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SIM-swapping attacks allow criminals to hijack your phone number and intercept SMS codes. An authenticator app or hardware key is immune to this attack. If a service offers app-based 2FA, always choose it over SMS.
Best Overall (Android)
Android · Free
The gold standard for security-conscious Android users. Fully open-source, stores your tokens in an encrypted vault, and lets you export backups. No cloud sync means no remote attack surface.
Pros
Cons
Best for Multi-Device
iOS & Android · Free
The most popular choice for users who want encrypted cloud backup and multi-device sync. If you lose your phone, you can restore all your 2FA codes on a new device — something Google Authenticator cannot do.
Pros
Cons
Best for Microsoft/Office 365 Users
iOS & Android · Free
The natural choice if you use Microsoft 365, Azure, or Windows Hello. Supports passwordless sign-in for Microsoft accounts and integrates deeply with enterprise environments.
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Cons
Simple but Limited
iOS & Android · Free
The most widely recognised authenticator app, but no longer the best choice. Google added cloud sync in 2023, but tokens are not end-to-end encrypted — meaning Google can theoretically read them.
Pros
Cons
Best Physical Security Key
Hardware Key · From £45
A physical hardware key that plugs into USB or taps via NFC. Immune to phishing — even if you're tricked into entering your password on a fake site, the YubiKey won't authenticate. Used by Google, Facebook, and government agencies.
Pros
Cons
| App | Platform | Open Source | Cloud Backup | Encrypted | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aegis Authenticator | Android | Free | |||
| Authy | iOS & Android | Free | |||
| Microsoft Authenticator | iOS & Android | Free | |||
| Google Authenticator | iOS & Android | Free | |||
| YubiKey 5 Series | Hardware Key | From £45 |
For Android users, Aegis Authenticator is the most secure app-based option — it is open-source, stores tokens in an encrypted local vault, and has no cloud attack surface. For the highest possible security, a hardware key like YubiKey is phishing-proof and cannot be compromised remotely.
If you lose your phone and have not backed up your Google Authenticator codes, you may be permanently locked out of your accounts. This is why Authy (with encrypted cloud backup) or saving backup codes when setting up 2FA is strongly recommended.
SMS 2FA is better than no 2FA, but it is the weakest form. SIM-swapping attacks — where criminals convince your mobile carrier to transfer your number to their SIM — can bypass SMS codes. An authenticator app or hardware key is significantly more secure.