Authy vs HYPR Authenticate

Authy is a free two-factor authentication app for Android and iOS that generates TOTP codes for online accounts. Users can scan QR codes from services including Facebook, Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Dropbox, then access tokens on a phone, tablet or Apple Watch. Codes are generated on the device, so a phone does not need an internet connection to access secured websites. Authy supports encrypted backups and synchronization across multiple devices. Access to tokens can be protected with Touch ID, a PIN or a password. New devices can be added through SMS, voice or approval from an existing device; users can also rename or remove lost or stolen devices and disable future app installations. Authy says it encrypts authentication data and cloud backups without retaining users’ backup passwords. That means a forgotten backup password cannot be recovered through Authy. Its listed free plan costs nothing and includes two-factor authentication, encrypted cloud backup and multi-device support.

HYPR Authenticate provides passwordless, phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication using passkeys. It turns a smartphone into a FIDO2 credential based on public-key cryptography, eliminating passwords and shared secrets. Users pair phones with computers by scanning a QR code, then approve access with biometrics or a decentralized PIN. Authentication covers desktops, virtual desktop infrastructure, web apps, single sign-on, VPN and RDP; an offline mode supports workstation access without internet connectivity. Multiple phones and computers can be paired, and Remote Lock lets users lock a workstation from a smartphone. Organizations can apply their own branding and connect identity providers such as Entra ID, Okta and Ping, as well as RADIUS infrastructure and SIEM platforms. The service supports iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux and web. Plans include Identity Assurance Access at $3 a month, Identity Assurance Plus at $6 a month and Identity Assurance Advanced at $9 a month, all billed monthly. A free plan, free trial and free pilot for up to 50 users are listed.