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Head-to-head · Authenticator Apps

Yubico Authenticator vs Salesforce Authenticator

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Yubico Authenticator #6 in Authenticator Apps 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Yubico
Salesforce Authenticator #12 in Authenticator Apps 8.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit Salesforce

Yubico Authenticator leads on 0 checks, Salesforce Authenticator on 3, and 2 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 scoreYubico Authenticator · 8.8/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresSalesforce Authenticator · 3 of 4

Yubico Authenticator scores higher on our rubric for authenticator apps: 8.8 against 8.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #12.

On code type, Yubico Authenticator gives you Totp and hotp where Salesforce Authenticator offers Totp. Salesforce Authenticator offers push approvals; Yubico Authenticator doesn't. Salesforce Authenticator offers encrypted backup; Yubico Authenticator doesn't. Salesforce Authenticator offers team administration; Yubico Authenticator doesn't.

Yubico Authenticator is the better fit for yubiKey owners storing codes in hardware. Salesforce Authenticator is the better fit for salesforce organizations needing managed MFA.

  • Yubico Authenticator fits best

    YubiKey owners storing codes in hardware

  • Salesforce Authenticator fits best

    Salesforce organizations needing managed MFA

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 Yubico Authenticator 8.8/10 Visit ↗ Salesforce Authenticator 8.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.1
Ranking #6 in Authenticator Apps #12 in Authenticator Apps
Best for YubiKey owners storing codes in hardware Salesforce organizations needing managed MFA
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Mobile
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android iOS, Android
Support Docs Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Yubico Authenticator 0/4 · Salesforce Authenticator 3/4
Push approvals — ✓ (best)
Encrypted backup — ✓ (best)
Multi-device sync — Not checked yet
Team administration — ✓ (best)
Specs
Code type Totp and hotp Totp
Supported platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS/iPadOS, Android iOS, Android
Our review
Pros
  • 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
  • Push approvals and offline TOTP codes support flexible sign-in verification.
  • Permission-set deployment gives Salesforce administrators organization-level control.
  • Encrypted transfer, location automation, and activity history extend account management.
Cons
  • 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
  • Backup and transfer require at least one connected Salesforce ecosystem account.
  • Support is limited to iOS and Android devices.
  • The documentation describes transfer rather than continuous multi-device synchronization.
Our verdict

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 →

Salesforce Authenticator is a free mobile multi-factor authentication app for Salesforce users and other online accounts that support time-based one-time passcodes. It supports iOS and Android, combining push notifications for approving or…

Read the review →
  1. Yubico AuthenticatorAuthenticator Apps 8.8Free plan
  2. Salesforce AuthenticatorAuthenticator Apps 8.1Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • 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

  • Salesforce Authenticator — where it wins

    • Push approvals and offline TOTP codes support flexible sign-in verification.
    • Permission-set deployment gives Salesforce administrators organization-level control.
    • Encrypted transfer, location automation, and activity history extend account management.

    Where it doesn't

    • Backup and transfer require at least one connected Salesforce ecosystem account.
    • Support is limited to iOS and Android devices.
    • The documentation describes transfer rather than continuous multi-device synchronization.
  • Yubico Authenticator8.8/10 · Free plan

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

    Visit YubicoFull verdict →
  • Salesforce Authenticator8.1/10 · Free plan

    A free mobile authenticator built for managed MFA across Salesforce organizations.

    Visit SalesforceFull 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