Side by side
2FAuth vs cOTP
Both stand on authenticator apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APIExtensionSelf-hosted+1
2FAuth provides broad code support, imports, sharing controls, and self-hosted deployment options without a listed price. Its encryption setting and server requirement are important parts of operating it.
Visit 2FAuth Free plan LinuxMacWindows
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.
Visit cOTPThe facts
| 2FAuth | cOTP | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Extension, Self-hosted, Web | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Free or on request |
| Plans published | None | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | docs.2fauth.app | github.com |
| On authenticator apps | #44 of 111 | #40 of 111 |
2FAuth: what it does well
- Free and open source under AGPL-3.0
- Generates TOTP, HOTP, and Steam Guard codes
- Supports multiple users with isolated vaults
- Imports several authenticator export formats
- Offers WebAuthn, OpenID, and GitHub SSO
What to know first
- Browser extensions require a running 2FAuth instance
- Database encryption is disabled by default
- Self-hosted installation requires server setup
- Not every authenticator supports export
cOTP: 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