# NordLocker vs Proton Authenticator

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Proton Authenticator at 56% against NordLocker's 10%. Proton Authenticator also leads on rating (4.4 vs 3.7) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Proton Authenticator has 242 ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 10% of NordLocker's written reviews are positive against 56% of Proton Authenticator's.

NordLocker ships an update every 4 weeks, Proton Authenticator weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NordLocker | Proton Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nordlocker-private-cloud/id1582765682/reviews) | **[4.4 (242 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/proton-authenticator/id6741758667/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 13 | **242** |
| Positive reviews | 9.6% of reviews | **55.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 67 MB | 119 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nordvpn S.A.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1548694093) | [Proton AG](https://appshunter.io/developer/979659484) |

## What reviewers say

### NordLocker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nordlocker-private-cloud/id1582765682)

Securely store and encrypt your photos, videos, and files in the cloud or locally. This app offers end-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge architecture, ensuring only you have access to your data. Share files securely with others while maintaining complete control.

**Highlights:** End-to-end file encryption, Zero-knowledge cloud storage, Local encryption tool, Secure file sharing, Cross-device syncing, Access control

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🔒 Secure encryption
- 👍 Decent free storage plan
- 🚀 Improving with updates

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and freezes
- 👎 Clunky and unintuitive UI
- 🕰️ Slow file uploads/downloads
- 🔒 Excessive password requirements

**Reported bugs**

- Login issues and recovery key problems
- Compatibility problems on newer devices
- Inconsistent file sync and upload failures

**Requested features**

- Add thumbnail previews for files
- Allow batch/folder uploads
- Implement biometric login
- Integrate with native Files app
- Add dark mode option


### 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 NordLocker free?

NordLocker 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, NordLocker or Proton Authenticator?

Proton Authenticator is rated higher. NordLocker averages 3.7 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while Proton Authenticator averages 4.4 from 242 ratings.

### Do NordLocker or Proton Authenticator have ads?

Neither NordLocker nor Proton Authenticator shows ads.

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

NordLocker ships an update every 4 weeks, and Proton Authenticator weekly. Most recently, NordLocker was updated on October 15, 2026 and Proton Authenticator on October 14, 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.*