Authenticator VS Open Authenticator

Compare Authenticator VS Open Authenticator and see what are their differences

Rating: 0 reviews
Pricing: Open source

Rating: 0 reviews

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Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Authenticator should be more popular than Open Authenticator. It has been mentioned 4 times since March 2021.

social mentions: 4 vs 2
Identity And Access Management popularity: 61% vs 39%
alternatives listed: 123 vs 101

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

	Authenticator	Open Authenticator
Website	mattrubin.me	code.google.com
Pricing	Open source	—
Listed in	Password Management Security & Privacy Identity And Access Management Two Factor Authentication +1	Password Management Security & Privacy Identity And Access Management Two Factor Authentication +1

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Authenticator 5 features

Open Authenticator 3 features

Open Source
Authenticator is open-source, which means the source code is available for review and contributions by the community. This increases transparency and security, as bugs and vulnerabilities can be identified and addressed more quickly.
Privacy-Focused
The app doesn't require users to create an account, and it doesn't store any data in the cloud. This significantly reduces the risk of data breaches and ensures user data remains private.
Simple User Interface
The app provides a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to manage their two-factor authentication (2FA) codes without confusion.
Local Storage
Authenticator stores codes locally on the device, which enhances security by eliminating the need to transmit sensitive information over the internet.
Cross-Platform Support
The app is available on both iOS and Android, providing flexibility for users who switch between different mobile operating systems.

Possible disadvantages

No Cloud Backup
Since the app stores data locally and doesn’t support cloud backup, users may lose their codes if they lose access to their device or accidentally delete the app.
Manual Setup
Users need to manually add their accounts, which might be less convenient compared to some other 2FA apps that offer QR code scanning and automatic account import features.
Limited Features
Authenticator focuses on core 2FA functionality and lacks some advanced features found in other 2FA apps, such as password management or integration with password managers.
No Multi-Device Sync
The app doesn’t support synchronizing 2FA codes across multiple devices, which can be inconvenient for users who rely on multiple devices for their work or personal life.

Security Enhancement
Open Authenticator provides an additional layer of security for applications by requiring a separate authentication process beyond simple username and password login systems.
Open-Source
As an open-source project, Open Authenticator allows developers to review, modify, and improve the code, fostering transparency and community-driven development.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
It supports various platforms and devices, making it versatile and adaptable to diverse technological ecosystems and user environments.

Possible disadvantages

Limited Support
Since it is an archived project on Google Code, it may not receive official support or updates, leaving potential security vulnerabilities unpatched.
Complex Setup
Implementing Open Authenticator can be complex, requiring technical expertise and understanding of authentication protocols, which might be a barrier for some developers.
Deprecation Risk
With the project archived, there is a risk it may become obsolete or incompatible with newer technologies and standards over time.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Authenticator

Open Authenticator

Overall verdict

Yes, Authenticator (mattrubin.me) is a good app for users seeking an effective, no-frills two-factor authentication solution. Its open-source nature adds an extra layer of trust for those concerned about privacy and security.

Why this product is good

Authenticator (mattrubin.me) is considered a good choice because it is a free, open-source app that offers a straightforward and user-friendly two-factor authentication experience. It securely stores and generates time-based one-time passwords (TOTPs) which enhance the security of various online accounts. The app's simplicity, reliability, and focus on privacy are widely appreciated.

Recommended for

Authenticator (mattrubin.me) is recommended for individuals and professionals who need a reliable and easy-to-use solution for managing two-factor authentication codes across multiple accounts. It's ideal for users who value open-source software and prioritize security without the need for additional features commonly found in more complex applications.

Overall verdict

Given its open-source status and focus on security and simplicity, Open Authenticator was generally considered a good tool for managing authentication keys. However, it's important to note that Google Code was shut down in 2016, and the project's current status may be unknown. Users should ensure they are referring to a maintained and updated version or consider alternatives.

Why this product is good

Open Authenticator was a project hosted on Google Code aimed at providing a simple and secure way to manage authentication keys. Its open-source nature meant that anyone could inspect and modify the code, contributing to security through transparency. It was designed to be user-friendly and aimed at helping users manage multiple authentication keys efficiently.

Recommended for

Open Authenticator was ideal for developers and tech enthusiasts who needed a free, transparent, and customizable solution for managing authentication. It was also suitable for those who prioritize open-source software for security reasons. However, given its likely obsolete nature due to the shutdown of Google Code, it is recommended to look for more current solutions that receive regular updates.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Authenticator 3 videos + Add

Open Authenticator 0 videos + Add

Authenticator Apps

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100

Authenticator

Open Authenticator

61% 61%

Identity And Access Management

39% 39%

62% 62%

Password Management

38% 38%

61% 61%

Security & Privacy

39% 39%

100% 100%

Two Factor Authentication

0% 0%

User comments

Share your experience with using Authenticator and Open Authenticator. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Authenticator 4 mentions

Open Authenticator 2 mentions

Open source authenticator apps for iOS
PS. At the moment I’m using this one. It’s really good but it’s missing an export feature. Source: over 3 years ago
Chinese hackers at it again. It’s crazy; I’ve changed my password twice lol. They really want this account.
For iOS? Authenticator - it's open-source and about as simple as it gets. Source: almost 4 years ago
Authy has been hacked, here is how to protect yourself
For iOS offline, you could go with Tofu or Authenticator. These are open-source alternatives. Source: about 4 years ago

Gitlab Explores Sale
Google had a code hosting service (free for open source projects) with repo, issue tracker, and wiki. But it was shut down in 2016. Now there is just an archive: https://code.google.com/archive/. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago
What Are Your Moves Tomorrow - March 16, 2023
Except Google will abandon it just like they abandoned https://code.google.com/archive/. Source: over 3 years ago

Alternatives to Authenticator and Open Authenticator

When comparing Authenticator and Open Authenticator, you can also consider the following products.

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

Compare Aegis Authenticator to Authenticator or Open Authenticator:

Aegis Authenticator vs Authenticator Aegis Authenticator vs Open Authenticator
andOTP
andOTP is a two-factor authentication App for Android 4.4+

Compare andOTP to Authenticator or Open Authenticator:

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

Compare Authenticator Plus to Authenticator or Open Authenticator:

Authenticator Plus vs Authenticator Authenticator Plus vs Open Authenticator
OTP Auth
The app for calculating one-time-passwords on iPhone and iPad.

Compare OTP Auth to Authenticator or Open Authenticator:

OTP Auth vs Authenticator OTP Auth vs Open Authenticator
TOTP Authenticator
TOTP Authenticator app makes it easier to setup and manage your 2-factor authentication accounts and tokens. The app allows you to add extra security to your accounts and protects them from hijacking. Available for iOS and Android.

Compare TOTP Authenticator to Authenticator or Open Authenticator:

TOTP Authenticator vs Authenticator TOTP Authenticator vs Open Authenticator
Tofu Authenticator
Tofu Authenticator is an open-source easy to use two-factor authentication app that lets you secure your accounts with one-time passwords.

Compare Tofu Authenticator to Authenticator or Open Authenticator:

Tofu Authenticator vs Authenticator Tofu Authenticator vs Open Authenticator