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Yubico Authenticator vs Microsoft Authenticator: catalog facts
Yubico Authenticator	Microsoft Authenticator
Free The app is free; it requires a YubiKey, which is bought separately.	Free Free app from Microsoft for Android and iOS.
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Android, iOS
Secrets stay on the hardware key rather than the device Same codes available on any machine where the key is plugged in	Passwordless sign-in for Microsoft and work accounts Commonly required by employers using Microsoft sign-in
Requires a YubiKey Losing the key loses access to the stored codes unless you have a backup	Mobile only, with no desktop app Most useful inside the Microsoft account ecosystem
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 24, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

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