The best authenticator app isn’t from Google or Microsoft — it's actually open-source

Switching on two-factor authentication (2FA) is literally one of the best and easiest security upgrades you can make. However, when I switched phones and lost access to some of my accounts, it dawned on me that not just any 2FA solution will do. While many 2FA authenticator apps solve this problem, they also create dependence.

Options like Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator allow easy setup, but you don’t control the ecosystem to which they tie your codes. So, after several resets, it was clear I needed something different that actually belonged to me, that I have complete control over.

I tried Aegis Authenticator, and it’s the best authenticator I’ve used.

Local encryption that doesn’t leave your device

Aegis locks your 2FA vault without relying on any cloud service

All 2FA applications typically store the secret keys used to generate a time-based one-time password. However, what sets them apart is how and where those keys live.

In the case of Google and Microsoft Authenticator apps, the secret keys are stored behind your signed-in account, making them part of a sync system you can't audit or control. Backups and restores move your secret keys through a cloud service you don’t manage.

With Aegis Authenticator, your secret keys are stored in a vault on your device, protected by AES-256-GCM encryption. The unlocking key never leaves your device, and even if someone gains access to your backup file, they can't decrypt it without your password.

This may seem like a small technical choice, but it's the real difference. Rather than trusting cloud sync to protect your code, it is removed from the equation. This technical difference makes Aegis Authenticator predictable: my data remains where I put it, and only I decide where it should go if I need to copy it.

Backups that actually belong to you

Moving your 2FA codes shouldn’t mean handing them to someone else

2FA migration is where most authenticator apps get it wrong. Google Authenticator offers cloud sync linked to your Google account, allowing you to change your phone without losing access. Authy uses its own servers to manage multi-device sync and encryption, and it requires a phone number. With Microsoft Authenticator, backups are tied to your Microsoft login.

Aegis Authenticator only needs you to create an encrypted backup file containing your encrypted vault and no readable codes. This is a direct approach, and you may keep the file in a local folder, your personal cloud drive, or on a hardware key.

Restoring backups is also direct: install the Aegis app, import the file, enter your password, and regain access to your vault. It doesn't require verification emails, account linking, or external servers.

If you've ever lost access to your accounts because of a failed transfer, you’ll find this design a relief. It's an open-source solution that's actually more convenient than the mainstream closed-source options.

Open source that you can verify, not just believe

Transparency matters more than brand names when it comes to encryption

Aegis Authenticator is open source with a public codebase. With closed-source options like Google or Microsoft Authenticator, there is no way to verify how encryption is implemented or how and where recovery keys are stored.

However, Aegis shows you every step. This allows developers to inspect how encryption, export, and storage are processed. And rather than merely getting PR statements for vulnerabilities, they are discussed and fixed in plain sight.

Transparency matters because, while 2FA is simple in theory, its implementation is crucial, as even minor flaws can create significant risks. Tiny implementation flaws with how secrets are stored or moved can become huge weaknesses in your accounts.

Built for people who live with 2FA every day

A clean layout, flexible lock options, and the right balance between ease and security

Some authenticators may require a compromise. For instance, using Yubico Authenticator with a YubiKey hardware device is technically strong but feels clunky—you always have to carry the physical key with you. Aegis gets the right balance.

Its layout is a clean list of your accounts with icons, sorting, and search functions. You can set a custom lock timer to stay unlocked for a period, and you can group your entries by category, making it practical for daily use.

It supports time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) and HMAC-based one-time passwords (HOTP), making it compatible with almost any online account, website, or application. You can scan a QR code or enter a key manually to add accounts to your vault.

While it's quite secure, it doesn't break your flow: the vault can automatically lock after a delay, and even when you unlock with a fingerprint, the encryption remains intact. These small features make it practical for daily use.

Aegis Authenticator makes sense if you care about real security

It feels like several authenticators prioritize convenience over security, but Aegis Authenticator takes a different approach without ruining usability. The design philosophy assumes you prefer to own your security, not just access it. Managing my vault, backups, and encryption keys myself has completely changed how I view 2FA.

I’ve been consciously moving my workflow to open-source solutions. I replaced Google Drive with a self‐hosted cloud, and moving to an open-source 2FA solution felt like the natural next step.