Authenticator apps are rising in adoption as they add one other layer of safety to consumer identification verification. A examine discovered 90% of organizations reported identity-related breaches final 12 months, and authenticator apps are designed to assist scale back this quantity.
Authenticator apps assist people and organizations double-check consumer identification by utilizing two-factor or multi-factor authentication to confirm and authenticate consumer identities earlier than granting entry to them.
On this article, we are going to evaluate one of the best authenticator apps in 2024 and discover their options, pricing and professionals and cons that will help you determine the appropriate authenticator app for what you are promoting.
1
Dashlane
Workers per Firm Dimension
Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Giant (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)
Micro (0-49 Workers), Small (50-249 Workers), Medium (250-999 Workers), Giant (1,000-4,999 Workers), Enterprise (5,000+ Workers)
Micro, Small, Medium, Giant, Enterprise
Options
Automated Provisioning
2
ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus
Workers per Firm Dimension
Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Giant (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)
Any Firm Dimension
Any Firm Dimension
Options
Multi-factor Authentication, Password Administration, Reporting and Analytics, and extra
Greatest authentication apps comparability
The desk beneath exhibits the important thing options of those apps, their pricing and the way they examine to one another.
SoftwareBiometric authenticationBackup and recoveryAuthentication typePricing
Google AuthenticatorYesYesTime-based and counter-based codes.Free
Microsoft AuthenticatorYesYesTime-based codes, push notifications, biometrics.Free
Twilio AuthyYesYes2FA/MFA, OTP, smooth tokens, push notification.Begins at $0.05/ profitable verification
Cisco DuoYesYes2FA/MFA, FIDO2 for anti-phishing.Begins at $3/consumer/month
Yubico Safety KeyYesYes2FA/MFA, FIDO2 UF, contact/tap-and-go authentication utilizing NFC or USB.Contact vendor for quote.
FreeOTPYesNo (however obtainable on FreeOTP+).2FA/MFA, push notification, {hardware} tokens, token-less authentication.Free
Google Authenticator: Greatest for safe offline authentication
Google Authenticator is a multi-factor authentication app that generates distinctive, time-sensitive codes to boost account safety. The app works by producing time-based one-time passcodes that customers enter along with their passwords when logging into their accounts. These passcodes are safe as they’re generated domestically (on the machine) and never transmitted over the web.
In 2023, Google Authenticator was up to date to incorporate backup capabilities by way of cloud syncing. Nevertheless, customers have reported points with this characteristic.
![Google Authenticator dashboards.](https://assets.techrepublic.com/uploads/2024/03/Google-authenticator-dashboard.jpg)
Why we selected Google Authenticator
Google Authenticator made it to our checklist attributable to its offline authentication assist by way of domestically generated time-based passcodes.
Pricing
Utility is free.
Options
2FA.
Cross-platform compatibility.
Time-based one-time password.
Offline performance.
A number of account administration.
Execs
The applying is free.
Has an easy-to-use interface.
Gives domestically generated passcodes for extra safety.
It’s dependable because it doesn’t require an web connection to operate.
Accessible for a variety of customers throughout numerous web sites/platforms.
Cons
Customers have reported points with cloud syncing characteristic.
Microsoft Authenticator: Greatest for biometric authentication
Microsoft Authenticator is one other widespread title within the authentication area. It’s obtainable to Microsoft, iOS and Android customers and gives MFA by way of time-based codes, push notifications and biometrics. For enhanced safety, you’ve gotten the choice to arrange a PIN or use biometric verification to entry the codes generated in your telephone. The app additionally helps a password administration characteristic that allows customers to do issues like settle for verified IDs from organizations and save cost card particulars and addresses.
With Microsoft Authenticator, you may again up account credentials to the cloud, making it simpler to revive them if you swap to a brand new machine.
![Microsoft Authenticator cloud backup.](https://assets.techrepublic.com/uploads/2024/03/Microsoft-Authenticator-cloud-backup.jpg)
Why we selected Microsoft Authenticator
This authenticator was chosen for its flexibility displayed by way of its a number of authentication options comparable to PIN code, push notifications and biometric authentication for a seamless log-in expertise.
Pricing
The applying is free.
