9 Free Authenticator Apps for 2FA That Never Charge a Subscription

You don't need to pay for an authenticator app. All nine apps below generate two-factor (2FA) login codes for free. Most of the differences come down to backups, sync, and which devices they run on. If you want codes on a computer as well as your phone, look at Proton Authenticator or Ente Auth. If you just want the simplest setup, Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator are free and widely supported.

Last checked: October 26, 2026 against the official site. Details can change.

Why use an authenticator app?

An authenticator app creates a short code that changes every 30 seconds or so, and you enter it after your password. Bitwarden explains the difference: unlike SMS codes, "which can be intercepted," app-based codes are generated "locally on your device." Most sites that support 2FA show a QR code that any of these apps can scan.

1–3. The big-name free apps

1. Google Authenticator (iPhone, Android). It's free on the App Store. Google's help center says the app can sync your codes across devices when you sign in to your Google Account (version 6.0+ on Android, 4.0+ on iOS), and Google encrypts the codes "both in transit and at rest." You can also tap "Use without an account" to keep codes only on your phone. It generates codes without an internet connection, and Android requires version 6.0 or later.

2. Microsoft Authenticator (iPhone, Android). Microsoft describes it as "a free app that helps you sign in to all your accounts without using a password." It can generate one-time codes for any account, and for your Microsoft account you can simply tap an approval on your phone instead of typing a code. You can unlock it with a fingerprint, face recognition or a PIN.

3. Twilio Authy (iPhone, Android). Authy's site calls it a "free app" with "secure cloud backup, multi device support." One limit to know: Twilio says the Authy desktop apps for Windows, macOS and Linux reached end of life on March 19, 2024, so Authy is now mobile-only.

4–7. Free open-source apps with backups

4. 2FAS Auth (iPhone, Android). 2FAS says its app is "100% free and works offline," open source, and "doesn't require an account to use." It lists sync between devices and a browser extension for Chrome, Brave, Firefox, Edge, Opera and Safari that sends codes to your browser.

5. Aegis Authenticator (Android only). Aegis is "a free, secure and open source app for Android." It stores codes in an encrypted vault with optional biometric unlock. You can import from or export to many other 2FA apps, and it supports automatic backups.

6. Ente Auth (mobile, desktop, web). Ente Auth is "free and open source" and offers end-to-end encrypted cloud backups. Ente says its cryptography "has been externally audited." Codes sync across your devices, but you can also use the app without an account or backups. It can bulk-import tokens from other 2FA apps.

7. Bitwarden Authenticator (iPhone, Android). Bitwarden says its authenticator is "available free on iOS and Android" and is open source. It works as a standalone app, and it also links to Bitwarden Password Manager. Bitwarden notes that storing 2FA codes inside the Password Manager itself is a premium feature, but the separate Authenticator app is free.

8–9. Two more no-cost options

8. Proton Authenticator (iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, Android, Linux, Windows). Proton calls it "secure, open source, standalone, and free to use." It needs "no account signup, phone number, or email address," and it shows no ads or trackers. If you sign in with a Proton Account, it can sync codes across devices with end-to-end encrypted backups.

9. FreeOTP (iPhone, Android). FreeOTP is "sponsored and officially published by Red Hat." It supports the standard HOTP and TOTP code types and is open source under the Apache License 2.0. It's listed as Free on the App Store. It's a bare-bones app for scanning a QR code and getting a code.

Quick comparison

• Needs no account: 2FAS Auth, Aegis, Proton Authenticator, FreeOTP, plus Google Authenticator and Ente Auth if you choose that option
• Desktop apps: Proton Authenticator, Ente Auth
• Android only: Aegis
• Open source: 2FAS Auth, Aegis, Ente Auth, Bitwarden Authenticator, Proton Authenticator, FreeOTP

Tips before you switch

• When you turn on 2FA for an account, save its recovery codes somewhere safe, apart from your phone.
• If you're switching apps, use the import or export tools. Don't delete the old app until every account works in the new one.
• Pair your authenticator with a password manager. See our list of 15 free password managers.

Bottom line

Every app here is free for 2FA codes, so pick based on backups and devices. Google or Microsoft Authenticator are the easiest choice if you already use those accounts. Proton Authenticator or Ente Auth cover desktop as well as phone. 2FAS Auth or Aegis suit you if you'd rather not create an account.

Frequently asked questions

Are authenticator apps really free?

All nine apps in this list cost nothing to download and use for two-factor codes. Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Twilio Authy, 2FAS Auth and FreeOTP were listed as Free on Apple's App Store when we checked, and the others describe themselves as free on their official sites.

Which free authenticator app works on a computer?

Proton Authenticator lists Windows, Mac and Linux apps, and Ente Auth lists mobile, desktop and web apps. Twilio retired the Authy desktop apps on March 19, 2024.

What happens if I lose my phone with my authenticator app?

That depends on the app's backup. Google Authenticator can sync codes to your Google Account, and Ente Auth, Proton Authenticator and Authy offer encrypted backups. Also save each account's recovery codes when you turn on 2FA.

Can I use Google Authenticator without a Google account?

Yes. Google's help center says you can tap "Use without an account" when you first open the app, but your codes then won't be saved to your Google Account if you change devices.