As we progress towards growth every day, it becomes easy to become carefree about things that feel less important. Online security and safety top the list amongst those.
Standard practices such as using similar passwords on different websites, downloading software through the internet, and clicking on unknown email messages can put your system at a high risk of being hacked.
Google authenticator, a common security measure that uses two-step authorization, helps you stay protected, but it is not the only authentication application available online.
In this article, we have handpicked some top applications and will look at each google authenticator alternatives individually. Each of them has its unique set of features and interface.
Best Google Authenticator Alternatives 👌👌
1. Microsoft Authenticator
The Microsoft Authenticator app uses the two-step verification method to provide your accounts an extra layer of security.
You can access your accounts linked with Microsoft authenticator securely in case you have forgotten your password or if it is compromised. It is one of the safe and trustworthy Google authenticator alternatives available on the market.
The Microsoft authenticator allows you to access your account in multiple ways, thus improving its functionality. You can either enter the security code after entering your password and username or sign in without entering your password, just by using your username and mobile authenticator app.
The application supports time-based one-time passwords to use two-factor authentication. You can use the Microsoft authenticator to use both two-factor authentication and password-less sign-in as well.
It also enables you to set up the application to send you notifications and security codes at verification. This is not a mandatory step but is provided to improve the usage of the application.
Microsoft authenticator allows you to sign in to your accounts with two-step verification, thus keeping harmful substances away. The extra layer of security that the application provides is essential because of the vulnerability of only password protection.
Also, suppose you are working with a sensitive piece of information. In that case, it is recommended to opt for a two-step verification that will allow you to monitor different sign-ins into your account.
The application also enables you to save your login credentials on the cloud storage by creating a backup. This ensures that you will not be locked out of your account if you forget your password.
By turning on the phone sign-in on your mobile device, you can log in to your accounts on other devices by requesting a two-digit security code on your mobile that you are required to confirm. Only after successful confirmation of your code can you log in to your account.
Microsoft Authenticator is available for download on both Apple and Play Store. However, the backup function is limited to iOS devices with version 5.7.0 or later and Android devices with version 6.6.0 or later.
Click here to visit the Microsoft Authenticator app to get a step-by-step guide on using the application.
Download the App on Google Play Store
Download the App on Apple App Store
2. Authy
Authy by Twilio is a powerful two-factor authentication software. The application has a high customer rating on Android, iOS, and Google Store.
The software is easy to set up and get started. Authy offers additional security features such as TouchID and encrypted backups.
With the data backup feature, you can still access your data even if you lose your phone. With Authy you can sync multiple devices such as desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones to improve ease of use.
Authy allows you to capture authentication codes from different platforms such as Amazon, Facebook, Google, Dropbox, and Microsoft.
You can access these tokens from other devices, be it your mobile phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, or even your smartwatch. By generating tokens directly on the device, you can avoid any SMS or voice security issues.
You can manage your accounts and tokens from the devices where they are accessed from. Authy allows you to access secured websites even without an internet connection on your mobile phone.
To add any new device, you are required to approve through SMS, call, or any existing registered device.
Authy offers protection to your two-factor authentication tokens with the help of TouchID, pin, or passwords. It also allows users to encrypt and back up their data on Authy cloud storage. The backup is password-protected, which only you will know.
You can manage the devices and account information directly from the application. It also shows information about lost/stolen devices. You can also view information and rename devices.
You can download Authy on your Android or iOS devices from the Play Store and Apple store, respectively. Using Authy two-factor authentication will give you protection against data breaches and hackers.
Download the App on Google Play Store
Download the App on Apple App Store
3. Duo Mobile
Duo Mobile is a secure authentication app for your personal and work use. It will help you stay protected when you log in to your accounts, access your cloud data, and use your on-premise applications.
With the help of Duo Push, you can easily log in to your accounts with the push of a button. The process is safe and secure.
With just one tap, you can be sure of the safety of your accounts and applications. It makes sure that you are accessing these accounts at all times online as well as offline.
