the purchase and shipment of YubiKey security keys. Admins can create their own account using the YubiKey Ordering app, choose which employees automatically get a YubiKey, the type of YubiKey they will get, and manage billing directly in Rippling.

2. Passkeys: Passkeys are a secure and user-friendly alternative to passwords. They allow employees to authenticate using biometric data (like a fingerprint or facial recognition) or a PIN, eliminating the need to remember complex passwords.

3. Authenticator apps: Rippling integrates with popular authenticator apps such as Okta, Google Authenticator, and Duo. These apps generate TOTP that employees must enter alongside their username and password to gain access.

Rippling's Supergroups feature allows admins to create dynamic groups of employees based on attributes like department, location, tenure, and more. This enables the creation of granular, configurable security policies that automatically assign the appropriate MFA method to each employee.

Additionally, Rippling's Workflow Studio can be used to build powerful automations that monitor and control YubiKey usage across the team. For example, a workflow can be set up to notify an employee and their manager if a YubiKey was delivered more than 3 days ago but is not being used as the employee's MFA method.

By offering multiple authentication options and advanced management features, Rippling ensures that your MFA policies can adapt to the needs of your workforce without compromising security.

Frequently asked questions