Authy and Google authenticator , are just two different apps doing the same thing ; i.e. making the 2 - constituent Authentication simpleton . These apps generate a time - dependent 6 dactyl computer code , which you accede after you put forward your username and word .
If you do n’t know what 2FA is and how it works with Authy , then first watch thisvideo tutorial . It ’ll get you up to speed .
Now , ever since I shift to Authy from Google Authenticator , I have never looked back . Authy is better looking and offers more functionalities . So , let ’s take a look at some of these difference in detail .
Authy vs Google Authenticator
1 . Look and Feel
I know , look and feel are immanent terms . But still , most people ( let in me ) detect Authy user interface better . There is also has a copy to clipboard selection in Authy , which makes it gentle to copy - glue the codification .
2 . Multiple Devices
Authy is usable for Android , iOS , Windows , Mac and even for Desktop using the chrome app . And the good part is , you’re able to use it in every machine at the same time .
This is utilitarian when you want to login to your Google account and your phone is kept in a dissimilar room , then you could just use the Authy background app . No demand to get up from your seat .
On the other hand , Google Authenticator work on one twist only . Also no desktop support yet . So , if you attempt to register a newfangled equipment with Google authenticator , it ’ll mechanically unregister the previous one .
Now , if you think , get Authenticator app on multiple devices is unsafe . Then Authy also gives you the choice to disable it . you’re able to notice it under options > devices > uncheck allow multiple gadget .
3 . Cloud sync
Authy let you take cloud fill-in of all your account . This is useful in two office . One , if you lost your phone , you could still log into your Authy explanation from other equipment . And second , say you bought a new telephone set , then you may easily transmigrate your Authy account to it , by simply instal the app and verifying it .
However , in Google authenticator , there are no pick for cloud computer backup or sync . So , if you lost your phone , you lose access to all of your account . Similarly , if you corrupt a new phone , you ’ll have to manually reassign all the accounts , which is a wordy mental process .
Again , if you think , cloud backup alternative in Authy , will compromise your security , then you have the option to incapacitate it .
4 . strong
When it comes to in - hand use , Authy is more secure than google authenticator . How ? Well , you may set a PIN / MasterPassword / Fingerprint to unfold the app . But there is no such option in Google Authenticator . Yes , you’re able to use athird - party app lockerto protect it , but by nonremittal , there is no gatekeeper in Google Authenticator .
And if this is any relief , you should make out that Authy encrypts your accounts before uploading them to the server . So even if someone get access to your Authy backup , they still wo n’t be able to use it , as they do n’t have your maestro password .
Also , youcan nottake a screenshot ( or phonograph recording / cast screen ) of Authy ’s Android app . But you may do that with the Google Authenticator app . So , if someone is on the Q.T. recording your screenland , at least Authy will make it hard for them , if not impossible ; while Google Authenticator will declare oneself no immunity .
Closing Words
Overall , Authy does pretty much everything that Google authenticator does . Plus , it also comes with some useful features , like — better layout , copy to clipboard , multiple devices bread and butter , PIN and cloud backup , etc .
Off trend , some may say that theseextra featuresalso make it vulnerable ( which is true to some extent ) , but then again , if you do n’t require them , you have the option to disable them . And Authy will still work like Google authenticator .
In a nutshell , Authy is a unmortgaged success here . And there is no reason why you should not use it over Google Authenticator .
