Head-to-head · Authenticator Apps
Authy vs Microsoft Authenticator
Authy leads on 1 check, Microsoft Authenticator on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreAuthy · 9.1/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresAuthy · 2 of 4
Authy scores higher on our rubric for authenticator apps: 9.1 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #4.
Authy offers multi-device sync; Microsoft Authenticator doesn't.
Authy is the better fit for mobile users needing multi-device token sync. Microsoft Authenticator is the better fit for microsoft users wanting push and passwordless sign-in.
- Authy fits best
Mobile users needing multi-device token sync
- Microsoft Authenticator fits best
Microsoft users wanting push and passwordless sign-in
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Side by side
| Feature | Authy 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | Microsoft Authenticator 9.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 9.0 |
| Ranking | #3 in Authenticator Apps | #4 in Authenticator Apps |
| Best for | Mobile users needing multi-device token sync | Microsoft users wanting push and passwordless sign-in |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Mobile | Mobile |
| Platforms | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Support | Tickets, Docs | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Authy 2/4 · Microsoft Authenticator 1/4 | ||
| Push approvals | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Encrypted backup | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Multi-device sync | ✓ (best) | — |
| Team administration | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Code type | Totp | Totp |
| Supported platforms | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Authy is a free two-factor authentication app for individuals who need time-based one-time passcodes across supported mobile devices. It adds accounts by scanning QR codes and generates TOTP codes offline, making it suitable for services… Read the review → |
Microsoft Authenticator is a free mobile app for signing in to Microsoft personal, work, school, and other accounts. Its core options include passwordless sign-in through approval notifications, multifactor authentication through push… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Authy — where it wins
- Generates TOTP codes offline, including after accounts are added by QR code
- Encrypted cloud backup and restore with synchronization across mobile devices
- PIN, password and biometric protection plus device management controls
Where it doesn't
- Supported product is focused on iOS and Android mobile apps
- Does not provide push approvals for account sign-ins
- No team administration features for managed organization use
Microsoft Authenticator — where it wins
- Push approvals support passwordless and multifactor sign-in
- Includes passkeys, TOTP codes, QR setup, and biometric verification
- Free on iOS and Android with backup for supported account data
Where it doesn't
- Available only on iOS and Android
- Backup and restore works between devices of the same type
- HOTP support is not available for Microsoft Entra ID
- Authy9.1/10 · Free plan
A focused free authenticator for mobile users who need synced TOTP tokens.
Visit AuthyFull verdict → - Microsoft Authenticator9.0/10 · Free plan
A focused free authenticator for Microsoft accounts and compatible third-party services.
Visit MicrosoftFull verdict →
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All authenticator apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update





