7 Best Authenticator Apps: Which One Should You Choose

It’s been long known that passwords have fatal flaws. Computers have become too good at cracking passwords, especially when they are easy to remember, reused, or have been pwned. For this reason, multi-factor authentication (MFA) has become so important to securing users and their data online. Authenticator apps are the gold standard of MFA.

That’s because they protect against secondary risks, such as hackers having your email credentials or swapping your SIM card. Here are some of the best authenticator apps available on the market. 

TeamPassword features an integrated TOTP authenticator, so teams can share accounts protected by MFA. 

What are authenticator apps?

An authenticator app is a tool that generates time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) for multi-factor authentication (MFA), adding an extra layer of security when logging into online accounts. Popular authenticator apps, including Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator, and Duo Mobile, provide users with temporary codes that must be entered alongside their passwords to verify their identity.

More recently, password managers like TeamPassword have integrated authenticator app capabilities, streamlining the use of TOTP-based MFA. This allows organizations and individuals to manage their credentials and authentication codes in one place, reducing friction while maintaining strong security.

Why should you use authenticator apps?

Passwords alone are no longer enough to protect accounts from cyber threats, as they can be guessed, stolen, or exposed in data breaches. Authenticator apps add an extra layer of security by requiring a time-sensitive, one-time code in addition to a password, making unauthorized access significantly more difficult.

Here are some of the reasons you should use an authenticator app:

• Stronger security: Time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) are more secure than SMS codes, which can be intercepted or spoofed as part of a smishing attack.

• Offline functionality: Unlike SMS or email authentication, authenticator apps work without an Internet connection, reducing dependency on external networks.

• Protection against phishing: Even if a hacker steals your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the one-time code.

• Support for multiple accounts: A single authenticator app can store codes for multiple accounts, making it a convenient security tool for both individuals and businesses.

• Improved efficiency: Using an authenticator app is faster than waiting for an SMS or email code to arrive, streamlining the login process.

• Compliance with security best practices: Many industries and regulatory bodies require multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect sensitive data, and authenticator apps are the gold standard of MFA.

7 top authenticator apps

There are a lot of great authenticator apps available today, each with a unique look or feel. More recently, password managers with TOTP have arisen to make single-function authenticator apps obsolete. 

Here are the seven best authenticator apps:

1. TeamPassword

2. Google Authenticator

3. Microsoft Authenticator

4. Authy

5. Duo Mobile

6. FreeOTP

7. andOTP

TeamPassword

TeamPassword is the best password manager for teams. It provides the features needed to share accounts, so work can be done efficiently. As part of the drive to offer all of the authentication features required by businesses and individuals, TeamPassword has launched a built-in TOTP authenticator app. 

This removes one last friction from the login experience. No longer will you see time-consuming and dangerous messages on Slack saying “whoever requested the MFA, the code is 123456”. Instead, TeamPassword takes care of your TOTP authentication needs automatically.

You can set up a new, automated TOTP process in TeamPassword with just four easy steps:

1. Create or edit a record. 

2. Locate the TOTP secret key. 

3. Enter the TOTP secret key in TeamPassword.

4. Save the record.

TeamPassword is a popular choice across organization types, from global businesses to nonprofits.

Google Authenticator

Launched in 2010 by Google LLC, Google Authenticator is a free two-factor authentication (2FA) app available on Android and iOS. It has over 100 million downloads and provides TOTP for enhanced security. In April 2023, Google added cloud sync, allowing users to back up authentication codes to their Google account.

The app generates TOTP and HMAC-based One-Time Password (HOTP) codes that refresh every 30 seconds, working offline for added security. It supports QR code scanning for easy setup but lacks multi-device synchronization, unlike competitors like Authy. Despite its simplicity, it remains a widely used 2FA tool due to its speed, reliability, and deep Google integration.

Google Authenticator is commonly used by businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies, especially those within Google Workspace. While many companies support it, most also allow alternatives like Microsoft Authenticator or Authy.

Microsoft Authenticator

Microsoft Authenticator, launched in 2016 by Microsoft, is a free two-factor authentication (2FA) app available on Android and iOS. It has over 100 million downloads and integrates seamlessly with Microsoft accounts, Azure AD, and Office 365. Unlike Google Authenticator, it supports push notifications for faster authentication, making it a preferred choice for enterprise users.