You receive a push notification whenever you log in to your accounts, and if someone attempts to break into it, you can deny them to stop any unauthorized access.
Besides push notifications, Duo Mobile can also generate time-based one-time passwords that you will need to enter whenever you log in.
Duo Mobile has a user-friendly design and allows you to regularly monitor your security score with the help of Security Checkup. It enables you to keep your data secure with the use of Duo Mobile notifications.
The backup and restore option is available for you in the form of Duo Restore, enabling you to protect your Duo accounts if you lose your device, are locked out of your accounts, or whenever get a new device.
You can customize your log-in controls with the help of Duo Mobile. It allows users to choose the type of authentication required to use the method that best meets their needs. You can choose between push notifications, biometrics, or passcodes and update your preference at any time.
Duo Mobile is available for download for all Google Android or iOS device users. They also support Duo Push, passcodes, and TOTP-based logins. You can even connect your smartwatch for better functionality of the application.
Download the App on Google Play Store
Download the App on Apple App Store
4. LastPass Authenticator – Google authenticator alternatives With one-tap verification
LastPass authenticator offers protection to your online accounts by providing a one-tap password authentication. This feature is what differentiates the LastPass authenticator from others. It delivers a unique verification experience that is easy and secure.
It provides a push-based verification for websites such as Amazon, Evernote, Google, Dropbox, Facebook, etc.
The one-tap authentication makes multi-layer authentication reasonably easy. After connecting your website with the LastPass authenticator, you can secure it from unauthorized access and experience one-tap login.
Multifactor authentication provided by the LastPass authenticator adds another layer of security to keep hackers at bay. This keeps you protected from any phishing activities or malware.
You can log in to your favorite websites such as Amazon, Google, or Facebook with just one tap. The interface is user-friendly, allowing even beginners to stay safe and secure while online.
The customization feature allows you to change how you log in to your accounts. You can either opt for six-code passcodes, one-time SMS codes, or the automated one-tap login feature.
LastPass authenticator can be connected to all the commonly used websites so that you do not need any multiple authenticator applications. You can even connect your smartphone so that you do not need to connect to any other device.
The authenticator app focuses a lot on customer experience and has made strides towards improving the user interface with easy controls, a one-tap login, and customization options.
It is one of the few Google authenticator alternatives with a lot of additional features. Plus, the application is free for use, making it popular among users.
LastPass Authenticator is a free application that you can download for your Android or iOS devices. It is available on Google Play Store, Apple Store, and Windows Store.
Every time you log in from any of your devices, you will receive a notification on your mobile device.
Download the App on Google Play Store
Download the App on Apple App Store
5. Symantec VIP
VIP Access from Symantec offers a simple two-factor authentication to safeguard all of your accounts. It allows users as well as enterprises to automate their protection. Symantec VIP has hundreds of integrations in-built that will enable you to get started quickly.
The Multi-factor authentication offered by Symantec is a quick and efficient method. You can opt for push notifications if you don’t want to receive TOTP or enter passcodes whenever accessing your accounts.
VIP Access also supports QR-code to secure your websites, such as Google, GitHub, and Facebook, among others. These credentials can’t be tampered with as they help anti-cloning.
You can even password-protect your favorite websites with the help of a security passcode to enable two-factor authentication.
VIP Access provides you with multiple secure sign-in options such as push notifications or security codes.
VIP Acess helps you consolidate your authenticator applications by generating unique security codes whenever you scan a QR code.
VIP Acess not only provides protection but also an integration of your applications. You can secure your favorite websites and accounts from any unauthorized attempt to log in.
VIP Access is available for download on your mobile devices as well as your computers. It supports Android, iOS, and Windows devices.
Download the App on Google Play Store
Download the App on Apple App Store
6. TOTP Authenticator – Google authenticator alternative with Backup
The TOTP (Time-based one-time password) authenticator from Binaryboot makes two-step authentication easy and secure from any data hijacking.
With the TOTP authenticator, you can add an extra layer of security to safeguard all of your accounts. The application is filled with unique features making it a helpful google authenticator alternatives.
