Comparison

Yubico Authenticator vs AxCrypt Encryption

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Yubico Authenticator

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
Read full description

Store your unique credentials on a hardware-backed security key and take it wherever you go from mobile to desktop. No more storing sensitive secrets on your mobile phone, leaving your account vulnerable to takeovers. With the Yubico Authenticator you can raise the bar for security. * The Yubico Authenticator will work with any USB, Lightning, or NFC-enabled YubiKeys. * As iPads do not have NFC, they will only work through a Lightning or USB connection. The Yubico Authenticator generates a code used to verify your identity as you are logging into various services. No connectivity needed! Features include: Touch or NFC Authentication - Touch the YubiKey sensor or simply tap a YubiKey with NFC to a mobile phone that is NFC-enabled to store your credential on the YubiKey USB-C support - Connect the YubiKey 5Ci or any USB-C type YubiKey. When prompted, depending on the key, touch the contacts on the sides of the key or the golden ring on the top Biometric support - Experience greater convenience by unlocking your YubiKey with FaceID or TouchID Easy Setup - QR codes available from the services you wish to protect with strong authentication User Presence - New codes generated with just a touch or NFC tap of the YubiKey Compatible - Secure all the services currently compatible with other Authenticator apps Secure - Hardware-backed strong two-factor authentication with secret stored on the YubiKey, not on the mobile device Versatile - Support for multiple work and personal accounts Portable - Get the same set of codes across our other Yubico Authenticator apps for desktops as well as for all leading mobile platforms Flexible - Support for time-based and counter-based code generation Smart Card - Support for Apple's CryptoTokenKit Extension making it possible to use certificates stored on your YubiKey to authenticate with other apps and sites Experience security the modern way with the Yubico Authenticator. Visit yubico.com to learn more.

About

AxCrypt Encryption

Securely encrypt and decrypt sensitive files, passwords, and personal data with military-grade AES-256 encryption. Access and share protected content across cloud services and devices, with a built-in password manager for added peace of mind.

Highlights
  • AES-256 file encryption
  • Cloud storage integration
  • Secure file sharing
  • Built-in password manager
  • Cross-platform access
  • User-friendly interface
Features
Read full description

AxCrypt is an award-winning encryption app trusted by millions of users in over 100 countries to protect their files, passwords, photos, and messages. Named PCMag's Best Encryption Software for nine consecutive years since 2016, AxCrypt delivers military-grade AES-256 security with the simplicity anyone can use. Encrypt files on your phone and in the cloud Lock any file — documents, spreadsheets, photos — and sync it safely to Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, or iCloud. Encrypted files stay protected wherever they go, and open instantly on any device where you're signed in. Secured Folders Choose a folder and AxCrypt watches it automatically. Files decrypt when you need them and re-encrypt the moment you sign out — no manual steps required. Password Manager Store passwords, card details, and private notes in an encrypted vault that only you can unlock. Protected by the same AES-256 encryption as your files. Secure Messenger Send and receive end-to-end encrypted messages with other AxCrypt users. Private conversations with no metadata collected. Photo Vault Keep sensitive photos and videos hidden behind biometric lock. They never appear in your camera roll or gallery. Key Sharing Collaborate without compromising security. Share decryption access with specific contacts and revoke it any time. Secure your files across your devices One subscription keeps your files protected and synced across your devices. Start securing files on your iPhone or iPad and seamlessly pick up where you left off wherever you continue your work. AxCrypt uses a zero-knowledge architecture — your password never leaves your device, and AxCrypt never has access to your files. Download AxCrypt today and start your 14-day free trial of all Premium features. Terms of Use: https://axcrypt.net/information/terms-of-use/

Screenshots

Yubico Authenticator4 screens
AxCrypt Encryption4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: AxCrypt Encryption at 4.8 against Yubico Authenticator's 3.7. AxCrypt Encryption also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs monthly) and device support (4 vs 2). Yubico Authenticator's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ratings volume (268 vs 4). On price, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. AxCrypt Encryption sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Yubico Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

AxCrypt Encryption holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Yubico Authenticator has 268 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Yubico Authenticator ships an update monthly, AxCrypt Encryption every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Yubico Authenticator versus AxCrypt Encryption: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterYubico AuthenticatorAxCrypt Encryption
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.7 (268 ratings)4.8 (4 ratings) — better
Positive reviews43.6% of reviews—
Number of ratings268 — better4
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS16.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB217 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperYubicoAxCrypt AB

Customer experience

Yubico Authenticator

All ratings268 ratings
Positive64.9%
Neutral6.7%
Negative28.4%
Written reviews179 reviews
Positive43.6%
Neutral11.2%
Negative45.3%

AxCrypt Encryption

All ratings4 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

Yubico Authenticator

Reported bugs

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

Requested features

5 requests
  • 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

AxCrypt Encryption

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Yubico Authenticator

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

AxCrypt Encryption

Subscriptions2
  • AxCrypt Premium Monthly14 Days trial$5.991 Month
  • AxCrypt Premium Yearly14 Days trial$59.991 Year

Questions

Is Yubico Authenticator free?
Yubico Authenticator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is AxCrypt Encryption free?
AxCrypt Encryption is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Yubico Authenticator or AxCrypt Encryption?
AxCrypt Encryption is rated higher. Yubico Authenticator averages 3.7 out of 5 from 268 ratings, while AxCrypt Encryption averages 4.8 from 4 ratings.
Do Yubico Authenticator or AxCrypt Encryption have ads?
Neither Yubico Authenticator nor AxCrypt Encryption shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Yubico Authenticator or AxCrypt Encryption?
Yubico Authenticator ships an update monthly, and AxCrypt Encryption every 5 days. Most recently, Yubico Authenticator was updated on October 7, 2026 and AxCrypt Encryption on October 14, 2026.

Other comparisons