OpenAuthenticator
OpenAuthenticator: A focused free desktop TOTP tool for local code generation. Ranked #108 of 111 in Authenticator Apps by our editors (3.0/10); pricing: Open source; best for desktop users wanting a minimal open-source OTP tool.
At a glance
- Editor score3.0 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forDesktop users wanting a minimal open-source OTP tool
- Paid fromFree
- Founded2021
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Free open-source desktop software for Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Generates and automatically refreshes TOTP codes
- Copies codes to the clipboard and supports local token storage
Where it doesn't
- No encryption for stored authenticator data
- No backups or synchronization across devices
- Supports TOTP only, not HOTP or broader platform coverage
Our verdict on OpenAuthenticator
OpenAuthenticator is a free, open-source desktop authenticator for individual users who want a straightforward way to generate time-based one-time passwords. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with core tools for adding and deleting authenticator tokens, generating TOTP codes, copying them to the clipboard, and automatically refreshing them. Service favicons provide a small visual aid for distinguishing accounts, while local token storage keeps the app focused on desktop use rather than account synchronization.
Its main strength is a narrow, practical feature set. The Electron-based application provides the essentials for managing TOTP tokens without extending into password management or broader authentication workflows. Cross-platform desktop packaging makes it suitable for users who move between the three supported desktop operating systems, while open-source distribution gives technically minded users a transparent software model. Those priorities make it a reasonable fit for personal accounts where codes are accessed from one desktop environment and a minimal interface matters more than ecosystem breadth.
The trade-off is limited protection and portability for stored tokens. OpenAuthenticator does not provide encryption, backups, or synchronization, so it is a weaker choice for users who need recovery options or access across multiple devices. It also supports TOTP rather than HOTP and does not offer broader platform coverage beyond Windows, macOS, and Linux. Choose it for simple local desktop TOTP generation; choose an alternative if encrypted storage, device syncing, backup workflows, HOTP, or mobile access are requirements.
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OpenAuthenticator pricing
OpenAuthenticator fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Code type | Totp |
| Push approvals | Not verified |
| Encrypted backup | Not verified |
| Multi-device sync | Not verified |
| Team administration | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | windows, macos, linux |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to OpenAuthenticator
- Proton AuthenticatorA mature free option for secure 2FA codes across mobile and desktop platforms.9.4
- Google AuthenticatorA free, straightforward authenticator with offline codes, sync, and QR transfers.9.2
- AuthyA focused free authenticator for mobile users who need synced TOTP tokens.9.1
See all OpenAuthenticator alternatives →
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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used OpenAuthenticator for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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