Chronos Authenticator vs Proton Authenticator
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Chronos Authenticator
This open-source app provides secure two-factor authentication using time-based and counter-based methods. It offers end-to-end encryption for token data and optional iCloud backup and sync for convenience. Easily import and export your authentication tokens.
- Open-source
- End-to-end encrypted token storage
- Optional iCloud backup and sync
- Token export and import
- Anonymous usage (no account required)
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Chronos is an open-source two-factor authentication (2FA) app designed to deliver robust security and reliable backup features. It supports both time-based (TOTP) and counter-based (HOTP) authentication methods. Features: • Open-source • End-to-end encrypted: Only encrypted token data is stored on the device and in iCloud • Backup & Sync (optional): Effortlessly backup and sync your data with iCloud • Export Tokens: Easily export your tokens for backup or transfer • Import Tokens: Easily import your tokens from other authenticators • Anonymous: No telemetry & app account required
Proton Authenticator
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.
- 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
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Get the authenticator trusted by millions — from Proton Mail, the world's largest encrypted email provider. Proton Authenticator is open source, end-to-end encrypted, and protected by strict Swiss privacy laws. Protect all your new accounts and strengthen security on your existing ones. Proton Authenticator keeps your 2FA codes secure, accessible, and completely private — with full control over where your data is stored. KEY FEATURES Local-First Storage:Your 2FA codes are stored entirely on your device, giving you complete control over your data. Effortless Import: Migrate from Google Authenticator, Authy, or any other app in seconds. Secure Backup & Export: Retain full control of your data with easy backup and restore options. Swiss Privacy by Design: Built under Switzerland's strongest data protection regulations. Open Source & Transparent: Auditable code. No tracking. No ads. Take control of your digital security with encryption you can trust. Free to use: No Proton account required, ad-free. Offline support: On mobile and desktop apps No other 2FA app provides this combination of security and privacy. Trusted by millions. Built by Proton. Take control of your digital security today. Terms of service: https://proton.me/legal/terms Learn more: https://proton.me
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Chronos Authenticator at 100% against Proton Authenticator's 56%. Chronos Authenticator also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.4). Proton Authenticator's advantage is ratings volume (242 vs 3) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Chronos Authenticator holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Proton Authenticator has 242 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Chronos Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 56% of Proton Authenticator's.
Chronos Authenticator ships an update every 6 days, Proton Authenticator weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 16, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Chronos Authenticator | Proton Authenticator |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (3 ratings) — better | 4.4 (242 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better | 56.3% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 3 | 242 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 6 days — better | Weekly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 11 MB | 119 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Joel-David Wong | Proton AG |
Customer experience
Chronos Authenticator
Proton Authenticator
Bugs and requests
Chronos Authenticator
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
Proton Authenticator
Reported bugs
4 issues- Sync/login loop on iPad
- 2FA input broken on non-iPhone devices
- Screen strobing on iPad
- Duplicate entries after import
Requested features
5 requests- PIN unlock for desktop
- Alphabetical sorting option
- Export function (not just Proton-specific backup)
- Native macOS app
- Option to hide item icons
In-app purchases
Chronos Authenticator
No in-app purchases
Proton Authenticator
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Chronos Authenticator free?
Is Proton Authenticator free?
Which has better reviews, Chronos Authenticator or Proton Authenticator?
Do Chronos Authenticator or Proton Authenticator have ads?
Which is updated more often, Chronos Authenticator or Proton Authenticator?
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