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FreeOTP VS Authy

Compare FreeOTP VS Authy and see what are their differences

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Verify your customers in under 15 seconds anywhere in the world with a cutting-edge SaaS & API platform for Identity Verification and AML/KYC compliance. featured
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FreeOTP logo FreeOTP

Open source implementation of the two-factor authentication HOTP and TOTP schemes.

Authy logo Authy

Best rated Two-Factor Authentication smartphone app for consumers, simplest 2fa Rest API for developers and a strong authentication platform for the enterprise.
  • FreeOTP Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-26
  • Authy Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-05

FreeOTP features and specs

  • Open Source
    FreeOTP is open source, meaning its code is available for anyone to review, enhance, and ensure security.
  • No Tracking
    FreeOTP does not track user activity, guaranteeing user privacy and data protection.
  • Offline Functionality
    Tokens generated by FreeOTP work offline, making it reliable even without an internet connection.
  • Compatibility
    It supports both HOTP and TOTP standards, making it compatible with a wide range of services and applications.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The application has a straightforward interface, making it easy for users to manage their tokens.
  • Multi-Platform
    FreeOTP is available for both Android and iOS, providing cross-platform support.

Possible disadvantages of FreeOTP

  • No Cloud Backup
    Lacks cloud backup for tokens, meaning users must manually back up their tokens to avoid loss during phone changes or resets.
  • Limited Features
    Unlike some other authenticator apps, FreeOTP lacks advanced features such as PIN protection, biometrics, or encrypted storage.
  • No Desktop Version
    FreeOTP does not offer a desktop version, which may be an inconvenience for users who prefer managing tokens on a computer.
  • No Recovery Options
    If users lose access to their device, recovering tokens can be difficult as there are no built-in recovery options.
  • Less Frequent Updates
    The app receives fewer updates compared to some other popular authenticator apps, potentially resulting in slower implementation of new features or fixes.

Authy features and specs

  • Multi-device synchronization
    Authy allows users to sync their 2FA tokens across multiple devices, which provides a convenient way to access tokens from phones, tablets, and desktops.
  • Encrypted backups
    Authy provides encrypted backups of the 2FA tokens to the cloud, ensuring that users can recover their tokens in case of device loss or damage.
  • Offline usage capability
    Authy can generate 2FA codes even when the user’s device is offline, providing access to tokens without requiring an active internet connection.
  • Desktop app available
    Authy offers a desktop application that allows users to manage and use their 2FA tokens directly from their computer, enhancing accessibility and usability.
  • Security features
    Authy includes advanced security features such as PIN protection and biometric login options, adding an additional layer of security to the 2FA tokens.

Possible disadvantages of Authy

  • Dependency on cloud service
    Authy’s cloud-based backup and multi-device synchronization features create a dependency on their cloud service, which may raise privacy and security concerns for some users.
  • Limited customization options
    Compared to some other authentication apps, Authy offers fewer options for custom-tailoring the appearance and organization of the 2FA tokens.
  • Potential for lockout
    If users forget their Authy backup password or lose access to all trusted devices, they may have difficulty recovering their 2FA tokens, leading to a potential lockout of their accounts.
  • Initial setup complexity
    The initial setup process, which includes account verification and device synchronization, may be more complex and time-consuming compared to other simpler 2FA apps.
  • Limited platform support
    While Authy supports major platforms such as iOS, Android, and Windows, it does not have the same broad platform compatibility as some other 2FA solutions, potentially limiting its usability for some users.

Analysis of FreeOTP

Overall verdict

  • FreeOTP is a reliable and secure choice for users looking to implement two-factor authentication, especially for those who value openness and privacy.

Why this product is good

  • FreeOTP is an open-source two-factor authentication (2FA) app that provides an added layer of security for user accounts. It is considered good because it is free, easy to use, and does not contain any ads or trackers, protecting your privacy. The app supports both HOTP and TOTP standards, making it compatible with a wide range of services. Furthermore, being open-source means its code is publicly available for scrutiny, which adds to its credibility in terms of security and reliability.

Recommended for

    FreeOTP is recommended for users who want a lightweight, open-source solution for two-factor authentication. It's particularly suitable for privacy-conscious individuals or organizations seeking to enhance security without cost or complex setup processes.

Analysis of Authy

Overall verdict

  • Authy is generally considered a good and reliable two-factor authentication (2FA) app.

Why this product is good

  • Authy is praised for its ease of use, cross-platform support, and strong security features. It provides cloud backup of authentication tokens, which is convenient for users who switch devices. The app supports a wide range of online services, making it a versatile option for enhancing account security.

Recommended for

    Authy is recommended for individuals who seek a user-friendly and secure way to manage their two-factor authentication across multiple devices and platforms. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced users who prioritize security and convenience in their digital security practices.

