6 Best Alternatives to Google Authenticator in 2023
If you are worried about your password being compromised and your account’s security, you can use two-step verification apps, like the most popular one, Google Authenticator. There are also some of the best alternatives to Google Authenticator that can offer some of the best features you may desire.
Authenticator apps grant access only after they verify the user with the popular two-factor verification. If you are not a fan of Google Authenticator or need more features, then the list below is among the few of the best alternatives to Google Authenticator.
Related Reads
- Why You Should Use Two-Step Verification to Protect Your Accounts
- How to Use Google Authenticator – Everything You Need To Know
- Google removes the two-factor authentication app from Play Store that steals banking details.
Here’s a Quick List
- Microsoft Authenticator App
- 2FA
- Aegis Authenticator
- And OTP
- Authie Authenticator by TWILIO
- TOTP Authenticator
1. Microsoft Authenticator App
Microsoft Authenticator app has all the features and characteristics just like the Google Authenticator app making it one of the best alternatives to Google Authenticator, but it is even better if you do not prefer Google’s.
It provides an easy and simple way to prove that you are the one signing into your accounts by verifications. It also offers the features like saving your passwords for different accounts, making payments by remembering your cards and their password, etc.
Features
- Microsoft authenticator offers more and more assistant features like managing your password, your ID and address verification, etc.
- It also gives you the benefit of saving your card details for your online payments.
- You also get to avail of other facilities like helping you with passwords, biometrics, app locks, and much more.
- It can also approve sign-in in the respective app itself if it supports a Microsoft account, Instead of using a one-time password or a code.
Drawbacks
- It has a messy user interface.
- It has some issues with the backups disappearing and scanning the QR code, according to some user reviews.
Price | Free |
Compatible with | iOS and Android |
Available on | App Store and Google Play |
Website | https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/mobile-authenticator-app |
For iOS:
For Android:
2. 2FA Authenticator
This is also one of the two-step verification apps you can use for security. It has a minimal and useful user interface, making it great for users. This is one of the alternatives to Google Authenticator that works on almost all sites you use on the internet. You can also back up your data with the local backup space provided.
Features
- The user interface is fully functional and simple.
- 2FA works on almost all sites on the internet.
- It gives you biometric and PIN support.
- You can sync your Google Drive.
- You have the option for local backups.
- 2FA can work with iOS and Android and also as a plugin in web browsers.
Drawbacks
- It has no advanced or latest features like other authenticator apps.
Price | Free |
Compatible with | iOS, Android, and Web Browsers |
Available on | App Store and Google Play |
Website | https://2fas.com/ |
For iOS:
For Android:
Also Reads
- Send Money with Samsung Pay: How to Send Through Other Apps
- How to Use Google Pay on iPhone & iPad
- What to do when Google Pay payment fails? (Full Guide)
3. Aegis Authenticator
If you want an open source and secure app, then you should try this Aegis authenticator that can provide you security by verifying with the two-step authentication for your services online. It is one of the most popular 2FA authenticator apps with many features and supports alternatives to Google authenticator that prevents unauthorized access. The best part is that this is one of the best alternatives to Google Authenticator, which is completely free!
Features
- You will receive support with (2FA) Two-Factor authentication.
- Unauthorized access can be prevented.
- Your files are kept safe and backed up using encrypted algorithms.
- Aegis authentication has face and fingerprint recognition features to unlock your device.
- The dark mode feature is available for you to use in low light and at night.
- Aegis authenticator also has the feature to generate TOTP (Time-Based One-Time Password).
Drawbacks
- You can not use any other platforms other than Android
- It has features like a power user, which can be appreciated, but you need to have a root that many people will hesitate to use.
Price | Free |
Compatible with | Android |
Available on | Google Play, F-Droid |
Website | https://getaegis.app/ |
For Android:
4. andOTP
andOTP has enough features that make it one of the best options for 2FA apps. It also has a simple user interface and gives you an overall clean experience. It gives you the option to scan your items, or it can be manually entered. Your stuff is safely backed up with a few different methods, and some of the methods are encrypted. So it gives you a bit of security along with the other features.
