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Head-to-head · Authenticator Apps

Microsoft Authenticator vs Yubico Authenticator

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 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
Yubico Authenticator #6 in Authenticator Apps 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Yubico

Microsoft Authenticator leads on 1 check, Yubico Authenticator on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 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 featuresMicrosoft Authenticator · 1 of 4

Microsoft Authenticator scores higher on our rubric for authenticator apps: 9.0 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #6.

On code type, Yubico Authenticator gives you Totp and hotp where Microsoft Authenticator offers Totp. Microsoft Authenticator offers push approvals; Yubico Authenticator doesn't.

Microsoft Authenticator is the better fit for microsoft users wanting push and passwordless sign-in. Yubico Authenticator is the better fit for yubiKey owners storing codes in hardware.

  • Microsoft Authenticator fits best

    Microsoft users wanting push and passwordless sign-in

  • Yubico Authenticator fits best

    YubiKey owners storing codes in hardware

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Side by side

Feature Microsoft Authenticator 9.0/10 Visit ↗ Yubico Authenticator 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.8
Ranking #4 in Authenticator Apps #6 in Authenticator Apps
Best for Microsoft users wanting push and passwordless sign-in YubiKey owners storing codes in hardware
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Mobile Desktop, Mobile
Platforms iOS, Android Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Docs Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Microsoft Authenticator 1/4 · Yubico Authenticator 0/4
Push approvals ✓ (best) —
Encrypted backup Not checked yet —
Multi-device sync — —
Team administration Not checked yet —
Specs
Code type Totp Totp and hotp
Supported platforms iOS, Android Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS/iPadOS, Android
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
  • Stores TOTP and HOTP credentials in the YubiKey secure element
  • Manages passkeys, PIV credentials, OTP slots, and fingerprints
  • Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS/iPadOS, and Android
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
  • Requires a compatible YubiKey and is not a standalone authenticator
  • Does not provide encrypted backup or multi-device synchronization
  • Credentials are not extractable from the hardware key
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 →

Yubico Authenticator is a companion app for YubiKey security keys, designed for people who want one-time password credentials stored on dedicated hardware. It generates OATH TOTP and HOTP codes, adds accounts by QR code or manual entry,…

Read the review →
  1. Microsoft AuthenticatorAuthenticator Apps 9.0Free plan
  2. Yubico AuthenticatorAuthenticator Apps 8.8Free 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

  • Yubico Authenticator — where it wins

    • Stores TOTP and HOTP credentials in the YubiKey secure element
    • Manages passkeys, PIV credentials, OTP slots, and fingerprints
    • Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS/iPadOS, and Android

    Where it doesn't

    • Requires a compatible YubiKey and is not a standalone authenticator
    • Does not provide encrypted backup or multi-device synchronization
    • Credentials are not extractable from the hardware key
  • Microsoft Authenticator9.0/10 · Free plan

    A focused free authenticator for Microsoft accounts and compatible third-party services.

    Visit MicrosoftFull verdict →
  • Yubico Authenticator8.8/10 · Free plan

    A free, open-source companion for storing TOTP and HOTP codes on a YubiKey.

    Visit YubicoFull verdict →

More comparisons

All authenticator apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update