Six of the most widely used 2FA apps go head-to-head in our most thorough security app comparison yet. We examine setup, backup, cross-platform reach, open-source availability, and overall value — to find the right authenticator for every type of user in 2025.
| Feature | Google Auth | Authy | MS Auth | Aegis | Bitwarden | 2FAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Free to useNo cost for core features |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Encrypted cloud backupSync across devices |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Desktop / browser accessCodes on your computer |
– | ✓ | P | – | ✓ | ✓ |
Open source codePublicly auditable |
– | – | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Biometric app lockFingerprint / Face ID |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Passwordless sign-inOne-tap push approval |
– | – | ✓ | – | – | – |
Import from other appsMigrate existing accounts |
✓ | P | – | ✓ | P | ✓ |
Apple Watch supportCodes on wrist |
– | – | P | – | – | ✓ |
Self-hostableRun on your own server |
– | – | – | – | ✓ | – |
In 2025, the 2FA app landscape has matured into a set of distinct niches. Google Authenticator earns its place as the easiest starting point — its Google Account backup, trusted brand, and universal compatibility make it an excellent default for most people. Authy and 2FAS outperform it on multi-device convenience and desktop reach. For organisations running Microsoft 365, Microsoft Authenticator's passwordless capabilities are genuinely in a class of their own. Privacy-focused users on Android should look no further than Aegis. And anyone already using Bitwarden for passwords will find its integrated authenticator a natural fit. What has not changed is the underlying standard: all six apps implement TOTP correctly, and any of them meaningfully improves your account security over having no 2FA at all.