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Microsoft Authenticator vs Yubico Authenticator: catalog facts
Microsoft Authenticator	Yubico Authenticator
Free Free app from Microsoft for Android and iOS.	Free The app is free; it requires a YubiKey, which is bought separately.
Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Passwordless sign-in for Microsoft and work accounts Commonly required by employers using Microsoft sign-in	Secrets stay on the hardware key rather than the device Same codes available on any machine where the key is plugged in
Mobile only, with no desktop app Most useful inside the Microsoft account ecosystem	Requires a YubiKey Losing the key loses access to the stored codes unless you have a backup
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Closed source	Closed source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.