What is the best free authenticator app?

Google Authenticator and Authy are the most popular free options. Authy offers encrypted cloud backup across multiple devices. Google Authenticator now supports Google Account sync. Both are excellent choices.

Which authenticator app has cloud backup?

Authy, Microsoft Authenticator, and Google Authenticator (with Google Account sync enabled) all support cloud backup. 1Password and Bitwarden also store TOTP secrets alongside passwords.

Can I use the same authenticator app on multiple devices?

Authy explicitly supports multi-device sync. Google Authenticator syncs via your Google Account. Microsoft Authenticator backs up to your Microsoft Account. Not all apps support this — check before setting up.

📱 Updated March 2026

Best Authenticator Apps in 2026

All TOTP authenticator apps generate the same codes using the same algorithm. The difference is backup, usability, and privacy. Here's exactly how the top apps compare.

March 2026 · 8 min read · 2faco Editorial

Quick Comparison

App	Cloud Backup	Multi-Device	App Lock	Open Source	Platform	Free
Google Authenticator	✓ Google	✗	✗	✗	iOS / Android	✓
Authy	✓ Encrypted	✓	✓	✗	iOS / Android / Desktop	✓
Microsoft Authenticator	✓ Microsoft	~ Limited	✓	✗	iOS / Android	✓
Aegis	✗ Local only	✗	✓	✓	Android only	✓
Raivo OTP	✓ iCloud	~ iOS/Mac	✓	✓	iOS / macOS only	✓

Detailed Reviews

⭐ Top Pick

Pros

Encrypted cloud backup — never lose codes when changing phones
Works across multiple devices simultaneously
Biometric and PIN app lock
Desktop app available (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Cons

Requires phone number registration
Closed source — can't verify code independently
Owned by Twilio (SaaS company)

Verdict: Best choice for most users. Cloud backup means you'll never be locked out when switching phones. The multi-device support is genuinely useful.

Download Authy →

Pros

Simplest interface — pure and distraction-free
No account required (can use without Google backup)
Google account backup added in 2023
Universally supported by all services

Cons

No app lock — anyone with your phone sees codes
No simultaneous multi-device support
Google backup is optional — easy to forget to enable

Verdict: Solid and reliable. Best if you want simplicity and already use Google. Enable backup — it's off by default.

iOS → Android →

Pros

Deep Microsoft integration — push approvals for M365
Passwordless sign-in for Microsoft accounts
Backup to Microsoft account
Works with any TOTP service, not just Microsoft

Cons

Heavier app — unnecessary features for personal users
Microsoft account required for backup
Occasional UI complexity

Verdict: Excellent if you use Microsoft 365, Teams, or Azure. Overkill for purely personal use.

Download →

Pros

Fully open source and independently audited
Encrypted local backup — you control your data
No accounts, no phone number, no cloud required
Biometric and PIN lock

Cons

Android only
Manual backup — you must manage your own backups
No cloud sync or multi-device

Verdict: The gold standard for Android users who prioritise privacy and open source. You must manage backups yourself.

Download Aegis →

Pros

Open source — code is publicly verifiable
iCloud backup (encrypted)
Clean, minimal interface
Apple Watch support

Cons

iOS and macOS only
Smaller community than Google/Authy

Verdict: Best open-source iPhone option. Good alternative to Google Authenticator if you want transparency and iCloud backup.

Download Raivo →

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