Duo Mobile vs Proton Authenticator

Duo Mobile provides two-factor and multi-factor authentication for company and personal data on iOS and Android phones and tablets. Users can approve or deny sign-ins with Duo Push, or enter time-based passcodes generated by the app. It also supports third-party TOTP accounts, biometrics, and passcodes. Duo Restore backs up and restores Duo-protected accounts when a user changes devices, and Security Checkup provides a mobile-device security score through app notifications. For organizations, Duo connects with legacy infrastructure, custom apps, VPNs, SaaS tools, and offline devices. Integration methods include RADIUS, SAML/OIDC, Duo Authentication Proxy, and direct API connections. Adaptive policies can consider user role, location, application, network, and device health. Duo says it keeps private keys on users’ devices in a tamper-proof secure element and does not store passwords. The free plan covers 10 users; paid plans start at $3.00 per month, and a 30-day trial is listed. End users needing enrollment or troubleshooting help are directed to their organization’s Duo administrator.

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.