# Proton Authenticator vs GardeManger

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Proton Authenticator at none against GardeManger's 2. GardeManger's advantage is iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. GardeManger sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Proton Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Proton Authenticator ships an update weekly, GardeManger every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Proton Authenticator | GardeManger |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (242 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/proton-authenticator/id6741758667/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **242** | — |
| Positive reviews | 56.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 119 MB | 31 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Proton AG](https://appshunter.io/developer/979659484) | [Tim Weirig](https://appshunter.io/developer/1888685440) |

## 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


### GardeManger

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gardemanger/id6761739689)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Invite Pack · 10 Codes | $6.99 | one-time |
| New Kitchen, Brigade of 5 | $8.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Proton Authenticator free?

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

### Is GardeManger free?

GardeManger is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Proton Authenticator or GardeManger have ads?

Neither Proton Authenticator nor GardeManger shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Proton Authenticator or GardeManger?

Proton Authenticator ships an update weekly, and GardeManger every 2 weeks. Most recently, Proton Authenticator was updated on September 28, 2026 and GardeManger on September 15, 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.*