FreeOTP

A minimal, open-source authenticator sponsored by Red Hat, implementing the open HOTP and TOTP standards.

Verified facts: 4 of 4
Alternatives ranked: 4
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About FreeOTP

FreeOTP is a long-running open-source authenticator published by Red Hat. It does one thing: generate one-time codes using the open HOTP and TOTP standards, so it works with any service or self-hosted identity system that follows them, and Red Hat points to its own FreeIPA as a server option. Tokens are added by scanning a QR code or entering details manually, and the app asks for very few permissions. It is free, has no account or cloud component, and is licensed under Apache 2.0. Android builds are on Google Play and F-Droid, and there is also an iOS version. That minimalism is both the appeal and the weakness: there is no cloud sync, backup options are limited, and organisation features are basic. Its own README now lists Aegis, FreeOTP+ and Proton Authenticator as alternatives, and many users move to FreeOTP+ for backups and a more modern interface while keeping the same underlying approach.

Best for: People who want a minimal, standards-only authenticator with no cloud.

What works

Free and open source under Apache 2.0
Minimal permissions and no account
Works with any HOTP/TOTP system

Why people leave

Limited backup and no sync
Basic interface and organisation
Fewer features than its fork FreeOTP+

Top FreeOTP alternatives

See all 4

1
FreeOTP+
A fork with backups to Google Drive, search, categories and a modern UI.
66.5
2
Aegis Authenticator
Encrypted vault, imports and automatic backups on Android.
62.6
3
2FAS Auth
Free and open source on both iOS and Android, with a browser extension.
59.6
4
Ente Auth
Open source with encrypted sync if you need codes on several devices.
57.2

Why people left FreeOTP

In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.

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FreeOTP: common questions

Is FreeOTP free?

Yes. FreeOTP is free, open-source software.

Is FreeOTP open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at freeotp/freeotp-android.

What platforms does FreeOTP run on?

FreeOTP is available for Android and iOS.

What are the best alternatives to FreeOTP?

The highest-ranked FreeOTP alternatives right now are FreeOTP+, Aegis Authenticator and 2FAS Auth. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 4 FreeOTP alternatives

FreeOTP facts

4 of 4 verified

License: Apache-2.0; Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab); “License: Apache-2.0 (Apache License 2.0).”
Publisher: Red Hat; Checked Oct 25, 2026freeotp.github.io(opens source in a new tab); “FreeOTP is sponsored and officially published by Red Hat .”
Standards: HOTP and TOTP; Checked Oct 25, 2026freeotp.github.io(opens source in a new tab); “FreeOTP implements open standards: HOTP and TOTP .”
Android downloads: F-Droid and Google Play; Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab); “Screenshots Download FreeOTP for Android F-Droid Google Play”