Ente Auth

Overview

Ente Auth is a two-factor authenticator for people who want codes on more than one kind of device without giving up encrypted backups. It is a strong fit for users moving between phones and computers; the key trade-off is that its local-only mode gives up sync and backup.

It supports TOTP and HOTP codes, and Ente says the app is fully open source and its cryptography has been externally audited. Import and export options make it practical for users who may need to move their codes later.

Key features

Encrypted sync, with a local-only option

With an account, codes can sync across mobile, desktop, and web devices, with end-to-end encrypted cloud backups. Account backups involve an email address, encrypted 2FA secrets, and a server-generated user ID. That is a useful balance for users who want recovery and multi-device access, though it does involve an account. Without one, codes stay locally on the device and are not synced or backed up to Ente, so users choosing that mode must manage their own continuity if a device is lost.

Code management and sharing

Search, tags, pinning, notes, multi-select, and custom sorting help keep a large collection manageable. Temporary sharing links expire after 2, 5, or 10 minutes, a useful option for brief handoffs rather than persistent access.

Moving codes and app lock

Native import integrations cover 2FAS Authenticator, Aegis, andOTP, Bitwarden, Google Authenticator, LastPass, Proton, and Raivo OTP. Exports can be plain text, encrypted files, or HTML QR codes compatible with Google Authenticator. The breadth gives users practical ways in and out, but plain-text export is a less protective format to handle.

The app lock can use a device lock, 4-digit PIN, or password. It protects access to the interface, not by re-encrypting Auth data, so it should not be mistaken for an additional layer of data encryption.

Privacy and support

Ente says Auth collects no data by default. Account backups involve the email address, encrypted 2FA secrets, and server-generated user ID. Users can contact [email protected] or seek community help through Discord.

Pricing

Ente Auth is free forever at no cost, with no ads, no spying, and cross-platform use. There are no paid tiers or published usage caps in its free plan, making it a straightforward choice for personal use without a subscription decision.

Platforms

Ente Auth supports Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and the web. That range is a meaningful advantage for people who need codes across phone and computer platforms, rather than only on mobile.

Who it's for

Choose Ente Auth if encrypted cross-device access, an audited cryptography claim, and the ability to import or export codes matter more than keeping everything exclusively on one device. Its local-only mode suits users who prefer no account, provided they accept no Ente sync or backup. Those who expect the app lock itself to encrypt stored data should look elsewhere or account for that distinction in their security choices.

Pros and cons

Pros

• End-to-end encrypted cloud backups and sync support access across mobile, desktop, and web.
• Broad native import coverage and multiple export formats reduce friction when switching authenticators.
• Free forever pricing avoids ads and a recurring subscription cost.

Cons

• Local-only use has neither sync nor Ente backup, which leaves recovery to the user.
• The app lock protects the interface but does not re-encrypt stored Auth data.
• Account backups involve an email address as well as encrypted secrets and a server-generated ID.

Alternatives

Browse Authenticator apps for the wider category. Proton Authenticator is another free, open-source option for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows if those platforms suit your setup. Choose Yubico Authenticator if you want credentials stored and generated with a YubiKey, which it requires.

Bitwarden is worth considering if you also want password management: its free plan includes unlimited devices and passwords. Zoho OneAuth may suit people authenticating Zoho work accounts or personal online accounts, with time-based OTP, backup, and recovery.

Duo Mobile is a mobile-only alternative for readers who want its free plan for up to 10 users or its paid Duo Essentials tier at $3 a month. SAASPASS Authenticator offers personal mobile app use for those who want a freemium alternative. Authy is another free Android and iOS option with encrypted cloud backup and multi-device support. Salesforce Authenticator is a mobile alternative offering MFA verification, push notifications, and TOTP codes.

Verdict

Ente Auth is a clear recommendation for people who want a free authenticator across phone, desktop, and web, with end-to-end encrypted sync and flexible migration options. Its biggest reason to choose it is that combination of cross-platform reach and encrypted backups; look elsewhere if you need local-only codes to be backed up, or expect the app lock to encrypt the stored data.