Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Authenticator VS OTP Auth

Compare Authenticator VS OTP Auth and see what are their differences

Authenticator logo Authenticator

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

OTP Auth logo OTP Auth

The app for calculating one-time-passwords on iPhone and iPad.
  • Authenticator Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-24
  • OTP Auth Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-06-23

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.

OTP Auth features and specs

  • Security
    OTP Auth provides an additional layer of security by requiring a one-time password that changes periodically, making it harder for unauthorized users to gain access.
  • Open Source
    The project is open-source, allowing for transparency in its security implementation and enabling community contributions to its development and improvement.
  • Standards Compliance
    OTP Auth supports industry standards such as TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password) and HOTP (HMAC-based One-Time Password), ensuring compatibility with various services and systems.
  • Cross-Platform
    The application supports multiple platforms, making it versatile and accessible on different devices, whether you're using iOS, Android, or other operating systems.
  • User-Friendly
    OTP Auth features an intuitive user interface, which makes it easier for users to set up and manage their OTP tokens.

Possible disadvantages of OTP Auth

  • Dependency on Device
    Since OTP Auth relies on the availability of the user's device to generate the one-time passwords, losing the device or having it malfunction can impede access to services.
  • Initial Setup Complexity
    The initial setup process can be daunting for non-technical users, especially those who are unfamiliar with two-factor authentication systems.
  • No Cloud Backup
    Without built-in cloud backup functionality, users must manually backup and transfer their OTP secrets when switching devices, which can be cumbersome.
  • Limited Customer Support
    As an open-source project, OTP Auth may not offer the same level of customer support and troubleshooting assistance as some proprietary solutions.
  • Dependence on Time Sync
    TOTP-based systems require accurate time synchronization between the server and the client device; any significant discrepancy can result in invalid passwords.

Authenticator videos

Authenticator Apps

More videos:

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

OTP Auth videos

Why most providers have nasty 2FA implementations and how to setup OTP Auth on iOS

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Authenticator and OTP Auth)
Identity And Access Management
Two Factor Authentication
Password Management
45 45%
55% 55
Security & Privacy
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OTP Auth should be more popular than Authenticator. It has been mentiond 11 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)

OTP Auth mentions (11)

View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Authenticator and OTP Auth, 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.

Authenticator Plus - Authenticator Plus generates 2-step verification codes and lets you synchronize your accounts.

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