# Proton Authenticator vs NumberLink Client

The clearest difference is rating: NumberLink Client at 5.0 against Proton Authenticator's 4.4. NumberLink Client also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). Proton Authenticator's advantage is monetization model (free vs subscription) and ratings volume (242 vs 2). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

NumberLink Client 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 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Proton Authenticator ships an update weekly, NumberLink Client every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Proton Authenticator | NumberLink Client |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (242 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/proton-authenticator/id6741758667/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/numberlink-client/id6751864114/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **242** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 56.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 119 MB | 47 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Proton AG](https://appshunter.io/developer/979659484) | [Sunbeam Wireless](https://appshunter.io/developer/1837286114) |

## 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


### NumberLink Client

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/numberlink-client/id6751864114)

Seamlessly sync contacts, call logs, and messages across multiple devices using your primary phone number. Send texts from any compatible device and receive notifications for messages and missed calls wherever you are. Ideal for professionals and remote workers needing flexible communication.

**Highlights:** Sync contacts, call log, and messages, Send texts from any device, Notifications for messages and missed calls, Use personal and work numbers on one phone, Limit smartphone usage with dumbphone switching

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Proton Authenticator free?

Proton Authenticator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is NumberLink Client free?

NumberLink Client is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Proton Authenticator or NumberLink Client?

NumberLink Client is rated higher. Proton Authenticator averages 4.4 out of 5 from 242 ratings, while NumberLink Client averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Proton Authenticator or NumberLink Client have ads?

Neither Proton Authenticator nor NumberLink Client shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Proton Authenticator or NumberLink Client?

Proton Authenticator ships an update weekly, and NumberLink Client every 3 weeks. Most recently, Proton Authenticator was updated on September 25, 2026 and NumberLink Client on September 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.*