Proton Authenticator vs AxCrypt Encryption
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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
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.
- AES-256 file encryption
- Cloud storage integration
- Secure file sharing
- Built-in password manager
- Cross-platform access
- User-friendly interface
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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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
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.
| Parameter | Proton Authenticator | AxCrypt Encryption |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.4 (242 ratings) | 4.8 (4 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 55.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 242 — better | 4 |
| Update frequency | Weekly | Every 5 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Freemium |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 119 MB | 217 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Proton AG | AxCrypt AB |
Customer experience
Proton Authenticator
AxCrypt Encryption
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
Proton Authenticator
No in-app purchases
AxCrypt Encryption
- AxCrypt Premium Monthly14 Days trial$5.991 Month
- AxCrypt Premium Yearly14 Days trial$59.991 Year
Questions
Is Proton Authenticator free?
Is AxCrypt Encryption free?
Which has better reviews, Proton Authenticator or AxCrypt Encryption?
Do Proton Authenticator or AxCrypt Encryption have ads?
Which is updated more often, Proton Authenticator or AxCrypt Encryption?
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