Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Authenticator VS 2FAS

Compare Authenticator VS 2FAS and see what are their differences

Authenticator logo Authenticator

Authenticator is a simple, free, and open source two-factor authentication app.

2FAS logo 2FAS

Simple 2FA Authenticator - Generate Two Factor Authentication tokens.
  • Authenticator Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-24
  • 2FAS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-05-07

Authenticator features and specs

  • Open Source
    Authenticator is open-source, which means the source code is available for review and contributions by the community. This increases transparency and security, as bugs and vulnerabilities can be identified and addressed more quickly.
  • Privacy-Focused
    The app doesn't require users to create an account, and it doesn't store any data in the cloud. This significantly reduces the risk of data breaches and ensures user data remains private.
  • Simple User Interface
    The app provides a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to manage their two-factor authentication (2FA) codes without confusion.
  • Local Storage
    Authenticator stores codes locally on the device, which enhances security by eliminating the need to transmit sensitive information over the internet.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    The app is available on both iOS and Android, providing flexibility for users who switch between different mobile operating systems.

Possible disadvantages of Authenticator

  • No Cloud Backup
    Since the app stores data locally and doesn’t support cloud backup, users may lose their codes if they lose access to their device or accidentally delete the app.
  • Manual Setup
    Users need to manually add their accounts, which might be less convenient compared to some other 2FA apps that offer QR code scanning and automatic account import features.
  • Limited Features
    Authenticator focuses on core 2FA functionality and lacks some advanced features found in other 2FA apps, such as password management or integration with password managers.
  • No Multi-Device Sync
    The app doesn’t support synchronizing 2FA codes across multiple devices, which can be inconvenient for users who rely on multiple devices for their work or personal life.

2FAS features and specs

  • Enhanced Security
    2FA Authenticator adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, making it harder for unauthorized users to access your accounts.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The application features a straightforward and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to add and manage their accounts and authentication tokens.
  • Offline Access
    2FA Authenticator works offline, allowing users to generate authentication codes without an Internet connection, which is particularly useful in low-connectivity situations.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    The app is available on multiple platforms, enabling users to sync their accounts and access their authentication codes from various devices.

Possible disadvantages of 2FAS

  • Device Dependency
    Losing access to the device with the 2FA Authenticator can lock users out of accounts, necessitating backup strategies like printing codes.
  • Potential for Misconfiguration
    If not set up correctly, there is a risk of misconfiguration that can lead to being locked out of accounts or decreased security.
  • Initial Setup Complexity
    For some users, the initial setup and configuration of two-factor authentication might be confusing or time-consuming.
  • Limited Recovery Options
    In cases where users lose their authentication device, recovery options might be limited, causing potential inconvenience or the need for support.

Authenticator videos

Authenticator Apps

More videos:

  • Review - GOOGLE AUTHENTICATOR vs. AUTHY - (AUTHY WON)
  • Tutorial - How to Use Google Authenticator

2FAS videos

Do you really need 2FA?

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Authenticator and 2FAS)
Identity And Access Management
Password Management
55 55%
45% 45
Two Factor Authentication
Authentication
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Authenticator and 2FAS

Authenticator Reviews

We have no reviews of Authenticator yet.
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2FAS Reviews

The Best Authenticator Apps for 2023
This simple but fully functional app does everything you want in an authenticator. It lets you add online accounts either manually or with a QR code. Unlike Google Authenticator, it can create cloud backups of your registered accounts, either in iCloud for Apple devices or Google Drive for Androids, which is critical if you lose your phone or get a new one. The backup is...
Source: www.pcmag.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, 2FAS should be more popular than Authenticator. It has been mentiond 32 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Authenticator mentions (4)

2FAS mentions (32)

  • Bitwarden Authenticator
    I personally switched to using 2FAS[0]. My favorite feature is that it comes with a browser extension that can automatically fill in the OTP on web forms, after approving the request on the phone app. [0] https://2fas.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
  • Ask HN: AWS registering MFA will be required in 29 days
    I'd go with number 2 unless you want to buy everyone a hardware token (option number 3). There are open source solutions (I've used https://2fas.com/ ) and very common solutions (Google Authenticator). You can even print out the QR code and put it in a secure location (safe, safe deposit box) as a break-glass in case everyone's phones cease functioning. - Source: Hacker News / 7 months ago
  • Flaw has Microsoft Authenticator overwriting MFA accounts, locking users out
    Try 2FAS - it works without an cloud account, can import from few other apps (sadly not from Microsoft one) and can export from and import to a file. Works on Android and iOS https://2fas.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 9 months ago
  • Ente Auth: open-source Authy alternative for 2FA
    My hunt for an open source Authy took me to 2FAS, which has been fine. Any opinions on this offering? 2FAS — the Internet’s favorite open-source two-factor authenticator https://2fas.com. - Source: Hacker News / 11 months ago
  • Is it a good idea to use Bitwarden for OTP?
    2FAS is a very solid MFA; Bitwarden is designed to be a password manager, so I wouldn't suggest using it as a 2fa. Keep it separate imho. Source: over 1 year ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Authenticator and 2FAS, you can also consider the following products

Aegis Authenticator - Aegis Authenticator is a free, secure and open source app to manage your 2-step verification tokens...

Google Authenticator - Google Authenticator is a multifactor app for mobile devices.

andOTP - andOTP is a two-factor authentication App for Android 4.4+

Microsoft Authenticator - One app to quickly and securely verify your identity online, for all of your accounts.

OTP Auth - The app for calculating one-time-passwords on iPhone and iPad.

Open Authenticator - A trusted open-source Authenticator. Formerly known as SmartWatch2 Authenticator free.