Authy vs WatchGuard AuthPoint

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.

WatchGuard AuthPoint is a cloud-based multi-factor authentication service that checks users before they access computers, VPNs, cloud services, and applications. Verification options include push notifications, one-time passcodes, QR codes, hardware tokens, and phishing-resistant FIDO2 passkeys. Access policies can consider device, location, behavior, time, and device DNA. An application portal provides access to SAML and OIDC apps, and WatchGuard lists more than 130 third-party integrations, including VPN, Microsoft Entra ID, and cloud applications. The service is managed through WatchGuard Cloud, which supports multi-tenant administration for service providers. An optional Gateway connects AuthPoint with RADIUS clients, Active Directory or LDAP, and the ADFS agent; it cannot be installed on Windows servers with FIPS mode enabled. AuthPoint is licensed per user, with pricing available from a WatchGuard reseller and no free plan. A 30-day trial for up to 250 users is listed. The mobile app supports Android 7.0 and higher and iOS 14.0 and higher.