TOTP authenticator is available for Android and Apple users and is popular among customers due to its customization feature and user interface.
With Chrome and Firefox extension features, you do not need to type your code every time you log in manually. The TOTP authenticator extension will automatically push your code with the help of the extension feature.
The backup feature secures all your data into a google drive to not be locked out of your account. Even if you lose your phone, you will still have access to all your data secured on the cloud platform.
The TOTP authenticator works even without an active internet connection. With two-way authentication, you are secured from any harmful manipulation online, and your data is secured. You can even add your fingerprint or a security pin to prevent any unauthorized access to the application.
The look and feel of the TOTP authenticator is what differentiates it from other google authenticator alternatives. With the new dark theme, you can customize the look feel of the app according to you.
TOTP authenticator works in conjugation with your system, allowing you to add widgets on your main screen. You can even add custom icons to your accounts and add favorites.
With the TOTP authenticator, you can transfer your data to different devices and even create backups of your data.
The application supports seven pre-defined languages to include diversity and use it in a language you feel more comfortable with.
TOTP authenticator has a bunch of additional features depending upon your operating system. Two-factor authentication is necessary because your password and data are vulnerable online, so it is essential to take steps to keep it secure.
Download the App on Google Play Store
Download the App on Apple App Store
7. MYKI: Offline Password Manager & Authenticator
Myki allows you to store your passwords locally on your devices so that you can securely access them and manage them easily.
MYKI provides the security of an offline storage device and has the additional features for cloud connectivity, bringing you the best of both worlds.
Your passwords will be synced automatically on your MYKI-enabled devices. Storing your passwords on your own devices prevents hackers from getting any access to them.
You can log in across multiple devices with the MYKI app on them and seamlessly sync them with each other.
There is no need to remember a master password when working with MYKI. You can even use a fingerprint, Face lock, or a unique PIN to access your MYKI application.
MYKI brings convenience and safety by securely storing your authentication tokens. The passwords stored on your device and MYKI app are connected in an encrypted manner that makes it challenging for unauthorized persons to gain access to it. Only you can grant login requests from your MYKI app on your mobile device.
It also allows you to share access to your different accounts without actually sharing your password. The encrypted format keeps sensitive information secure at all times.
You can easily manage passwords and tokens from your MYKI application. It allows you to securely log in using autofill so that you need not enter your credentials every single time. It is available for both Android and iOS users.
Download the App on Google Play Store
Download the App on Apple App Store
8. Aegis Authenticator
Aegis authenticator provides two-step verification tokens for your online activities. It is a free and secure authenticator service for Android users.
Aegis authenticator brings security and backup feature together, making it a good choice for google authenticator alternatives.
Aegis is unique in terms of its simple and secure design. While other platforms only bring token security to the user, Aegis authenticator encrypts your token that can be decrypted by only you, either by entering a password or fingerprint.
Aegis uses a secure vault to store all your one-time passwords protected using cryptography, and the vault is password encrypted. The vault is can only be accessed by you.
Aegis also enables a biometric scanning option so that you do not need to enter your password every time you need to access a one-time password. You can either set your fingerprint or face to unlock the vault.
The organizational feature and abilities of Aegis are outstanding. It allows you to organize all the accumulated entries over time so that you can access the one you require at a particular moment.
You can customize an icon for an entry or search it by its account name or service name. Further, you can categorize your one-time passwords into Personal, Work, Social, or any other category you feel like.
Aegis automatically creates a backup of the vault at any location you want. This allows you never to lose any data or access to your online accounts.
You can create backups automatically as well. You can also configure Aegis authenticator to automatically backup the vault contents into your cloud. This depends if your cloud network supports the storage access framework on your Android.
Aegis authenticator is only available for Android users and is helpful if you work with sensitive information. Many people who use Aegis are pretty satisfied with the security it offers and the biometrics that improve its functionality feature.
Download the App on Google Play Store
9. FreeOTP Authenticator
FreeOTP Authenticator is another application that uses two-factor authentication by utilizing one-time passwords to secure your online accounts.
