# Proton Authenticator vs NanoBeard

The clearest difference is review sentiment: NanoBeard at 100% against Proton Authenticator's 56%. NanoBeard also leads on update cadence (daily vs weekly). Proton Authenticator's advantage is rating (4.4 vs 4.0) and ratings volume (242 vs 1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

Proton Authenticator holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Proton Authenticator has 242 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 56% of Proton Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 100% of NanoBeard's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Proton Authenticator ships an update weekly, NanoBeard daily. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Proton Authenticator | NanoBeard |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (242 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/proton-authenticator/id6741758667/reviews)** | [4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nanobeard/id6776172780/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **242** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 55.8% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 119 MB | 59 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.4** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Proton AG](https://appshunter.io/developer/979659484) | [Youniss Kandah](https://appshunter.io/developer/6776172782) |

## 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


### NanoBeard

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nanobeard/id6776172780)

This app offers four distinct AI language models that run entirely on your device, ensuring privacy and offline functionality. Choose from models of varying sizes and personalities for unique conversational experiences. It's a playful demonstration of on-device AI capabilities.

**Highlights:** Four on-device AI language models, Offline functionality, No internet or account required, Adjustable model precision, Variety of model sizes and personalities

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Proton Authenticator free?

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

### Is NanoBeard free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Proton Authenticator or NanoBeard?

Proton Authenticator is rated higher. Proton Authenticator averages 4.4 out of 5 from 242 ratings, while NanoBeard averages 4.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Proton Authenticator or NanoBeard have ads?

Neither Proton Authenticator nor NanoBeard shows ads.

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

Proton Authenticator ships an update weekly, and NanoBeard daily. Most recently, Proton Authenticator was updated on October 2, 2026 and NanoBeard on September 21, 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.*