AppBreakup

Microsoft Authenticator alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Microsoft Authenticator: push approvals only work for Microsoft accounts, and backups are tied to the phone's platform. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Microsoft Authenticator, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Google Authenticator currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Google Authenticator logoGoogle AuthenticatorFreeNoAndroid, iOS5 of 566.5
2Ente Auth logoEnte AuthOpen sourceYesAndroid, iOS, Windows +35 of 562.6
32FAS Auth logo2FAS AuthOpen sourceYesiOS, Android, Browser extension5 of 559.6
4Duo Mobile logoDuo MobileFree plan + paidNoiOS, Android5 of 557.2
5Okta Verify logoOkta VerifyFreeNoiOS, Android, Windows +14 of 455.3
6Proton Authenticator logoProton AuthenticatorFreeYesiOS, Android, macOS +24 of 453.6
  1. Google Authenticator logo

    1. Google AuthenticatorTop pick

    Best for: People who want a simple, free authenticator and are comfortable with Google syncing their codes

    FreeAndroid, iOS

    66.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from Microsoft Authenticator

    Equally simple for third-party accounts, with Google Account sync.

    Pros

    • Free and very widely supported
    • Optional cloud sync through your Google Account
    • Works offline
    • Can be used without an account

    Cons

    • Cloud sync is not end-to-end encrypted
    • No desktop or browser app
    • Basic organisation and export options
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Google Authenticator a good Microsoft Authenticator alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Offline codes
    Yes
    Checked Oct 25, 2026support.google.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Cloud sync
    Via Google Account
    Checked Oct 25, 2026support.google.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Account required
    No, optional
    Checked Oct 25, 2026support.google.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Android requirement
    Android 6.0 or above
    Checked Oct 25, 2026support.google.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Encryption
    In transit and at rest
    Checked Oct 25, 2026support.google.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Ente Auth logo

    2. Ente Auth

    Best for: People who want encrypted 2FA sync across phone and computer from an open-source app

    Open sourceSelf-hostableAndroid, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Web

    62.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Microsoft Authenticator

    Open source, end-to-end encrypted sync and desktop apps for non-Microsoft accounts.

    Pros

    • End-to-end encrypted sync on every major platform
    • Free and open source, with self-hosting possible
    • Works offline without an account
    • Easy import and export

    Cons

    • Sync requires an Ente account
    • Interface is plain
    • No browser extension for filling codes
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Ente Auth a good Microsoft Authenticator alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    License
    AGPL-3.0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Price
    Free
    Checked Oct 25, 2026help.ente.io(opens source in a new tab)
    Encrypted backups
    End-to-end encrypted, externally audited
    Checked Oct 25, 2026ente.io(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    iOS, Android, web, macOS, Linux, Windows
    Checked Oct 25, 2026ente.io(opens source in a new tab)
    Offline mode
    Use without an account
    Checked Oct 25, 2026ente.io(opens source in a new tab)
  3. 2FAS Auth logo

    3. 2FAS Auth

    Best for: People who want a free, account-free authenticator on both iPhone and Android

    Open sourceiOS, Android, Browser extension

    59.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Microsoft Authenticator

    Account-free and open source, with a browser extension.

    Pros

    • Free, open source and needs no account
    • Browser extension sends codes from your phone
    • Backup via your own iCloud or Google Drive
    • Available on both iOS and Android

    Cons

    • No standalone desktop app
    • Browser extension needs your phone for each code
    • Cross-platform sync between iOS and Android relies on export files
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is 2FAS Auth a good Microsoft Authenticator alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    License
    GPL-3.0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Price
    Free
    Checked Oct 25, 20262fas.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Account required
    No
    Checked Oct 25, 20262fas.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Browser extension
    Chrome, Brave, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Safari
    Checked Oct 25, 20262fas.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Sync and backup
    Export files, iCloud or Google Drive
    Checked Oct 25, 20262fas.com(opens source in a new tab)
  4. Duo Mobile logo

    4. Duo Mobile

    Best for: Employees and students whose organisation uses Cisco Duo

    Free plan + paidiOS, Android

    57.2

    score / 100

    Why switch from Microsoft Authenticator

    Comparable push approvals if your employer uses Cisco Duo instead of Entra ID.

    Pros

    • Quick push approvals for Duo-protected work apps
    • Also handles personal TOTP accounts
    • Free app, with a free Duo edition for small teams

    Cons

    • Push only works with Duo-protected services
    • Work accounts usually need re-activation on a new phone
    • No desktop app or code export
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.369
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Duo Mobile a good Microsoft Authenticator alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Push approvals
    Duo Push
    Checked Oct 25, 2026duo.com(opens source in a new tab)
    TOTP passcodes
    Yes
    Checked Oct 25, 2026duo.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free plan
    Up to 10 users
    Checked Oct 25, 2026duo.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    $3 per user/month (Essentials)
    Checked Oct 25, 2026duo.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Third-party accounts
    Supported
    Checked Oct 25, 2026guide.duo.com(opens source in a new tab)
  5. Okta Verify logo

    5. Okta Verify

    Best for: Employees whose company uses Okta for sign-in

    FreeiOS, Android, Windows, macOS

    55.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from Microsoft Authenticator

    The equivalent push app for organisations on Okta.

