Authy vs Proton Authenticator

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.

Proton Authenticator generates time-based one-time codes for two-factor authentication, adding a code at login to help secure accounts. It can display codes without an internet connection, and a Proton Account is not required to use it. Signing in is optional and enables code syncing across devices. Users can import codes from Google Authenticator, 2FAS, Aegis Authenticator, Bitwarden Authenticator, Ente Auth, and LastPass Authenticator, then export their codes from the app. Backups can be stored locally or in the cloud, with end-to-end encrypted sync between devices. Proton says its servers cannot access synced data in unencrypted form; when sync is on, entries are protected with 256-bit AES-GCM. The app is open source, and its vault can be unlocked with face or fingerprint recognition. It is available for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows; Android is also available through F-Droid. Proton Authenticator is free on all listed platforms, with no ads or tracking.