The developer is not working on the app currently, but updates may come in the future. The app continues to work fine, but it definitely has the potential to be one of the best alternatives to Google Authenticator if some modifications are made.
Features
- It is open-source and free for anyone to use.
- Does not have any complicated features for a simple and clean experience.
- You can avail of multiple backup options, some of which are encrypted.
Drawbacks
- It does not support any other platforms other than Android.
- The app is not currently maintained by the developer but may change.
Price | Free |
Compatible with | Android |
Available on | Google Play |
Website | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.shadowice.flocke.andotp&hl=en_IN&gl=US |
For Android:
5. Authy Authenticator by TWILIO
Authy Authenticator by TWILIO is popular for the support it provides for cross-platforms. It has apps dedicated to Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux. This means it is the only app you can use on all those platforms.
It offers support for a wide range of websites and protocols along with features, including easy-to-encrypt backups. You can choose to protect all your accounts individually with passwords, and it is simple to use. Authy uses the same algorithms used by the NSA to protect its information. Apart from occasional small bugs and some clutters, this app which is one of the best alternatives to Google Authenticator, has no other issues.
Features
- Authy has an extensive list of standard features.
- It is one of the best apps that offer support for cross-platforms.
- It offers easy backup and syncs your devices, so your tokens are always in the place you need them.
- You can also support offline and online websites.
Drawbacks
- It gets cluttered easily once you back up a bunch of your tokens.
- Due to the support, you get for cross-platform, you will face bugs every so often.
Price | Free |
Compatible with | Android, Windows, Linux, iOS, and macOS |
Available on | Google Play, App Store |
Website | https://authy.com/guides/twilio/ |
For iOS:
For Android:
6. TOTP Authenticator
TOTP Authenticator is also one of the alternatives to the Google Authenticator app that is great at following the most popular protocols, so it works on almost all websites. You can easily access your tokens and copy the codes without difficulty, as it has a clean and simple UI. There is nothing to mention as a major issue, as this app performs its basic functions exceptionally well. It offers extensions for Chrome, Cloud backups, and some other small features.
Features
- It provides controls that are simple to handle and have a clean user interface.
- Supports cross-platforms like iOS, Android, and Chrome extensions.
- You can organize your tokens in order neatly.
- Does a good job of working on all websites by following protocols.
Drawbacks
- Some of the features, including backup, can not be availed for free.
- The free version is a little basic and barebones.
Price | Premium version – $5.99 / Free |
Compatible with | Android, iOS, and Chrome Extension |
Available on | Google Play, App Store |
Chrome Extension Website | https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/totp-authenticator/ibpjepoimpcdofeoalokgpjafnjonkpc?hl=en |
For iOS:
For Android:
Suggested Reads
- WARNING: An Android malware steals Google’s two-factor authentication
- 6 Best Ways to Improve Password Security
- Google Pay – What It Is, How it Works, and Why You Should Use It
Frequently Asked Questions
Are two-factor authentication and two-step verification the same?
Just like the name suggests, the two-factor authentication authenticates by verifying factors of two different kinds before you can grant access. Contrary to the two-factor verification, this one involves authentication of one single factor twice, in two different steps.
Is two-factor authentication really necessary?
2FA is a necessary factor through which you can reduce the risks of your password being compromised. For example, if someone guesses or hacks your password or phishes it, It does not give access to the intruder. A password alone has no use without second-factor approval. And that is exactly why you should use a Google Authenticator or one of the alternatives to Google Authenticator.
Why do I need Google Authenticator?
You need Google Authenticator to prevent intruders from accessing your account by getting hold of your password in any way. It is a security app that verifies the user’s identities by authenticating with two-factor (2FA) before granting access to any of the websites or services. With two-factor authentication, no intruder can get access by disguising themself in the form of an authorized user.
After Thorough Verification…
These are some of the best alternatives to Google Authenticator app that are an excellent alternative to the Google Authenticator app. Each of them has unique and different features on top of their core function of two-factor verification, which you may particularly find useful for you. You can try and choose which works best for you and fulfills all your expectations.
Comment and tell us if you know of any other alternatives to Google Authenticator app for suggestions, addition to this list, and your experience with using them.