Keyden review
A focused, free macOS OTP app with secure local storage and practical migration tools.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Keyden is a free, open-source authenticator for macOS that generates time-based one-time passwords from the menu bar. It suits Mac users who want a focused OTP tool with local encrypted storage, fast code copying, and a compact workflow. QR-code scanning simplifies account setup, while account pinning, reordering, and issuer grouping help keep larger token lists organized. The app also supports launch at login, a global keyboard shortcut, offline operation, and a command-line interface for scripts and automation.
Its strongest practical advantage is the combination of migration and organization features. Keyden can import accounts from Google Authenticator, supports token import and export, and offers one-click code copying. The menu bar interface keeps access close at hand, while the global hotkey provides another quick route to codes. For technical users, the CLI adds a way to work with the authenticator through scripts and automation. These capabilities give the product more flexibility than a minimal code viewer without changing its narrow TOTP focus.
Storage and synchronization are the main trade-offs to consider. TOTP secrets are stored in the encrypted macOS Keychain, and optional synchronization uses private GitHub Gists with local encryption. That design fits users already comfortable with GitHub and who want an option for moving data between Macs, but synchronization remains tied to that integration rather than a broader platform ecosystem. Keyden is a strong choice for Mac users seeking a free, open-source, menu bar-based OTP app with migration and CLI support. Users who need non-macOS clients or authentication beyond TOTP should choose a different authenticator.
Keyden pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free and open source with no paid tiers
- Encrypted macOS Keychain storage plus QR setup
- Migration, import/export, CLI, and account organization tools
- Where it doesn't
- Available only on macOS
- Supports TOTP rather than broader authentication methods
- Synchronization depends on private GitHub Gists
Keyden fact sheet, pricing and score →
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