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cOTP

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cOTP's own site

What cOTP is

cOTP is a free, open-source command-line authenticator for TOTP and HOTP codes on Linux, macOS, and Windows. It generates codes compliant with RFC 6238 and RFC 4226, while allowing users to customize the HMAC algorithm and digit count. The project also lists Steam, Yandex, and MOTP support. Its database uses XChaCha20Poly1305 authenticated encryption with Argon2id key derivation. cOTP can import encrypted Aegis backups using AES-GCM and migrate data from andOTP, Aegis, Authy, cOTP, FreeOTP, FreeOTP+, Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, and OTP URI lists. An interactive dashboard supports arrow-key selection and clipboard copying. Documented commands add, edit, list, extract, import, and export codes, including JSON output and password input through standard input. The default database is $HOME/.cotp/db.cotp, with alternate paths supported. Installation options include Linux repositories or Rust tooling, Homebrew, and Windows x86_64 builds.

Who it suits

cOTP suits users who want an encrypted, open-source authenticator operated from a terminal. It is useful across Linux, macOS, and Windows, especially when migrating existing OTP data.

What it does well

  • Free and open source
  • Supports TOTP and HOTP code types
  • Encrypted database with Argon2id key derivation
  • Imports backups and data from multiple authenticators
  • Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows

What to know first

  • Command-line interface may not suit graphical-app users
  • Windows builds target x86_64 GNU and MSVC toolchains
  • Database path requires configuration for alternatives

Plans

PlanBilled and limitsPrice
cOTPCommand-line TOTP/HOTP authenticator · GPL-3.0Free

As github.com lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Verdict

cOTP combines terminal-based OTP management with encrypted storage and broad migration support. Its free license and cross-platform builds make it a practical option for users comfortable with command-line tools.

Facts from cOTP's own pages

Aegis imports
cOTP can import encrypted Aegis backups using AES-GCM. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Code type
totp and hotp · github.com, 22 Sept 2026
Code types
It generates TOTP and HOTP codes compliant with RFC 6238 and RFC 4226. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Command line
The README documents commands to add, edit, list, extract, import, and export OTP codes, including JSON listing and password input through stdin. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Custom codes
Users can customize the HMAC algorithm and number of digits, and the README also lists Steam, Yandex, and MOTP support. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Database location
The default database path is $HOME/.cotp/db.cotp, and users can set another path with COTP_DB_PATH or --database-path. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Encrypted backup
Yes · github.com, 22 Sept 2026
Encryption
The database file uses XChaCha20Poly1305 authenticated encryption and Argon2id key derivation. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Interface
The interactive dashboard lets users select a code with arrow keys and copy it to the clipboard. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Linux install
The README says cOTP is distributed through some Linux distribution repositories and documents installation from source with Rust tooling. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
macOS install
The README documents installing cOTP on macOS with Homebrew. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Migration
The README lists imports from andOTP, Aegis, Authy, cOTP, FreeOTP, FreeOTP+, Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, and OTP URI lists. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Platforms
The project says it is mostly tested on Linux, Windows, and macOS. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Project scope
The maintainer says they created cOTP for their own needs and welcome pull requests. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Purpose
cOTP is an encrypted, command-line TOTP/HOTP authenticator with import functionality. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Supported platforms
linux,windows,macos · github.com, 22 Sept 2026
Windows install
The README says Windows builds support the x86_64 GNU and MSVC toolchains. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026

Where cOTP stands on Freedom251

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