# Bitwarden Authenticator vs Proton Authenticator

The clearest difference is rating: Proton Authenticator at 4.4 against Bitwarden Authenticator's 3.5. Proton Authenticator also leads on review sentiment (56% vs 41%). Bitwarden Authenticator's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads 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 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 95 and 242 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 41% of Bitwarden Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 56% of Proton Authenticator's.

Bitwarden Authenticator ships an update fortnightly, Proton Authenticator weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Bitwarden Authenticator | Proton Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (95 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bitwarden-authenticator/id6497335175/reviews) | **[4.4 (242 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/proton-authenticator/id6741758667/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 95 | **242** |
| Positive reviews | 41.3% of reviews | **56.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 71 MB | 119 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bitwarden Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1137397743) | [Proton AG](https://appshunter.io/developer/979659484) |

## What reviewers say

### Bitwarden Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bitwarden-authenticator/id6497335175)

Generate secure verification codes for two-factor authentication on your device. This app supports any website or application using industry-standard TOTP, adding an extra layer of protection to your online accounts.

**Highlights:** Generate 2FA verification codes, Supports TOTP standard, Universal compatibility, Simple, intuitive interface, Adds extra layer of protection

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Good start
- 🚀 Supports export and import
- 🔒 Backed by a trusted company
- 💡 Dedicated authenticator app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes on launch
- 🐛 Search function not working
- 🐛 Backup not working as expected
- 🐛 Compatibility issues with older devices

**Reported bugs**

- Search results showing placeholder codes
- Backup not restoring codes after device restore
- Crashes after app updates

**Requested features**

- Add icons for services
- Allow rearranging of entries
- Implement iCloud/cloud sync
- Add Apple Watch support
- Require biometric authentication on each app open


### 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 Bitwarden Authenticator free?

Bitwarden 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, Bitwarden Authenticator or Proton Authenticator?

Proton Authenticator is rated higher. Bitwarden Authenticator averages 3.5 out of 5 from 95 ratings, while Proton Authenticator averages 4.4 from 242 ratings.

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

Neither Bitwarden Authenticator nor Proton Authenticator shows ads.

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

Bitwarden Authenticator ships an update fortnightly, and Proton Authenticator weekly. Most recently, Bitwarden Authenticator was updated on September 23, 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.*