After you enter your login credentials, you will be sent a one-time password on your registered mobile number, making it almost impossible to hack into. FreeOTP authenticator application works even if your mobile phone is on airplane mode.
The application also offers corporate security services with the help of TOTP of HOTP protocols which includes FreeIPA, an excellent enterprise security solution platform.
Also, the application is open-source and free for download available for both Apple and Android users.
In addition to one-time passwords, FreeOTP authenticator also supports tokens that can be added quickly with the help of a QR code.
The application works very well with other online platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Google, Evernote, and GitHub to protect you against hacks online.
One-time passwords are more secure because they can be used only once. Even if your password gets compromised while online, to log in and access your accounts, one needs to enter the OTP generated by a recognized OTP token. With FreeOTP authenticator, you can use online platforms safely.
The FreeOTP Plus is an enhanced version of the FreeOTP Authenticator that includes the import/export settings unavailable on the original application.
The commonly used and standard Time based one-time password and HMAC-based one-time password are implemented by the application for providing security to its users.
Download the FreeOTP Authenticator application on your Android and Apple devices from the Google Play Store or Apple Store. The application is open-source you can get it from Github as well.
Download the App on Google Play Store
Download the App on Apple App Store
✅FAQ on Google authenticator alternatives
What’s better than Google Authenticator?
There are several apps that could be better than Google Authenticator. Some of them include Authy, Microsoft Authenticator, Duo Mobile, and LastPass Authenticator. However, the security features in the Google OS are the best, though iOS may not be as good as they are.
Is Authy better than Google Authenticator?
Many readers keep asking us this question. Yes, Authy could be the number one when it comes to ensuring that your data is safe from all types of hackers. Supposing you have lost your smartphone, then you can retrieve the information through the cloud-based backups.
Why you should never use Google Authenticator?
Google Authenticator is a splendid app. But just like all apps, it, too, comes with several drawbacks, and one of them is there is no passcode or biometric lock on the app. The manner in which others can access your data can be a cause for worry for you.
What is the best authenticator app in 2022?
Though you can find tons of authenticator apps in the market in 2022, some of the best are paid ones. We would suggest that you opt for them. Some of them include Authy, LastPass Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, and Google Authenticator.
What Authenticator is the safest?
The authenticator app that may have the safest features in it could be Duo Security, which comes with a two-factor authentication service. This is only for Android devices. You may want to do some research if you are looking for iOS smartphones.
What is the best Authenticator app for Android?
Some of the best authenticator apps for your Android smartphones include Authy, andOTP, Google Authenticator, and the LastPass Authenticator. If you are using an Android smartphone, then you can download these authenticator apps for your device and use them.
Can Authy get hacked?
Authy is a pretty solid authenticator app that can protect your smartphone device as it is encrypted with AES-256 (Advanced Encryption Standard). However, no app is safe. Eventually, something or the other can penetrate its way through it at a given point in time.
Why is Authy free?
Yes, it is free for end users who work with Twilio. Once a Twilio user downloads the app into their backend, then the business pays for it. So, it is come for free for those of you who are part of Twilio or using the same.
Can Authy replace Google Authenticator?
Not necessarily. Authy may replace Google Authenticator eventually one day, but it is not for now. You can change the apps if you want by disabling the 2FA feature and re-enabling it with Authy instead on your smartphone device.
Can Google Authenticator be hacked?
There have been some reports of hackers being able to access your sensitive data on your Android smartphone. So, you can make use of the 2FA via SMS. These are provided by Microsoft Authenticator, Authy, Google Authenticator, LastPass, and 1Password.
Closing Remarks on Alternatives to google authenticator
With the help of this article, we have provided you with information on Google authenticator alternatives available on the market. Most of these applications are free for use, and you can download them from Google Play Store or Apple Store.
All of these applications providing two-factor authentication are popular among users. These are tried and tested; therefore, you can’t possibly go wrong with any of them.
Look at each application’s feature individually and choose the one that matches your present and future needs.
