Discover the top free authenticator apps with features like end-to-end encryption, push notifications, and biometrics.
The Top 5 Free Authenticator Apps Include:
1. Apple Passkeys
2. Duo Mobile
3. Google Authenticator
4. Microsoft Authenticator
5. Twilio Authy
Authenticator apps enable you to add two-factor authentication to your online accounts and services, thereby strengthening security by ensuring that only verified users have access.
How It Works: Authenticator apps generate randomized Time-based One-Time Passcodes (TOTPs) which are used as a second factor of authentication when logging into online accounts. These codes automatically refresh after a few seconds, making it very hard for attackers to steal a code and use it before it resets.
It’s normally very easy to add an authenticator app to your account by scanning a QR code
When adding an account, don’t forget to save your backup codes – these are used to restore access
Why It Matters: Adding 2FA massively improves account security through reducing your exposure to phishing scams and password compromise attacks.
With an authenticator app, and multi-factor authentication switched on, a cybercriminal with your email address and password won’t be able to access your online accounts. They would need to verify their identity, before they are granted access.
Authenticator apps are more secure than alternatives (such as email, SMS, or voice OTPs) because they cannot be easily accessed by malicious actors. Apps for authenticators are connected to registered devices that are known to be accessible by the legitimate user.
These apps will often use additional security measures such as passcodes and biometrics to gain access
There are a range of free authentication applications on the market that can be used to store authentication codes for different third-party services.
To help you decide which authenticator app to use, we’ve put together a list of the top free authenticator apps that strike a good balance between functionality and security.
1. Apple Passkeys
Apple allows users to generate and save FIDO2 passkeys for easy website and app authentication. Passkeys replace traditional usernames & passwords. They are based on cryptographic keys and are highly secure and resistant to phishing attacks.
We appreciate that creating passkeys for all supported apps and services is simple. These are securely stored in the Passkey App and accessible across all of your devices. It’s really easy to authenticate and uses FaceID or TouchID as a 2nd factor of authentication.
Passkeys are more secure than using a TOTP or username/password, because they are tied to your devices.
Easy to authenticate into websites or apps with Apple’s Face ID, Touch ID – no extra OTP needed.
Can use Passkeys saved to your iPhone to sign into services on a different device or OS.
Supported factors: Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to log in to apps and services.
We recommend: Apple Passkeys are a secure and convenient way of replacing passwords with phishing resistant FIDO2 authentication standard. It is also well suited to users that need an Apple-based, easy-to-use secure authenticator platform.
For users looking for a more traditional OTP-based authenticator app, you can also use Apple Keychain to add one-time verification codes. These can be used for accounts that don’t yet support Passkeys.
2. Duo Mobile
Duo Mobile is an authenticator app developed by Cisco’s Duo, an authentication company that specializes in workforce Identity and Access Management solutions. Duo’s authenticator app is available on the free version of the Duo platform.
What we like: Duo Mobile is well designed, works on both iOS and Android, and can be used as an authentication method for nearly any application or web service that uses TOTP passcodes for MFA. It also allows you to quickly block suspicious login attempts.
Users can block or validate login attempts with a single swipe on this user-friendly interface.
When someone tries to log in, push notifications provide a location-based notice.
creates a health score for the device to inform users of any local security vulnerabilities.
Supported Factors: Supports biometric authentication, Duo Push, passcodes, and third-party TOTP (time-based one-time password) accounts.
We recommend: Duo Mobile is well suited to organizations or individuals looking for a free authentication app that provides a consistent, intuitive user experience, with robust security features and multiple options for authentication controls.
3. Google Authenticator
Google Authenticator was one of the first 2FA app apps to hit the market. It’s one of the most user friendly and is ideal for teams using Google Workspace or for personal use.
What we like: With Google Authenticator, verification codes are synced across all your devices, keeping them accessible even if your phone is lost or stolen. The app is available on Android, iOS, and iPadOS devices.
It’s really easy to setup and manage new accounts and devices.
Can be used to manage multiple Google accounts.
Allows users to receive and generate 2FA without an internet connection.
Supported factors: Generates TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password) codes on the user’s device for 2FA. Secured using Google account credentials and on-device biometrics.
We recommend: Google Authenticator is simple and straightforward to use, with a lightweight user interface, and comprehensive security protocols. We would recommend Google Authenticator to anyone looking for a strong, no-frills, free authenticator app that is available for both iOS and Android.
4. Microsoft Authenticator
You can use Microsoft Authenticator to save TOTP-based verification codes for all online accounts and services, including Microsoft accounts. You can back up credentials and related account settings to the cloud for other devices.
What we like: Microsoft Authenticator works with any account that uses 2FA and supports TOTP as an authentication method and offers some important security features to help reduce the risk of account compromise or MFA Bypass.
Best features: Safe verification options like Number Matching, which authenticates users by having them type a number from the original app.
Login attempts show additional context such as the app and IP-location.
Easy to add new accounts.
Supported factors: Generates TOTP codes on the user’s device. uses biometrics from the device, like TouchID, FaceID, and others, to verify. Also supports number matching and SMS OTPs for Microsoft accounts.
We recommend: Microsoft is a great option for storing verification codes for work, school, and personal accounts. We would also highly recommend all Microsoft 365 user enforce MFA using Microsoft’s authenticator app.
5. Twilio Authy
Authy is a desktop and mobile app for two-step verification for any online accounts.
What we like: Twilio Authy offers a fully managed turnkey API that verifies users over multiple channels at scale, works on Android, iOS, and desktop, and supports most MFA providers.
Best features: Authy may still function without an internet connection when offline authentication is enabled, such as while using Airplane Mode.
Multi-device support – instead of manually re-scanning QR codes to set up a new phone, 2FA tokens can automatically sync across all your devices.
Secure cloud backups mean that even if your device is lost or stolen, you won’t lose access to the tokens on your account.
Supported factors: Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) sent to their device via SMS, phone call, or email.
We recommend: Authy improves security without adding unnecessary complexity to the authentication process. We would recommend Twilio Authy to organizations or individuals looking for a free authentication solution that is suitable for both personal and commercial use.