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Head-to-head · Authenticator Apps

Microsoft Authenticator vs Ente Auth

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Microsoft Authenticator #4 in Authenticator Apps 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Microsoft
Ente Auth #8 in Authenticator Apps 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 4 features Visit Ente Auth

Microsoft Authenticator leads on 0 checks, Ente Auth on 1, 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 scoreMicrosoft Authenticator · 9.0/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresEnte Auth · 2 of 4

Microsoft Authenticator scores higher on our rubric for authenticator apps: 9.0 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #8.

On code type, Ente Auth gives you Totp and hotp where Microsoft Authenticator offers Totp. Ente Auth offers multi-device sync; Microsoft Authenticator doesn't.

Microsoft Authenticator is the better fit for microsoft users wanting push and passwordless sign-in. Ente Auth is the better fit for most users needing a full-featured free authenticator.

  • Microsoft Authenticator fits best

    Microsoft users wanting push and passwordless sign-in

  • Ente Auth fits best

    Most users needing a full-featured free authenticator

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Microsoft Authenticator 9.0/10 Visit ↗ Ente Auth 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.6
Ranking #4 in Authenticator Apps #8 in Authenticator Apps
Best for Microsoft users wanting push and passwordless sign-in Most users needing a full-featured free authenticator
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Mobile Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Docs Email, Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Microsoft Authenticator 1/4 · Ente Auth 2/4
Push approvals ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Encrypted backup Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Multi-device sync — ✓ (best)
Team administration Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Code type Totp Totp and hotp
Supported platforms iOS, Android iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, Windows, web
Our review
Pros
  • 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
  • Free TOTP and HOTP authentication across mobile, desktop, and web
  • End-to-end encrypted backups with cross-device synchronization
  • Imports, exports, search, tags, notes, sharing, and offline access
Cons
  • 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
  • Focused on authentication codes rather than push approvals
  • No documented team administration features
  • Offline use without an account does not provide cross-device synchronization
Our verdict

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 →

Ente Auth is a free, open-source authenticator for storing and generating TOTP and HOTP two-factor authentication codes. It is designed for individuals who want access across devices without giving up offline use or encrypted backups. The…

Read the review →
  1. Microsoft AuthenticatorAuthenticator Apps 9.0Free plan
  2. Ente AuthAuthenticator Apps 8.6Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • 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

  • Ente Auth — where it wins

    • Free TOTP and HOTP authentication across mobile, desktop, and web
    • End-to-end encrypted backups with cross-device synchronization
    • Imports, exports, search, tags, notes, sharing, and offline access

    Where it doesn't

    • Focused on authentication codes rather than push approvals
    • No documented team administration features
    • Offline use without an account does not provide cross-device synchronization

More comparisons

All authenticator apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update