Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Authenticator Plus VS OpenSK

Compare Authenticator Plus VS OpenSK and see what are their differences

Authenticator Plus logo Authenticator Plus

Authenticator Plus generates 2-step verification codes and lets you synchronize your accounts.

OpenSK logo OpenSK

open-source implementation for security keys written in Rust that supports both FIDO U2F and FIDO2 standards.
  • Authenticator Plus Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-24
  • OpenSK Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-11-02

Authenticator Plus features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    Authenticator Plus features a straightforward and user-friendly interface, which makes it easy for users to set up and manage their accounts.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    The application is available on multiple platforms including Android and iOS, providing flexibility for users with different devices.
  • Backup and Restore
    The app offers a convenient backup and restore feature, allowing users to recover their data if they switch devices or reinstall the app.
  • Multi-Language Support
    Authenticator Plus supports multiple languages, making it accessible to a wider range of users across different regions.
  • Encryption and Security
    It provides strong encryption to ensure the security of the authentication codes, enhancing user trust and data protection.

Possible disadvantages of Authenticator Plus

  • Paid Features
    Some features of Authenticator Plus are locked behind a paywall, which may not be ideal for users looking for a completely free solution.
  • No Desktop Version
    Authenticator Plus lacks a dedicated desktop application, limiting its use to mobile platforms only, which might be a downside for users who prefer desktop access.
  • Limited Integration
    The app might not integrate as seamlessly with certain third-party applications or services compared to other authenticator apps with broader API support.
  • Market Competition
    There are many other authenticator apps available, some of which offer similar features for free, making it harder to justify paying for Authenticator Plus.

OpenSK features and specs

  • Open Source
    OpenSK is an open-source project, allowing developers to freely access, modify, and distribute the firmware. This fosters collaboration, transparency, and community-driven improvements.
  • Security
    OpenSK supports FIDO U2F and FIDO2 standards, which are robust security protocols for authentication. This enhances the overall security of systems using OpenSK-based devices.
  • Customizability
    Being open-source, it allows for extensive customization to suit specific needs. Developers can modify the codebase to add features or optimize performance for their particular use case.
  • Educational Value
    OpenSK serves as a great resource for learning about security keys and authentication standards, offering insights into firmware development and security protocols.

Possible disadvantages of OpenSK

  • Development Resources
    Using or customizing OpenSK may require significant technical expertise and time investment, as developers must understand complex security and hardware protocols.
  • Hardware Dependency
    Running OpenSK requires compatible hardware, such as specific microcontrollers and peripherals, potentially limiting its accessibility and increasing costs.
  • Lack of Official Support
    As an open-source project, OpenSK may not offer official support, which can be a drawback for users who need reliable maintenance and updates.
  • Evolving Standards
    Security standards and protocols are constantly evolving, which means that maintaining compliance with the latest standards can be challenging and require continuous updates.

Analysis of OpenSK

Overall verdict

  • OpenSK is a solid open-source implementation of the FIDO2/U2F security key standard by Google, offering a transparent and hackable alternative to commercial security keys, though it's positioned as a research project rather than a production-ready consumer product.

Why this product is good

  • Fully open-source, allowing complete auditing and customization of the security key firmware
  • Backed by Google and written in Rust for memory safety
  • Supports both FIDO2 (WebAuthn) and U2F standards for modern passwordless and two-factor authentication
  • Runs on affordable, readily available hardware like the Nordic nRF52840 dongle and dev kits
  • Built on top of the TockOS embedded operating system for sandboxed, secure application isolation
  • Great learning platform for understanding how hardware security keys work internally

Recommended for

  • Security researchers and developers exploring FIDO2/WebAuthn implementations
  • Hobbyists and makers who want to build their own DIY hardware security key
  • Privacy-conscious users who prefer auditable, open-source security tooling
  • Organizations experimenting with custom authentication hardware
  • Educators and students learning about embedded security and cryptographic authentication

Authenticator Plus videos

Authenticator Plus

More videos:

  • Review - Authenticator Plus getting started
  • Review - Authenticator Plus - Best Android Wear Apps Series

OpenSK videos

OpenSky Secured Visa Card Review | Build Your Credit Fast With NO Credit Inquiries!

More videos:

  • Review - Opensky Secured Credit Card Review and Explained 2020 | Wealth Commit
  • Review - Opensky Secured Credit Card Review and Explained

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Authenticator Plus and OpenSK)
Identity And Access Management
Password Management
92 92%
8% 8
Two Factor Authentication
Security & Privacy
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Authenticator Plus and OpenSK

Authenticator Plus Reviews

The Best 2FA Apps 2021: Locking Down Your Online Accounts
The only apps we wouldnรขย€ย™t recommend are paid ones. For example, Authenticator Plus on Google Play is rife with issues, and it costs $2.99. There are plenty of free options available, and if you donรขย€ย™t trust the likes of Google and Microsoft, there are open-source options like andOTP and FreeOTP.

OpenSK Reviews

We have no reviews of OpenSK yet.
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Authenticator Plus and OpenSK, you can also consider the following products

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

YubiKey - The YubiKey is a one-time password device for secure login with two-factor authentication

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

Authy - Best rated Two-Factor Authentication smartphone app for consumers, simplest 2fa Rest API for developers and a strong authentication platform for the enterprise.

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

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