Authy vs Google Authenticator Which one is Better?.
Authy and Google Authenticator are just two different apps that do the same thing; those. simplification of two-factor authentication. These apps generate a time-dependent 6-digit code that you enter after you submit your username and password.
If you don’t know what 2FA is and how it works with Authy, watch this video tutorial first. This will help you figure it out.
Now, since I switched to Authy from Google Authenticator, I have never looked back. Authy looks better and offers more features. So let’s take a closer look at some of these differences.
Authy vs. Google Authenticator
1. Look and Feel
I know look and feel are subjective terms. Still, most people (myself included) find Authy’s interface better. Authy also has a copy to clipboard option that makes it easy to copy and paste codes.
2. Multiple devices
Authy is available for Android, iOS, Windows, Mac and even PC using the Chrome app. And the best part is, you can use it on all devices at the same time.
This is useful if you want to log into your Google account and your phone is in another room, then you can just use the Authy desktop app. You don’t need to get up from your seat.
On the other hand, Google Authenticator only works on one device. There is also no desktop support yet. This way, if you try to register a new device using Google Authenticator, it will automatically unregister the previous one.
If you think it’s not safe to have the Authenticator app on multiple devices. Then Authy also gives you the option to disable it. You can find it in settings devices uncheck, allow multiple devices.
3. Cloud sync
Authy allows you to make cloud backups of all your accounts. This is useful in two situations. First, if you’ve lost your phone, you can still log into your Authy account from other devices. And secondly, let’s say you bought a new phone, then you can easily transfer your Authy account to it by simply installing the app and checking it out.
However, there are no options for cloud backup or sync in Google Authenticator. So, if you lost your phone, you have lost access to your entire account. Likewise, if you buy a new phone, you will have to manually transfer all accounts, which is a tedious process.
Again, if you think Authy’s cloud backup option will compromise your security, you have the option to disable it.
4. Security
When it comes to manual use, Authy is more secure than Google Authenticator. How? Well, you can set PIN / MasterPassword / Fingerprint to open the app. But Google Authenticator doesn’t have this option. Yes, you can use a third-party app locker to secure it, but there is no gatekeeper in Google Authenticator by default.
And if that helps, you should know that Authy encrypts your accounts before uploading them to the server. This way, even if someone gains access to your Authy backup, they still won’t be able to use it since they don’t have your master password.
Also, you cannot take a screenshot (or record / broadcast the screen) of the Authy Android app. But you can do it using the Google Authenticator app. So if someone is secretly recording your screen, at least Authy will make it harder for them, if not impossible; while Google Authenticator will show no resistance.
Closing words
All in all Authy does almost everything that a Google Authenticator does. In addition, it also has some useful features such as – improved layout, copy to clipboard, multi-device support, PIN and cloud backup, etc.
Of course, some might argue that these extra features also make it vulnerable (which is somewhat true), but again, if you don’t need them, you can disable them. And Authy will still work as a Google Authenticator.
In short, Authy is the clear winner here. And there is no reason why you shouldn’t use it on top of Google Authenticator.