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Comparison · Authenticator apps

Proton Authenticator vs Stratum: which is better in 2026?

Proton Authenticator89.0#2 in best authenticator appsStratum85.0#6 in best authenticator apps

Proton Authenticator ranks higher in our list of authenticator apps (#2 against #6, score 89.0 against 85.0).

How we rank Share

  • 89.0
    Editorial score
    85.0
  • 5
    Platforms
    1
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • Yes
    Open source
    Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose Proton Authenticator if you want

Encrypted sync across phones, tablets and desktops.

Open-source app with end-to-end encrypted sync and backup across phones, tablets and desktops, plus an Apple Watch app. No browser extension is listed, and the company is Swiss-based.

Choose Stratum if you want

Android users who want encrypted local backups.

Android-only and open source under GPL-3.0, with encrypted backups and export you control. It has no iOS or desktop version, so it suits Android users who want local backup files over cloud sync.

The main differences

  • Only Proton Authenticator runs on Linux.
  • Only Proton Authenticator runs on Windows.
  • Only Proton Authenticator runs on macOS.
  • Only Proton Authenticator runs on iOS.
  • Proton Authenticator is free; Stratum is free and open source.

Side by side

Proton AuthenticatorStratum
Score89.085.0
Rank in list#2 of 10#6 of 10
PriceFreeFree to use and ad-free, according to its siteFree and open sourceFree and open source under GPL-3.0 for Android
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceYesYes
PlatformsiOSAndroidmacOSWindowsLinuxiOS, Android, macOS, Windows, LinuxAndroidAndroid
Made byProtonNot stated
Backups and syncEnd-to-end encrypted sync and backupEncrypted backup and restore; export at any time
Best forEncrypted sync across phones, tablets and desktopsAndroid users who want encrypted local backups
Strengths
  • Free to use, with sync and backup of codes
  • Apps for phones, tablets, Apple Watch and desktops
  • Standalone app, with no password manager needed
  • GPL-3.0 licensed, with source on GitHub
  • Encrypted backups and export at any time
Limits
  • No browser extension is listed on the product page
  • Android only, with no iOS or desktop version
  • Backup files are yours to store safely
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Proton Authenticator vs Stratum

Is Proton Authenticator better than Stratum?
Proton Authenticator ranks higher in our list of authenticator apps (#2 against #6, score 89.0 against 85.0). Proton Authenticator is best for: encrypted sync across phones, tablets and desktops. Stratum is best for: Android users who want encrypted local backups.
Which is cheaper, Proton Authenticator or Stratum?
Proton Authenticator: Free to use and ad-free, according to its site. Stratum: Free and open source under GPL-3.0 for Android.
Do Proton Authenticator and Stratum run on the same platforms?
Proton Authenticator supports iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux. Stratum supports Android.

Choosing between the two

Learning Center
1:17Beginner · 4 min readHow to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.1:20Beginner · 6 min readHow to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.

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