Proton Authenticator review

Proton Authenticator is the closest rival to Ente Auth and the better fit if you want to start with no account at all. You download the app, scan QR codes or import existing ones, and you are done; Proton says no signup, phone number or email address is needed. Codes are stored on your device first, and if you later want them on more devices you can sign in to a Proton Account to sync them with end-to-end encryption. The platform list is wide: iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, Android, Linux and Windows, and the mobile and desktop apps work offline. Face or fingerprint sign-in, custom icons, search and a preview of the next code keep sign-ins quick. The app is open source, ad-free and free to use, and Proton advertises import from Google Authenticator and Authy, which makes switching easy. It lacks a web app, so a borrowed computer still needs your phone.

Who it is for

privacy-minded users who want desktop apps without an account

Price

Free, no Proton account required.

Free to use: No Proton account required, ad-free.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• Apps for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, Android, Linux and Windows
• No account signup, phone number or email needed to start
• Optional sync across devices by signing in to a Proton Account
• End-to-end encrypted backups and offline support on mobile and desktop
• Import from Google Authenticator, Authy and other apps

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Desktop apps for Windows, Mac and Linux
• Strength: Local-first storage, with sync only if you choose it
• Strength: Open source code with no ads or tracking
• Weakness: Sync needs a Proton Account
• Weakness: No web app for reading codes in a browser
• Weakness: Newer app than Google or Microsoft Authenticator

Key facts

• Price: Free
• Platforms: iOS, Apple Watch, macOS, Android, Windows, Linux
• Account: Not required; Proton Account only for sync
• Source code: Open source

Where it ranks

Proton Authenticator is No. 2 in our Best Two Factor Authentication Apps verdict.