Proton Authenticator vs Authy

Proton Authenticator9.4Visit Authy9.1Visit

Higher score Proton Authenticator #1 in Authenticator Apps 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 4 features Visit Proton

vs

Authy #3 in Authenticator Apps 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 4 features Visit Authy

• Proton Authenticator fits best

  Users wanting a mature free cross-platform option

• Authy fits best

  Mobile users needing multi-device token sync

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Side by side

Feature	Proton Authenticator 9.4/10 Visit ↗	Authy 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.4	9.1
Ranking	#1 in Authenticator Apps	#3 in Authenticator Apps
Best for	Users wanting a mature free cross-platform option	Mobile users needing multi-device token sync
Pricing model	Free	Free
Starting price	Free	Free
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile	Mobile
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	iOS, Android
Support	Live chat, Tickets, Docs	Tickets, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business
Features Proton Authenticator 2/4 · Authy 2/4
Push approvals	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Encrypted backup	✓	✓
Multi-device sync	✓	✓
Team administration	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Code type	Totp	Totp
Supported platforms	iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux	iOS, Android
Our review
Pros	Free on iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux End-to-end encrypted synchronization and encrypted backups Imports tokens and supports offline six-digit TOTP codes	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
Cons	Focused on time-based one-time passwords rather than broader authentication methods Cross-device synchronization requires signing in to a Proton Account Designed for individuals rather than broader organizational administration	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
Our verdict	Proton Authenticator is a free, open-source app for individuals who need to generate and manage two-factor authentication codes. It creates six-digit time-based one-time passwords and supports QR-code scanning or manual secret-key entry.… Read the review →	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 →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Proton Authenticator — where it wins

  • Free on iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux
  • End-to-end encrypted synchronization and encrypted backups
  • Imports tokens and supports offline six-digit TOTP codes

  Where it doesn't

  • Focused on time-based one-time passwords rather than broader authentication methods
  • Cross-device synchronization requires signing in to a Proton Account
  • Designed for individuals rather than broader organizational administration

• 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

• Proton Authenticator9.4/10 · Free plan

  A mature free option for secure 2FA codes across mobile and desktop platforms.

  Visit ProtonFull verdict →
• Authy9.1/10 · Free plan

  A focused free authenticator for mobile users who need synced TOTP tokens.

  Visit AuthyFull verdict →