Yubico Authenticator
Free app for managing one-time codes on a YubiKey
- #3 of 10 in best authenticator apps
- Free and open source
- Free to use
- Open source
- WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS
Ranked 3 of 10 in best authenticator apps
Open-source companion app for YubiKey keys, with desktop builds for Windows, macOS and Linux and an Android app. It is useful only with a YubiKey, unlike the phone apps above, and its iOS version is a separate app.
Best for Hardware-key users who want desktop and mobile access
About Yubico Authenticator
Yubico Authenticator is the companion app for YubiKey hardware keys, published by Yubico under the Apache 2.0 license. Its README describes it as a way to manage the YubiKey and access one-time passwords, with a desktop app for Windows, macOS and Linux and an Android app.
The supported systems listed in the project are Windows 10 and later, macOS 13 and later, Ubuntu 22.04 and later, and Android 13 and later. The iOS version is a separate app that the project links from its README. Because the app is built around a YubiKey, it is useful only if you own a compatible key.
Key features
- Companion app for YubiKey
- Apache-2.0 open source
- Windows, macOS and Linux desktop
- Android app
- Separate iOS version
Strengths
- Apache 2.0 licensed, with source on GitHub
- Desktop apps for Windows, macOS and Linux
Limits
- Needs a YubiKey hardware key
- The iOS version is a separate app
Where Yubico Authenticator ranks
How Yubico Authenticator compares
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms | Backups and sync |
|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 Ente Auth | 91.5 | Free and open source | iOSAndroidWebmacOSLinuxWindows | End-to-end encrypted cloud backup |
#2 Proton Authenticator | 89.0 | Free | iOSAndroidmacOSWindowsLinux | End-to-end encrypted sync and backup |
| #3Yubico Authenticator | 88.0 | Free and open source | WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS | Codes live on the YubiKey; no cloud backup described |
#4 2FAS Auth | 87.5 | Free and open source | iOSAndroidBrowser extension | Cloud or manual backup |
#5 Aegis Authenticator | 86.0 | Free and open source | Android | Automatic backups, plus export and import |
The full comparison table for best authenticator apps has all 10 products.
Alternatives to Yubico Authenticator
All 9 alternatives- Ente AuthAlso runs on Web.
- Proton AuthenticatorOpen-source two-factor app with end-to-end encrypted sync
- 2FAS AuthLocal-first authenticator with no account and optional cloud backup
- Aegis AuthenticatorFree, open-source Android authenticator with an encrypted vault
StratumOpen-source Android authenticator with encrypted backups
Bitwarden AuthenticatorFree open-source two-factor app that needs no account
Questions about Yubico Authenticator
- Is Yubico Authenticator free?
- Yubico Authenticator can be used without paying: Free under Apache 2.0; works with a YubiKey hardware key. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is Yubico Authenticator open source?
- Yes. Yubico Authenticator publishes its source code under the Apache-2.0 license.
- Which platforms does Yubico Authenticator support?
- Yubico Authenticator is available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.
- What is Yubico Authenticator best for?
- Hardware-key users who want desktop and mobile access. In our ranking of authenticator apps it is number 3 of 10 with a score of 88.0.
- What are the best alternatives to Yubico Authenticator?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Ente Auth, Proton Authenticator, 2FAS Auth, Aegis Authenticator.
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If you make or maintain Yubico Authenticator, this badge links back to this page and shows its current rank. It updates when the ranking does.
<a href="https://listme.name/software/yubico-authenticator"><img src="https://listme.name/badge/yubico-authenticator.svg" height="28" alt="Ranked #3 of 10 authenticator apps on listme.name"></a>Articles that mention Yubico Authenticator
All articles- Guides · 5 min readHow to choose an authenticator app: backups, sync and open sourceChoose an authenticator app by how it backs up codes, whether sync is end-to-end encrypted, its license and platform reach. Compare Ente Auth, Aegis and Authy.
- Explainers · 6 min readWhat is a passkey? How it replaces your passwordA passkey replaces a password with a key pair held on your device. Learn how passkeys resist phishing, sync between devices and recover if you lose one.
