Authy suits people who want a free two-factor app with secure cloud backup and support for more than one device. Google Authenticator suits people who already use a Google Account and want their codes synced across devices by signing in, with codes that still work offline. Both protect your accounts; pick the one whose backup you'll trust if you lose your phone.
Losing your phone is the moment you find out whether you chose the right authenticator. I read Authy's site and Google's help page for Google Authenticator, so the details below are theirs.
Authy and Google Authenticator compared
| Authy | Google Authenticator | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Authy | |
| Free | Yes, a free app | Yes, a free app |
| Backup | Secure cloud backup | Codes sync through your Google Account |
| More than one device | Multi-device support | Sync across all your devices when signed in |
| Works offline | Not stated on the page I read | Yes, codes work without internet or mobile service |
| Extras | Guides to set up 2FA on popular sites | Built into Google's 2-Step Verification setup |
What Authy offers
Authy is a two-factor authentication app, and its site asks you to download the free app to protect yourself from hackers and account takeovers. Its own summary is short: simple to set up, secure cloud backup and multi-device support.
The site also has guides for turning on two-factor authentication on popular sites, which helps if you're setting up 2FA for the first time and don't know where each service hides the setting.
What Google Authenticator offers
Google's help page says the Google Authenticator app generates one-time verification codes for any site or app that supports authenticator-app 2-Step Verification, including your Google Account. You can still generate codes without an internet connection or mobile service.
The newer feature is sync. Google says you can keep your codes synchronised across all your devices simply by signing in to your Google Account, so a new phone can pick up your codes. Google also notes that the old time correction setting is no longer available in version 7.
Backups decide this one
Here's the line worth remembering. If you've read that Google Authenticator has no backup, its help page says otherwise: your codes can sync through your Google Account. That closes much of the gap with Authy, whose pitch has long been secure cloud backup and multi-device support.
So the question is where you want your backup to live: with your Google Account, or with Authy. Either way, keep the backup codes each site gives you when you switch on 2FA, and store them somewhere safe away from your phone. A printed copy in a drawer works, and so does a note in your password manager. What matters is that you can reach them on a day when your phone is lost, broken or simply out of battery, because that's exactly the day you'll need them.
It's also worth knowing what an authenticator app protects you from. A code from either app means a stolen password alone isn't enough to get into your account, because the thief would also need your phone or your synced codes. That's why I'd switch it on for your email first, since your email is the key to resetting almost every other password you have.
Who each app suits
Authy suits people who want a separate 2FA app with its own cloud backup and who use several devices. Google Authenticator suits people who already rely on a Google Account and want their codes to follow them to a new phone. If you'd like to compare more options, here are the authenticator apps worth considering, and this guide shows where to find your Instagram backup codes.
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My advice on Authy or Google Authenticator
Pick one and switch on two-factor authentication for your email account today, because your email is the key that resets everything else. If you already use Google for email, Google Authenticator with sync turned on is the simplest route. If you'd rather keep your codes separate from your Google Account, use Authy. Then save each site's backup codes in your password manager so a lost phone never locks you out.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Google Authenticator back up codes?
Yes. Google says you can synchronise your verification codes across all your devices by signing in to your Google Account.
Does Authy have cloud backup?
Yes. Authy's site lists secure cloud backup and multi-device support.
Does Google Authenticator work offline?
Yes. Google says you can still generate codes without an internet connection or mobile service.
Is Authy free?
Yes. Authy's site invites you to download its free two-factor authentication app.
Which accounts should I protect with 2FA first?
Start with your email account, because it's used to reset passwords for most other accounts.
