Alternatives to Step Two

A two-step verification code app for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac with iCloud backup. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as Step Two.

  • Ente Auth

    Open-source two-factor authenticator with end-to-end encrypted backups.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOSWeb

    Ente Auth is free and open source on Apple platforms plus Windows, Linux, Android and the web, with end-to-end encrypted backup through an Ente account instead of iCloud.

  • 2FAS

    Open-source authenticator app with browser-extension push approvals.

    FreeOpen sourceAndroidiOSBrowser extension

    2FAS is free and open source on iOS and Android, keeps iCloud backup, and adds browser-extension push approvals, but has no Mac app or Apple Watch app.

  • Google Authenticator

    Google's mobile app that generates one-time verification codes for two-step verification.

    FreeProprietaryAndroidiOS

    Google Authenticator is free on iOS and Android, is closed source and mobile only, and syncs codes through a Google Account instead of iCloud.

  • Authy

    Mobile two-factor authenticator with encrypted cloud backup.

    FreeProprietaryAndroidiOS

    Authy is free on iOS and Android with encrypted cloud backup and multi-device sync, but has no Mac app and ties recovery to a phone number.

  • FreeOTP

    An open-source two-factor authentication app for Android and iOS that generates one-time codes.

    FreeOpen sourceAndroidiOS

    FreeOTP is free and open source on iOS and Android, with no paid tier, but has no Mac app and no mention of cloud backup.

  • Bitwarden Authenticator

    A standalone mobile app from Bitwarden that generates and stores two-step verification codes.

    FreeProprietaryAndroidiOS

    Bitwarden Authenticator is free on iOS and Android from a password manager vendor, but has no Mac app and publishes few details about backup.

  • Microsoft Authenticator

    Microsoft's mobile authenticator app for multi-factor and passwordless sign-in to personal and work accounts.

    FreeProprietaryAndroidiOS

    Microsoft Authenticator is free on iOS and Android and adds passwordless sign-in for Microsoft accounts, but is mobile only with no Mac app.

  • Yubico Authenticator

    An app that shows two-factor codes from OATH credentials stored on a YubiKey.

    FreeProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS

    Yubico Authenticator keeps secrets on a YubiKey instead of iCloud, works on desktop and mobile including Windows and Linux, and requires the hardware key.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.