Authy vs Google Authenticator: Two-Factor Authenticator Comparison

The number of companies affected by data breaches has increased over the years, proving that passwords alone do not provide enough security for your applications and online accounts.

Since both small and large businesses are victims of these data leaks and security breaches, software engineers developed authentication security measures to ensure zero trust security for all businesses. Authy and Google Authenticator are two popular two-factor authentication tools that do just that.

Authy vs. Google Authenticator: comparison table

Twilio's Authy is a two-factor authentication mobile app that strengthens online security by sending a one-time password to your mobile or desktop device. It syncs directly with websites and services to grant access to users and is completely free.

SEE: Checklist: Network and systems security (TechRepublic Premium)

Another popular authenticator app is Google Authenticator. Google Authenticator, a leading authentication option, is available on both iOS and Android and has gained wide adoption across many websites and apps.

Like other two-factor authentication tools, Google Authenticator allows the generation of time-based codes to access online accounts.

Characteristics	auty	Google Authenticator
Supported platforms	Android and iOS	Android and iOS
Backup and sync	Automatic synchronization between authorized devices	Manually transferring accounts from one device to another
Security capabilities	Yeah	Yeah
Works offline	Yeah	Yeah
Authentication options	SMS or voice call; Time-based one-time password; push notifications	TOTP; HMAC-based one-time password
For more information	Visit Authy	Visit Google Authenticator

Authy and Google Authenticator pricing

Both Authy and Google Authenticator are free authenticator apps and can be downloaded from popular app stores and software marketplaces.

Feature Comparison: Authy vs Google Authenticator

Supported platforms

While Authy used to have desktop support for its authenticator, its Linux, macOS, and Windows apps were recently shut down on March 19, 2024. Right now, Authy is only available through Android and iOS as a mobile app.

Like Authy, Google Authenticator does not have a web or desktop version and is only available through iOS and Android.

Backup and sync

Authy allows you to back up data and sync your two-factor authentication account tokens across numerous devices. The backup feature of the app, which is one of its most important features, supports encryption and recovery of backed up accounts from your server. As long as you enable the multi-device feature in the Authy authenticator app, you won't be afraid to get your Authy tokens back even if you lose your device.

Google Authenticator also allows users to transfer their accounts to a new device, as long as the old device is available. Google Authenticator also recently added the ability to back up one-time codes to users' Google accounts.

Security capabilities

It is essential that your authenticator app is protected with a PIN or password to avoid situations where criminals can easily access the app. To do this, Authy uses a PIN and biometric authentication system to protect data from unauthorized use.

This ensures that anyone without your Authy password or PIN will not have access to the tokens generated from the app. Authy also encrypts all backups, ensuring your data is safe from hackers. Additionally, if a user loses their device, cloud-based backups allow them to easily access their credentials securely on another device.

On the other hand, while Google Authenticator offers quality security, it loses this important security feature. If a device is lost or stolen, Google Authenticator can put your data at risk because it lacks passcodes or biometric login alternatives to prevent an unauthorized user from gaining access.

Pros and cons of Authy

Advantages of Authy

• PIN protected application.
• All data is encrypted.
• Fingerprint login included.

Cons of Authy

• Desktop support was recently closed.

Pros and cons of Google Authenticator

Advantages of Google Authenticator

• Wide adoption among popular services.
• Works well with Google's suite of apps and devices.
• Intuitive and easy to use.

Cons of Google Authenticator

• Lack of biometric login and lock.

Should your organization use Authy or Google Authenticator?

Whether you run a small business or a larger organization, some situations justify the need to grant employees access to essential systems and information. But granting access to sensitive information without additional security measures can be risky. Therefore, using 2FA can help businesses make remote access to company sources safe and secure.

While Authy and Google Authenticator are quality authentication apps, certain factors should be considered before adopting one over the other.

Google Authenticator is a good option for anyone looking for a simple and easy-to-use tool. At the same time, users who prefer a higher level of protection in the two-factor authentication process can do the same. However, keep in mind that anyone who can decrypt the phone can access your Google Authenticator app.

Authy, on the other hand, improves the security of authentication codes by allowing users to PIN-protect the app. Additionally, Authy is ideal for customers who change phones regularly or want the program to sync across numerous devices. Because all data is encrypted, your codes will not be stolen while moving between the device and the cloud.

Review methodology

Both Authy and Google Authenticator were evaluated in terms of their authentication capabilities. In particular, we looked at how they both handled in-app security, OTP backups and sync, multi-device support, and more.

This article was originally written by Franklin Okeke and was updated by Luis Millares to reflect changes made since the original publication of this article.