Best Authenticator Apps (2026): 10 Apps Compared

A password on its own isn't much protection once it's leaked, reused or guessed. A second step, usually a short code from an app on your phone, makes it far harder for a stranger to walk into your email, your bank or your business accounts. The catch is that the code app you choose becomes the key to everything, so it's worth a little thought.

Here's a list of ten authenticator apps, in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. Three are familiar names and the rest are smaller or more specialised. I've taken every description from each app's own website and store listing, so check the current details on each before you move your accounts over. If your passwords need a refresh at the same time, my free password generator is a handy place to start.

Authenticator apps compared at a glance

In the free plan column, Yes means the app's own site or store listing describes it as free to download and use, or as free open-source software. Some makers also sell other products, so check what is included before you rely on any extra feature such as syncing.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
2FAS	Open-source authenticator	Local-first codes without an account	Yes
Aegis Authenticator	Open-source Android app	Encrypted vault and easy imports	Yes
Authy	Code app	Familiar codes from a long-standing app	Yes
Bitwarden Authenticator	Standalone code app	Simple codes, no account needed	Yes
Ente Auth	Open-source authenticator	Encrypted backups across devices	Yes
Google Authenticator	Synced code app	Codes synced to a Google Account	Yes
Microsoft Authenticator	Sign-in app	Work, school and personal sign-ins	Yes
Proton Authenticator	Open-source authenticator	Phones, tablets and desktops	Yes
Stratum	Open-source Android app	Encrypted backups and categories	Yes
Tofu	Open-source iOS app	Simple codes on iPhone	Yes

Ten authenticator apps for everyday accounts

2FAS

Best for: People who'd like their codes kept on their own phone, with no account needed to start.

Aegis Authenticator

Best for: Android owners who want an open-source app that can import codes from several other authenticator apps.

Authy

Best for: Owners who already use it and want to check that it still suits the way they work.

Bitwarden Authenticator

Best for: Anyone who wants a plain authenticator app from a password manager maker, without signing up.

Ente Auth

Best for: People who want codes backed up and synced across phone and computer, with the option to skip an account.

Google Authenticator

Best for: Owners who live in Google's apps and want codes available on more than one device.

Microsoft Authenticator

Best for: Teams already using Microsoft accounts who want one app for approvals and codes.

Proton Authenticator

Best for: People who want open-source codes on several devices, with optional encrypted sync.

Stratum

Best for: Android users who like tidy categories, custom icons and encrypted backups in a free open-source app.

Tofu

Best for: iPhone owners who want a small, open-source app that works offline and stores secrets in the keychain.

What to look for in an authenticator app

Most of these apps produce the same kind of six-digit code, so the real differences are in backups, device support and how much you have to trust the maker.

• Backup and recovery. This matters most. If your phone is lost or broken, can you get your codes back, and how?
• Syncing. Some apps keep codes on one phone only, which is private but risky. Others sync them, which is handier but means your codes sit with the maker.
• Devices. Check the app runs on your phone, and on a computer or tablet if you want a spare copy.
• Importing. If you're moving from another app, see whether it can bring your accounts across in one go.
• Open source. Some makers publish their code so others can review it. That's reassuring for some people, though it's not a guarantee of anything.
• Screen lock. Look for a passcode or fingerprint lock on the app itself, in case someone picks up your unlocked phone.

Standalone or built into a password manager?

Some authenticator apps do one thing, while others sit inside a larger set of tools. A standalone app keeps your codes apart from your passwords, which means one stolen login doesn't open both doors. A bundled option is more convenient because it can fill in the code for you. Neither is wrong, and the right choice depends on how you work and how much convenience you want to trade for separation.

If you manage accounts for a team, think about who needs access and what happens when someone leaves. My guide to recovering a hacked Instagram account shows how painful things get when the second step is missing or out of reach.

Keeping your authenticator codes safe

• Never read a one-time code out to anyone, even someone who says they're from the company. Real support teams don't ask for them.
• Save the backup or recovery codes each service gives you, and keep them somewhere safe and separate from your phone.
• Before you switch phones, move your accounts across while the old phone still works.
• Work out what happens if you lose your phone. Can you sign in another way, and have you tested it?
• Turn on a screen lock for the app and for the phone.

This is general information, not security or legal advice, so check each service's own guidance for your situation. For another practical example, my privacy audit for an X account walks through account settings worth reviewing.

Questions to ask before you move your accounts

• Can I back up my codes, and where do the backups live?
• If I lose my phone tomorrow, how do I get back into my accounts?
• Does the app work on every device I use?
• Can I export my accounts later if I want to switch?
• Does it need an account of its own, and do I want one?
• Does it ask for permissions that seem unrelated to making codes?

Why a smaller authenticator app can be a smart pick

Smaller apps often do a few things well, such as keeping codes private, exporting them cleanly or running on an unusual device. Some are open source, and some are made by small teams who answer questions quickly. Before you commit, check when the app was last updated, read how it handles backups and keep a recovery route that doesn't depend on it.

Do you make an authenticator or sign-in security app? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

Trying out your shortlist of authenticator apps

Pick two and add a low-stakes account to each, such as a forum login, before you move anything important. Try the backup and restore routine on a second device. Keep the one that makes recovery clearest, and only then move your work accounts over.

Frequently asked questions

What is an authenticator app?

It's an app that makes short, time-limited codes you type in as a second step when you sign in. It adds protection to your password, because a stranger would also need your phone.

Is an authenticator app safer than text message codes?

Many security guides say app codes are harder to intercept than texts, but both are better than a password alone. Check the advice from each service for your own accounts.

What happens if I lose my phone?

You'll need your backup or recovery codes, a synced copy of your codes or another sign-in method. Set this up before you need it, and test it.

Can I use one authenticator app for many accounts?

Yes, most apps hold codes for as many accounts as you add. Some services also offer other second steps, so check what each one supports.

Should I share my one-time codes with support staff?

No. Treat every code as private and never read one out, even to someone who says they're from a company you use.

Can I move my codes to a new app?

Often, yes, but it depends on both apps. Some can import from others, while some services need you to set up the second step again. Move accounts one at a time while the old app still works.