The app generates TOTP codes and supports passwordless sign-ins using biometric authentication. It also offers cloud backup, allowing users to recover codes if they switch devices. Microsoft Authenticator works across multiple devices and enables multi-account management, making it ideal for business and personal use.

Many organizations using Microsoft 365, Azure AD, and Windows enterprise environments prefer this app for authentication. Large companies such as Deloitte, Accenture, and government agencies rely on it as a trusted security tool, often making it their primary authenticator.

Authy

Authy, developed by Twilio, was launched in 2012 as a secure two-factor authentication (2FA) app. Available on Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS, it stands out for its multi-device support and encrypted cloud backups. 

Authy generates TOTP codes and offers multi-device synchronization, allowing users to access their 2FA codes across multiple devices. It supports offline authentication, secure cloud backups, and PIN or biometric protection for added security. Unlike Google Authenticator, Authy makes account recovery easier through its cloud-based system.

Many cryptocurrency exchanges, including Coinbase and Gemini, recommend Authy as their primary authenticator. Some financial and tech companies also prefer it due to its secure backups and cross-device accessibility, making it a strong choice for businesses needing advanced authentication features.

Duo Mobile

Duo Mobile, developed by Cisco, was launched in 2010 as a two-factor authentication (2FA) app for businesses and enterprises. It is available on Android and iOS and has millions of downloads, primarily used in corporate and educational settings. The app is part of Duo Security, a cybersecurity company acquired by Cisco in 2018.

Duo Mobile supports TOTP codes, push notifications, and passwordless authentication for quick and secure logins. It offers multi-device support, biometric authentication, and backup options. Unlike other authenticators, Duo integrates deeply with enterprise security policies, providing administrators with advanced security controls.

Many organizations, including universities, healthcare providers, and Fortune 500 companies, use Duo Mobile as their primary authenticator. It is especially popular in corporate IT environments for its zero-trust security model, making it a preferred choice for businesses needing strong identity verification.

FreeOTP

FreeOTP, developed by Red Hat, is an open-source two-factor authentication (2FA) app launched in 2014. Available on Android and iOS, it provides a lightweight, privacy-focused alternative to proprietary authenticators. Since it is open-source, security experts can audit the code, ensuring transparency and reliability. 

The app generates TOTP and HOTP codes, working offline for enhanced security. It supports QR code scanning for easy setup and does not require cloud backups, reducing potential security risks. However, it lacks multi-device synchronization, push notifications, or advanced recovery options, making it best suited for users comfortable with manual backups.

FreeOTP is commonly used by developers, security professionals, and Red Hat enterprise environments. While not the preferred authenticator for major corporations, it is often recommended by open-source communities and organizations prioritizing privacy.

andOTP

andOTP is an open-source two-factor authentication (2FA) app for Android, first released in 2017. It was developed as a more feature-rich alternative to FreeOTP, with a focus on privacy, security, and local backups. Since it is community-driven, security experts can review its code for transparency. 

The app generates TOTP codes and supports encrypted local backups, allowing users to save their authentication data securely. Unlike other authenticators, it offers multiple backup options (plaintext, encrypted, or OpenPGP), biometric lock, and an emergency backup feature. However, it lacks cloud sync and push notifications, requiring manual backup management.

andOTP is primarily used by privacy advocates, developers, and open-source enthusiasts. While not the main authenticator for large corporations, it is widely recommended in security-focused communities for its local-first approach and strong encryption options.

TeamPassword has a built-in TOTP authenticator app

Many authenticator apps share the same basic set of features. They are easy to download from the Android or Apple app store, are easy-to-use, work offline, and represent the gold standard of multi-factor authentication with time-based one-time passwords that cannot be intercepted by a stolen email password or swapped SIM card. 

The only downside for businesses is that they are an added friction when employees are logging into shared accounts. 

TeamPassword eliminates this extra step with a built-in authenticator app.

TeamPassword makes it easy for all team members to use MFA. Don’t believe us? Sign up for a 14-day free trial today and try for yourself.