# Yubico Authenticator vs Proton Authenticator

The clearest difference is rating: Proton Authenticator at 4.4 against Yubico Authenticator's 3.7. Proton Authenticator also leads on update cadence (weekly vs monthly) and review sentiment (56% vs 44%). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Proton Authenticator holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 268 and 242 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 44% of Yubico Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 56% of Proton Authenticator's.

Yubico Authenticator ships an update monthly, Proton Authenticator weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 14, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Yubico Authenticator | Proton Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (268 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/yubico-authenticator/id1476679808/reviews) | **[4.4 (242 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/proton-authenticator/id6741758667/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **268** | 242 |
| Positive reviews | 43.6% of reviews | **56.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 4 MB | 119 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Yubico](https://appshunter.io/developer/586890748) | [Proton AG](https://appshunter.io/developer/979659484) |

## What reviewers say

### Yubico Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/yubico-authenticator/id1476679808)

Secure your online accounts with hardware-backed two-factor authentication. Store unique credentials on a physical security key, eliminating the need to store sensitive data on your mobile device. Generate verification codes without an internet connection for enhanced account protection.

**Highlights:** Hardware-backed security key storage, Touch or NFC authentication, USB-C support, Biometric unlock (FaceID/TouchID), QR code setup, User presence verification, Smart Card support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works well with Yubikey
- 🔒 Secure storage of OATH secrets
- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- 🚀 NFC support added

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 NFC not working on some devices
- 🐛 Clunky UI for password-protected keys
- 🐛 Crashes and freezes reported
- 🐛 Incompatible with some devices (iPad, older iPhones)

**Reported bugs**

- NFC not working reliably
- Accounts disappearing after updates
- Calculation of codes not working
- Keyboard issues when using keys

**Requested features**

- Allow editing and rearranging of entries
- Add support for multiple keys per account
- Improve iPad/tablet support
- Add dark mode option
- Improve QR code scanning


### Proton Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/proton-authenticator/id6741758667)

Securely manage your two-factor authentication codes with an open-source, end-to-end encrypted authenticator app. It offers seamless cross-device syncing, effortless import from other apps, and robust backup options, all protected by strict Swiss privacy laws. Take control of your digital security with a trusted and private solution.

**Highlights:** End-to-end encrypted iCloud sync, Effortless import from other authenticators, Secure backup and export, Swiss privacy by design, Open source and transparent, Offline support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Cross-platform support
- 🔒 Secure cloud sync
- 👍 Easy import from other authenticators
- 🚀 Convenient 'next' feature for codes

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy UI (scrolling jitters, random sorting)
- 👎 Lack of customization options (pin favorites, change icons)
- 🐛 Sync/login issues on iPad

**Reported bugs**

- Sync/login loop on iPad
- 2FA input broken on non-iPhone devices
- Screen strobing on iPad
- Duplicate entries after import

**Requested features**

- PIN unlock for desktop
- Alphabetical sorting option
- Export function (not just Proton-specific backup)
- Native macOS app
- Option to hide item icons


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Yubico Authenticator free?

Yubico Authenticator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Proton Authenticator free?

Proton Authenticator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Yubico Authenticator or Proton Authenticator?

Proton Authenticator is rated higher. Yubico Authenticator averages 3.7 out of 5 from 268 ratings, while Proton Authenticator averages 4.4 from 242 ratings.

### Do Yubico Authenticator or Proton Authenticator have ads?

Neither Yubico Authenticator nor Proton Authenticator shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Yubico Authenticator or Proton Authenticator?

Yubico Authenticator ships an update monthly, and Proton Authenticator weekly. Most recently, Yubico Authenticator was updated on September 14, 2026 and Proton Authenticator on September 22, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*