Comparison

Proton 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

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.

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
Read full description

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

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

Proton Authenticator4 screens
AxCrypt Encryption4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Proton Authenticator at none against AxCrypt Encryption's 2. Proton Authenticator also leads on ratings volume (242 vs 4). AxCrypt Encryption's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.4) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support 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. Proton Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

AxCrypt Encryption holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Proton Authenticator has 242 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Proton Authenticator ships an update weekly, AxCrypt Encryption every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Proton Authenticator versus AxCrypt Encryption: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterProton AuthenticatorAxCrypt Encryption
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (242 ratings)4.8 (4 ratings) — better
Positive reviews55.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings242 — better4
Update frequencyWeeklyEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS17.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size119 MB217 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperProton AGAxCrypt AB

Customer experience

Proton Authenticator

All ratings242 ratings
Positive82.2%
Neutral7.4%
Negative10.3%
Written reviews244 reviews
Positive55.7%
Neutral20.5%
Negative23.8%

AxCrypt Encryption

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

Bugs and 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

AxCrypt Encryption

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Proton 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 Proton Authenticator free?
Proton 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, Proton Authenticator or AxCrypt Encryption?
AxCrypt Encryption is rated higher. Proton Authenticator averages 4.4 out of 5 from 242 ratings, while AxCrypt Encryption averages 4.8 from 4 ratings.
Do Proton Authenticator or AxCrypt Encryption have ads?
Neither Proton Authenticator nor AxCrypt Encryption shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Proton Authenticator or AxCrypt Encryption?
Proton Authenticator ships an update weekly, and AxCrypt Encryption every 5 days. Most recently, Proton Authenticator was updated on October 12, 2026 and AxCrypt Encryption on October 14, 2026.

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