Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Open Authenticator VS Step Two for Mac

Compare Open Authenticator VS Step Two for Mac and see what are their differences

Open Authenticator logo Open Authenticator

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

Step Two for Mac logo Step Two for Mac

Simple two-step verification for Mac
  • Open Authenticator Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-12-20
  • Step Two for Mac Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-10

Open Authenticator features and specs

  • Security Enhancement
    Open Authenticator provides an additional layer of security for applications by requiring a separate authentication process beyond simple username and password login systems.
  • Open-Source
    As an open-source project, Open Authenticator allows developers to review, modify, and improve the code, fostering transparency and community-driven development.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    It supports various platforms and devices, making it versatile and adaptable to diverse technological ecosystems and user environments.

Possible disadvantages of Open Authenticator

  • Limited Support
    Since it is an archived project on Google Code, it may not receive official support or updates, leaving potential security vulnerabilities unpatched.
  • Complex Setup
    Implementing Open Authenticator can be complex, requiring technical expertise and understanding of authentication protocols, which might be a barrier for some developers.
  • Deprecation Risk
    With the project archived, there is a risk it may become obsolete or incompatible with newer technologies and standards over time.

Step Two for Mac features and specs

  • Streamlined Workflow
    Step Two simplifies repetitive tasks by allowing users to automate sequences of actions, enhancing productivity and saving time.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The application features an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for users of all experience levels.
  • Integration Capabilities
    It supports a wide range of integrations with other apps and services, providing flexibility in how users can automate their workflows.
  • Customizable Automation
    Users can customize automation sequences to fit their specific needs, offering a personalized experience tailored to individual workflow requirements.

Possible disadvantages of Step Two for Mac

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While easy to use, it may lack some advanced features that power users might require for complex automation tasks.
  • Mac-Only Availability
    The app is exclusive to Mac, potentially excluding users who need cross-platform support or use other operating systems.
  • Potential Learning Curve
    Although generally user-friendly, users unfamiliar with automation tools might experience a learning curve in setting up workflows.
  • Subscription-Based Pricing
    The app requires a subscription, which could be a drawback for users who prefer one-time purchase models over recurring costs.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Open Authenticator and Step Two for Mac)
Identity And Access Management
Password Management
67 67%
33% 33
Two Factor Authentication
Security & Privacy
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Step Two for Mac might be a bit more popular than Open Authenticator. We know about 2 links to it since March 2021 and only 2 links to Open Authenticator. 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.

Open Authenticator mentions (2)

  • Gitlab Explores Sale
    Google had a code hosting service (free for open source projects) with repo, issue tracker, and wiki. But it was shut down in 2016. Now there is just an archive: https://code.google.com/archive/. - Source: Hacker News / 10 months ago
  • What Are Your Moves Tomorrow - March 16, 2023
    Except Google will abandon it just like they abandoned https://code.google.com/archive/. Source: about 2 years ago

Step Two for Mac mentions (2)

  • Are closed source 2FA apps ok?
    Then there's trust in the developer. I, for instance, use Step Two which is closed source but is developed by Neil Sardesai, an indie developer that I trust, has an awesome privacy policy and charges upfront for apps. Source: over 3 years ago
  • What's the better 2FA application, Authy or Google Authenticator?
    I believe it's called Step Two. I use it on my Macbook. Source: almost 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Open Authenticator and Step Two for Mac, you can also consider the following products

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

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

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

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

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

Authenticator Hub - How to enable 2 step verification for your accounts? Check our step-by-step guides to easily activate 2FA in all your accounts.