Side by side
Duo Mobile vs Open Authenticator
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 AndroidiPhone
Duo Mobile combines app-based approvals and passcodes with organizational integration and policy options. Consider the administrator support boundary and the features included in each plan before choosing it.
Visit Duo Mobile
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3
Choose Open Authenticator if you want a free, open-source TOTP manager with syncing across mobile and desktop platforms. Look elsewhere if you need a backend that is not still in development or more than six TOTPs under the default regular-user configuration.
Visit Open AuthenticatorThe facts
| Duo Mobile | Open Authenticator | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Duo Essentials: $3 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | duo.com | openauthenticator.app |
| On authenticator apps | #14 of 111 | #18 of 111 |
Duo Mobile: what it does well
- Push approvals allow one-tap login decisions.
- Generates time-based passcodes and supports third-party TOTP.
- Duo Restore backs up and restores protected accounts.
- Adaptive policies can account for device health.
- Free plan covers 10 users.
What to know first
- Available mobile platforms are iOS and Android.
- End-user enrollment and troubleshooting go through the organization administrator.
- Site-to-site networking is not supported.
Open Authenticator: what it does well
- Works with two-factor services including Google, GitHub, and Discord.
- Synchronizes TOTPs across five supported platforms.
- Encrypts data before transmission using a master-password-derived key.
- Source code is public under the GNU GPL v3 license.
- Maker says it has no ads, tracking, or data collection.
What to know first
- The backend is still in development.
- Self-hosting requires Node.js, pnpm, a compatible database, and compatible storage.
- The default regular-user configuration limits regular users to six TOTPs.
Alternatives to Duo Mobile Alternatives to Open Authenticator The whole list