    Pros

    • Push and code-based verification for Okta sign-ins
    • Can also hold third-party TOTP accounts
    • Desktop versions support passwordless sign-in

    Cons

    • Requires an organisation's Okta setup to be useful
    • Features depend on admin configuration
    • Not designed as a personal authenticator
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.363
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Okta Verify a good Microsoft Authenticator alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Type
    Multifactor authentication app
    Checked Oct 25, 2026help.okta.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Third-party accounts
    GitHub, Facebook, Google and others
    Checked Oct 25, 2026help.okta.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Verification methods
    Push or one-time code
    Checked Oct 25, 2026help.okta.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Requirement
    Enabled by your Okta org
    Checked Oct 25, 2026help.okta.com(opens source in a new tab)
  6. Proton Authenticator logo

    6. Proton Authenticator

    Best for: People who want free encrypted 2FA sync on phone and desktop from a privacy-focused company

    FreeOpen sourceiOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux

    53.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Microsoft Authenticator

    Free, open source and private, with apps on desktop too.

    Pros

    • Free and open source with no account required
    • End-to-end encrypted sync across devices
    • Desktop apps for Windows, Mac and Linux, plus Apple Watch

    Cons

    • Sync requires a Proton account
    • Newer app with fewer organisation features
    • No browser extension of its own
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.357
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Proton Authenticator a good Microsoft Authenticator alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Platforms
    iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, Android, Linux, Windows
    Checked Oct 25, 2026proton.me(opens source in a new tab)
    Price
    Free
    Checked Oct 25, 2026proton.me(opens source in a new tab)
    Account required
    No
    Checked Oct 25, 2026proton.me(opens source in a new tab)
    Encrypted backups
    End-to-end encrypted
    Checked Oct 25, 2026proton.me(opens source in a new tab)

The best Microsoft Authenticator alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Google Authenticator logo

Best Microsoft Authenticator alternative for most people

Google Authenticator

Equally simple for third-party accounts, with Google Account sync.

Ente Auth logo

Best Microsoft Authenticator alternative for a free option

Ente Auth

Open source, end-to-end encrypted sync and desktop apps for non-Microsoft accounts.

Duo Mobile logo

Best Microsoft Authenticator alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Duo Mobile

Comparable push approvals if your employer uses Cisco Duo instead of Entra ID.

2FAS Auth logo

Best Microsoft Authenticator alternative for open source

2FAS Auth

Account-free and open source, with a browser extension.

Ente Auth logo

Best Microsoft Authenticator alternative for self-hosting

Ente Auth

Open source, end-to-end encrypted sync and desktop apps for non-Microsoft accounts.

Okta Verify logo

Best Microsoft Authenticator alternative for Mac

Okta Verify

The equivalent push app for organisations on Okta.

Proton Authenticator logo

Best Microsoft Authenticator alternative for Windows

Proton Authenticator

Free, open source and private, with apps on desktop too.

Ente Auth logo

Best Microsoft Authenticator alternative for Linux

Ente Auth

Open source, end-to-end encrypted sync and desktop apps for non-Microsoft accounts.

Google Authenticator logo

Best Microsoft Authenticator alternative for iPhone and Android

Google Authenticator

Equally simple for third-party accounts, with Google Account sync.

Ente Auth logo

Best Microsoft Authenticator alternative for working in the browser

Ente Auth

Open source, end-to-end encrypted sync and desktop apps for non-Microsoft accounts.

Microsoft Authenticator alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Microsoft Authenticator?

Google Authenticator ranks first right now. Equally simple for third-party accounts, with Google Account sync. Ente Auth and 2FAS Auth follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Microsoft Authenticator?

Yes. Google Authenticator (free), Ente Auth (open source), 2FAS Auth (open source) and Duo Mobile (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Microsoft Authenticator?

Yes: Ente Auth, 2FAS Auth and Proton Authenticator. Ente Auth can also be self-hosted.

Which Microsoft Authenticator alternatives work on Linux?

Ente Auth and Proton Authenticator run on Linux.

Why do people switch from Microsoft Authenticator?

The complaints we hear most: push approvals only work for Microsoft accounts; backups are tied to the phone's platform; no desktop app or smartwatch support.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Microsoft Authenticator, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.