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Head-to-head · Authenticator Apps

Proton Authenticator vs Google Authenticator

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Proton Authenticator #1 in Authenticator Apps 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 4 features Visit Proton
Google Authenticator #2 in Authenticator Apps 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 4 features Visit site

Proton Authenticator leads on 0 checks, Google Authenticator on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreProton Authenticator · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth

Proton Authenticator scores higher on our rubric for authenticator apps: 9.4 against 9.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.

On code type, Google Authenticator gives you Totp and hotp where Proton Authenticator offers Totp.

Proton Authenticator is the better fit for users wanting a mature free cross-platform option. Google Authenticator is the better fit for users wanting a simple, established free option.

  • Proton Authenticator fits best

    Users wanting a mature free cross-platform option

  • Google Authenticator fits best

    Users wanting a simple, established free option

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 Proton Authenticator 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Google Authenticator 9.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 9.2
Ranking #1 in Authenticator Apps #2 in Authenticator Apps
Best for Users wanting a mature free cross-platform option Users wanting a simple, established free option
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Mobile
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Android, iOS
Support Live chat, Tickets, Docs Email, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Proton Authenticator 2/4 · Google Authenticator 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 and hotp
Supported platforms iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux Android, iOS
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 and HOTP codes without internet or cellular access
  • Encrypted synchronization across devices with Google Account support
  • QR-code setup and transfers simplify account migration
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
  • Works only with websites and apps that support authenticator codes
  • Requires device authentication to use Privacy Screen protection
  • QR transfers require access to both the source and destination devices
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 →

Google Authenticator is a free mobile app for generating one-time verification codes for websites and apps that support authenticator-based two-step verification. It supports time-based and counter-based codes, works offline, and is…

Read the review →
  1. Proton AuthenticatorAuthenticator Apps 9.4Free plan
  2. Google AuthenticatorAuthenticator Apps 9.2Free plan

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

  • Google Authenticator — where it wins

    • Generates TOTP and HOTP codes without internet or cellular access
    • Encrypted synchronization across devices with Google Account support
    • QR-code setup and transfers simplify account migration

    Where it doesn't

    • Works only with websites and apps that support authenticator codes
    • Requires device authentication to use Privacy Screen protection
    • QR transfers require access to both the source and destination devices
  • Proton Authenticator9.4/10 · Free plan

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

    Visit ProtonFull verdict →
  • Google Authenticator9.2/10 · Free plan

    A free, straightforward authenticator with offline codes, sync, and QR transfers.

    Visit siteFull 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