Options
Push notifications.
Password autofill.
Biometric authentication.
Cloud backup.
A number of account administration.
Execs
Helps a variety of internet sites and companies.
The applying is free.
Offers MFA for simple entry.
Gives cloud backup and information restoration for misplaced gadgets or emergencies.
Gives cross-device and cross-platform compatibility.
Cons
Doesn’t work offline.
Push notifications can expertise delays.
Twilio Authy: Greatest for cross-platform compatibility
Twilio Authy not solely generates TOTP but in addition affords three different forms of authentication: OTP, smooth tokens and push authentication. It gives biometric authentication and multi-device performance, enabling customers to sync their 2FA tokens throughout new gadgets. This ensures quick access to accounts, no matter which machine is getting used. Moreover, it permits customers to deauthorize unhealthy, stolen or retired gadgets for added safety. Different notable options embrace an encrypted cloud backup and restoration, enhanced token safety with backup passwords, grasp passwords and PIN safety.
The app is out there in each cellular and desktop variations.
![Twilio Authy 2FA.](https://assets.techrepublic.com/uploads/2024/03/Twilio-Authy-2FA-770x356.jpg)
Why we selected Twilio Authy
This instrument was chosen for its versatility throughout gadgets and platforms for authentication and safety, simplifying entry to on-line accounts whatever the machine or platform used.
Pricing
Authy affords versatile, pay‑as‑you‑go pricing for multi‑channel consumer verification. Each profitable verification is charged at $0.05. For a high-volume plan, contact the seller for a quote.
Options
Multi-device assist.
Encrypted cloud backup and restoration.
Enhanced token safety with grasp passwords and PIN safety.
Cross-platform compatibility.
Push authentication.
Execs
Gives offline accessibility.
Offers three forms of authentication.
Gives multi-device synchronization.
Has a cellular and desktop model.
Offers encrypted cloud backup and restoration.
Gives enhanced token safety.
Cons
Having tokens on a number of gadgets and storing them within the cloud may be dangerous.
Web dependability could also be limiting in emergency setups/sync.
Cisco Duo: Greatest for strong security measures
Duo by Cisco is an easy-to-use cloud-based authenticator with a helpful onboarding characteristic that allows new customers to arrange their accounts based mostly on their safety wants or priorities. It affords 2FA and MFA authentication and FIDO2 choices for phishing-resistant authentication.
The desktop model (Duo Desktop) checks the well being and safety of endpoint gadgets with every authentication earlier than offering entry to protected functions and assets. Utilizing the rules of zero belief, it gives IT groups with distant entry to functions in addition to adaptive entry. The cellular model (Duo Cellular app) includes a mixture of location-based identification verification with push verification. This permits customers to get a studying of their location earlier than a log-in affirmation.
![DUO Desktop device health check.](https://assets.techrepublic.com/uploads/2024/03/DUO-desktop-device-health-check.jpg)
Why we selected Duo
Duo made it to our checklist due to its strong security measures obtainable in each the cellular and desktop variations.
Pricing
Along with its free plan for as much as 10 customers (greatest for people or a small crew), Duo affords a 30-day free trial and three paid subscriptions for medium to giant enterprises:
Duo Necessities: $3 per consumer per 30 days.
Duo Benefit: $6 per consumer per 30 days.
Duo Premier: $9 per consumer per 30 days.
Options
Duo Restore.
Versatile multi-factor authentication.
Distant and adaptive entry.
Single sign-on performance.
Duo Push.
Execs
Gives location-based identification verification.
Offers FIDO2 choices for phishing assaults.
Gives machine well being standing monitoring.
Offers safe distant entry for groups.
Gives cloud backup and information restoration.
Cons
Yubico Authenticator: Greatest for hardware-based authentication
Yubico Authenticator permits customers to generate 2FA codes on each cellular and desktop gadgets. Considered one of its standout options is its hardware-backed authentication, which units it aside from different authenticators. Not like different authentication apps that retailer secrets and techniques in your telephone or pc, Yubico Authenticator shops credentials within the YubiKey {hardware} safety key. Because of this even in case you lose your telephone or entry to the Yubico Authenticator app, your credentials stay safe and can’t be extracted, making certain that you just gained’t be locked out of your accounts. It additionally affords a seamless contact or tap-and-go authentication utilizing Close to Subject Communication (NFC) and helps FIDO2/WebAuthn and FIDO U2F for consumer entry safety.
