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Head-to-head · Authenticator Apps

Proton Authenticator vs Microsoft Authenticator

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 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
Microsoft Authenticator #4 in Authenticator Apps 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Microsoft

Proton Authenticator 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 scoreProton Authenticator · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresProton Authenticator · 2 of 4

Proton Authenticator scores higher on our rubric for authenticator apps: 9.4 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.

Proton Authenticator offers multi-device sync; Microsoft Authenticator doesn't.

Proton Authenticator is the better fit for users wanting a mature free cross-platform option. Microsoft Authenticator is the better fit for microsoft users wanting push and passwordless sign-in.

  • Proton Authenticator fits best

    Users wanting a mature free cross-platform option

  • Microsoft Authenticator fits best

    Microsoft users wanting push and passwordless sign-in

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 ↗ Microsoft Authenticator 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 9.0
Ranking #1 in Authenticator Apps #4 in Authenticator Apps
Best for Users wanting a mature free cross-platform option Microsoft users wanting push and passwordless sign-in
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Mobile
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android iOS, Android
Support Live chat, Tickets, Docs Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Proton Authenticator 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, 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
  • 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
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
  • 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
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 →

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 →
  1. Proton AuthenticatorAuthenticator Apps 9.4Free plan
  2. Microsoft AuthenticatorAuthenticator Apps 9.0Free 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

  • 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
  • Proton Authenticator9.4/10 · Free plan

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

    Visit ProtonFull verdict →
  • Microsoft Authenticator9.0/10 · Free plan

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

    Visit MicrosoftFull 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