FreeOTP videos

+ Add

FreeOTP - My Favorite Open-source Two-Factor Authentication App

More videos:

  • Review - FreeOTP Preview (iOS)

Authy videos

+ Add

How to Use Authy To Keep Your Data Safe

More videos:

  • Review - GOOGLE AUTHENTICATOR vs. AUTHY - (AUTHY WON)
  • Review - Productivity Tuesday Ep#4 -- Authy Two Factor Authentication

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to FreeOTP and Authy)

FreeOTP

Authy

Identity And Access Management
15 15%
Identity And Access Management
85% 85
Two Factor Authentication
18 18%
Two Factor Authentication
82% 82
Password Management
27 27%
Password Management
73% 73
Authentication
10 10%
Authentication
90% 90

User comments

Share your experience with using FreeOTP and Authy. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare FreeOTP and Authy

FreeOTP Reviews

Top 6 Google Authenticator Alternatives in 2023
One complaint about Google Authenticator is that it’s no longer open-source, with the relevant repositories not updated for several years. This isn’t an issue with FreeOTP, however, as it’s completely open-source.
Source: www.techrepublic.com
The Best 2FA Apps 2021: Locking Down Your Online Accounts
The only apps we wouldn’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 don’t trust the likes of Google and Microsoft, there are open-source options like andOTP and FreeOTP.
Source: www.cloudwards.net

Authy Reviews

7 Best Google Authenticator Alternatives For Android And iOS
And another big difference that it provides over the Google Authenticator is the Authy passcode. Using this code, no one will be able to browse through all your codes.
Source: www.techuntold.com
The Best Authenticator Apps for 2023
One of Twilio Authy’s big advantages is encrypted cloud backup. However, it’s somewhat concerning that you can add the account to a new phone using “a PIN code sent via a call or an SMS,” according to Authy’s support pages. There’s also an option to enter a private password or passphrase that Authy uses to encrypt login info for your accounts to the cloud. The password is...
Source: www.pcmag.com
Top 6 Google Authenticator Alternatives in 2023
Although most alternatives to Google Authenticator are completely free but potentially relatively limited in terms of options, Duo can offer you a lot if you’re willing to pay for it. The free option, which Cisco advises is aimed towards individuals and very small teams, is most comparable to what Google offers and will be enough for many, though it faces stiff competition...
Source: www.techrepublic.com
Is Authy better than Google Authenticator?
.large-mobile-banner-1-multi-842{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none;line-height:0;margin-bottom:3px!important;margin-left:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-top:3px!important;min-height:250px;min-width:300px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}But to avoid this problem entirely, make sure to add Authy to any devices you want and then Disable...
Source: shieldplanet.com
The Best 2FA Apps 2021: Locking Down Your Online Accounts
As far as website support goes, Authy 2FA tokens work with any service that accepts TOTP-based authenticator apps. Authy even maintains a database of services it supports, complete with step-by-step instructions for how to enable 2FA on those services. In addition to password managers like Keeper, cloud storage like Box and encrypted email services like ProtonMail, Authy...
Source: www.cloudwards.net

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Authy seems to be a lot more popular than FreeOTP. While we know about 139 links to Authy, we've tracked only 8 mentions of FreeOTP. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

FreeOTP mentions (8)

View more

Authy mentions (139)

  • A list of SaaS, PaaS and IaaS offerings that have free tiers of interest to devops and infradev
    Authy - Two-factor authentication (2FA) on multiple devices, with backups. Drop-in replacement for Google Authenticator. Free for up to 100 successful authentications. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • Ask HN: What 2FA iOS app do you use?
    Https://authy.com/ Acquired by Twilio. I'm not even sure if they still update it, last blog post was 3 years ago. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • How to Set Up 2FA on Your BitStarz Account
    2FA apps such as Google Authenticator and Authy randomly generate a code every minute or so, which is matched to a specific key associated with your login. In essence, this means that whenever a login asks for your 2FA code, it knows which number to expect and will only unlock if that correct number is entered. Source: over 1 year ago
  • How can I avoid MFAuthenticator?
    You can also set up the Authy authenticator app on a PC, so you don't have to use a mobile app at all, but use a PC app instead :). Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Coworker refused to use a second factor for his Azure Global ADM bcs he doesn‘t need a „Gadget“ like a FIDO key.
    Check out authy. It's considered less secure than other device-specific OTP solutions, but it's better than not using it. Source: almost 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing FreeOTP and Authy, 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...

Google Authenticator - Google Authenticator is a multifactor app for mobile devices.

Duo Security - Duo Security provides cloud-based two-factor authentication. Duo’s technology can be deployed to protect users, data, and applications from breaches, credential theft, and account takeover.

Microsoft Authenticator - One app to quickly and securely verify your identity online, for all of your accounts.

Azure Multi-Factor Authentication - Azure Multi-Factor Authentication helps safeguard access to data and applications while meeting user demand for a simple sign-in process.

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

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