The app is appropriate with all main platforms, together with Home windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android, making it a flexible resolution for customers throughout totally different gadgets and working programs. Worthy of point out is that the Yubico authenticator app can also be appropriate with different authentication apps utilizing the smartcard certificates saved on the YubiKey.
![Yubico Authenticator dashboards.](https://assets.techrepublic.com/uploads/2024/03/Yubico-Authenticator-dashboards.jpg)
Why we selected Yubico
We selected Yubico for its wealthy {hardware} authentication options comparable to Yubico Safety Key and contact authenticator utilizing NFC or USB.
Pricing
Yubico affords YubiEnterprise Subscription, a month-to-month subscription-based tier for companies with 500 customers or extra. People and small to medium-sized companies can buy particular person merchandise based mostly on their wants. For a quote, contact the seller.
Options
FIDO2/WebAuthn and FIDO U2F assist.
Bodily safety key.
Contact or tap-and-go authentication with NFC or USB.
Cross-platform compatibility.
2FA and MFA.
Execs
Offers cross-platform protection.
Gives moveable credentials throughout gadgets.
Offers hardware-backed safety.
Helps FIDO2/WebAuthn and FIDO U2F for enhanced safety.
Gives one-touch authentication with USB/NFC assist.
Cons
The enterprise-ready safety keys are solely obtainable to YubiEnterprise Subscribers.
FreeOTP: Greatest for open-source authentication
FreeOTP is an open-source, enterprise-grade authentication resolution whose repositories are continuously up to date to boost safety. It gives varied strategies of authentication, together with SMS, electronic mail, {hardware} tokens, cellular push notifications and tokenless authentication like QR code scanning. This authenticator integrates with a number of apps, companies and protocols, making it appropriate for various environments. As well as, it affords adaptive authentication that permits organizations to customise authentication insurance policies tailor-made to fulfill their safety wants based mostly on consumer habits and danger elements.
![FreeOTP app interface.](https://assets.techrepublic.com/uploads/2024/03/FreeOTP-app-interface.jpg)
Why we selected FreeOTP
FreeOTP was chosen for its open-source nature that permits organizations to fine-tune it for particular use instances.
Pricing
This can be a free-for-all instrument.
Options
Open-source software program.
TOTP.
Tokenless authentication.
Adaptive authentication.
HMAC-based OTP.
MFA.
Execs
Gives integration with present functions.
Offers quick access in that it’s open-source.
Utility is free.
Gives offline availability.
Helps 2FA with TOTP and HOTP authentication.
Cons
Its in depth options and customization choices setup is perhaps advanced for brand new customers.
How to decide on one of the best authentication apps
In selecting an authentication app, organizations should take into accounts their measurement, present construction, finances and particular safety wants. For instance, a company with fewer than 500 workers would underutilize the YubiEnterprise Subscription due to its bodily keys. For those who want an authenticator app that gives various kinds of authentication and works on a number of gadgets concurrently, you may go for Authy. In case your precedence is an open-source authentication app for simple customization, it is best to take into account FreeOTP. If you wish to tilt towards a {hardware} authenticator or bodily keys, then the Yubico Safety Secret’s your greatest guess. Remember the fact that every of the reviewed authenticators delivers high quality companies, however every instrument’s utility will rely in your authentication wants.
Methodology
For this evaluate, I thought-about some key options of those options, specializing in their safety particulars, accessibility and efficiency. Having obtained ample info from the distributors’ web sites, I additionally checked for consumer suggestions for the paid options. For firsthand expertise, I reinstalled Google Authenticator and used it to energy 2FA for my Twitter and Fb accounts and in addition Microsoft Authenticator for my Outlook account. Whereas it was fairly straightforward to navigate the Google Authenticator with its easy interface and TOTP, safety was tighter with Microsoft Authenticator as I wanted to make use of biometrics to see the codes generated for every account log-in try and I additionally needed to enter the code on the account looking for entry.
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