saasrankedSoftware, ranked on the facts

authenticator app · Microsoft

Microsoft Authenticator

Free phone app for Microsoft sign-in approvals and one-time codes for other accounts.

26/100

#12 of 12 authenticator apps
Facts checked 8 Oct 2026

In short

Microsoft Authenticator suits people whose main accounts are Microsoft ones, since it adds approval prompts and codes for other sites on iOS and Android1,2,4,8. It has an app lock and a public bounty3,7. The catch: Microsoft does not document a user-held backup key, and the app is mobile only1,2.

Best for: People who mainly protect Microsoft accounts and want sign-in approval prompts.

Where the points come from

Security and trust9 of 37
Backup and recovery10 of 35
Systems4 of 12
Features3 of 12
Price0 of 4

Security and trust 9 of 37 points

RuleWhat is publishedPoints
End-to-end encrypted backupNot publishedNot published on the vendor's backup page2: it names iCloud or a Microsoft account but not a user-held key.0 / 12
Independent audit, 2023 or laterNot publishedNot published on the vendor's pages2.0 / 10
Open-source appsNot publishedNot published on the vendor's pages1.0 / 6
Public bug bountyYesThe Microsoft Identity Bounty scope lists Microsoft Authenticator for iOS and Android; awards run $750 to $100,0007.3 / 3
App lockYesApp Lock asks for the device PIN or biometrics each time you open Authenticator3.6 / 6

Backup and recovery 10 of 35 points

RuleWhat is publishedPoints
Cloud backup or syncYesiOS backs up to iCloud; Android backs up to a Microsoft personal account. One-time codes for third-party accounts return2.10 / 10
Same codes on several devicesNot publishedNot published on the vendor's FAQ3: it says only that adding the app to a new device does not remove it from the old one.0 / 7
Export all accountsNot publishedNot published: the export page covers passwords only and does not describe exporting accounts or codes6.0 / 7
Import from other appsNot publishedNot published on the vendor's import page5: it covers saved passwords from browsers and managers, not codes.0 / 6
Works without an accountNot publishedNot published on the vendor's add-accounts page9.0 / 5

Systems 4 of 12 points

RuleWhat is publishedPoints
AppsiOS, AndroidDownload page lists the Apple App Store and Google Play; not available for PC or Mac1.4 / 12

Features 3 of 12 points

RuleWhat is publishedPoints
Stores passkeysNot publishedNot published on the vendor's sign-in page4 or FAQ3.0 / 3
Sign-in approval promptsYesSelect Send notification at sign-in and approve in the app; you may also be shown a number to match4.3 / 3
Counter-based (HOTP) codesNot publishedNot published on the vendor's FAQ3: it describes codes that change every 30 seconds.0 / 3
Folders, tags or searchNot publishedNot published on the vendor's FAQ3.0 / 3

Price 0 of 4 points

RuleWhat is publishedPoints
Cost with backup on two devicesNot publishedBackup is documented, but the same codes on two devices are not, so the cost cannot be set2,3.0 / 4

The rule behind each line: how we score authenticator apps.

Plans and prices

As the vendor lists them, before tax. Prices are in US dollars unless the plan shows euros; the points use US dollars, with euros converted at the ECB rate.

PlanPrice as listedPer monthNotes
Free (iOS)1 personFree8$0Listed as free on the App Store

Strengths

  • Free on iOS, with codes for Microsoft and non-Microsoft accounts8,2.
  • Sign-in approval by notification works, and Microsoft says you may be shown a number to match4.
  • App Lock asks for the device PIN or biometrics when you open the app3.
  • Third-party account codes are backed up and return after a restore2.
  • The app is in scope of a public bounty programme7.

Limits

  • Microsoft says the app is not available for PC or Mac1.
  • Backups restore only on the same device type, so iOS and Android do not mix2.
  • Microsoft's backup page does not say whether backups are encrypted with a key only you hold2.
  • Microsoft's help pages for export and import cover passwords only, not authenticator codes5,6.

Other authenticator apps

  1. 1
    Ente AuthPeople who want encrypted sync, open source and a web view of their codes
    91/100
    $0cost with backup on two devices
  2. 2
    Proton AuthenticatorPeople who want encrypted sync and a Windows or Linux app
    79/100
    $0cost with backup on two devices
  3. 3
    Zoho OneAuthPeople who want free encrypted backup and the same codes on a phone and a computer
    74/100
    $0cost with backup on two devices
  4. 4
    2FAS AuthiPhone and Android users who want a free app without an account
    73/100
    $0cost with backup on two devices

All 12 authenticator apps

Sources

  1. Download Microsoft Authenticator, Microsoft Support. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  2. Back up your accounts in Microsoft Authenticator, Microsoft Support. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  3. Microsoft Authenticator FAQs, Microsoft Support. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  4. Sign in using Microsoft Authenticator, Microsoft Support. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  5. Import passwords into the Microsoft Authenticator app, Microsoft Support. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  6. Export passwords from Microsoft Authenticator, Microsoft Support. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  7. Microsoft Identity Bounty Program, Microsoft Security Response Center. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  8. Microsoft Authenticator on the App Store, Apple App Store. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  9. How to add your accounts to Microsoft Authenticator, Microsoft Support. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.

Website: www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/mobile-authenticator-app · Markdown version · We are not affiliated with Microsoft.