# Proton Authenticator vs AxCrypt Encryption

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Proton Authenticator | AxCrypt Encryption |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (242 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/proton-authenticator/id6741758667/reviews) | **[4.8 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/axcrypt-encryption/id6746769422/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **242** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 55.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 119 MB | 217 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Proton AG](https://appshunter.io/developer/979659484) | [AxCrypt AB](https://appshunter.io/developer/1157695908) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### AxCrypt Encryption

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/axcrypt-encryption/id6746769422)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AxCrypt Premium Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| AxCrypt Premium Yearly | $59.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*