Aegis is a free, open-source Android application that stores and generates time-based and counter-based one-time passwords (TOTP/HOTP) for two-factor authentication. It encrypts your vault locally and never syncs data without your explicit consent. The app supports import from other authenticator apps, QR code scanning, and offers backup/restore via encrypted files. Community-driven development ensures regular security updates and feature enhancements.
Authy is Twilio's two-factor authentication (2FA) app that generates time-based one-time codes to secure online accounts, with secure encrypted cloud backup so codes can be restored across devices. As of 2026, Authy is mobile-only: Twilio discontinued the Authy Chrome browser extension in 2020 following Google's deprecation of Chrome Apps, and it shut down the Authy desktop apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux in 2024, forcibly logging out desktop devices and directing users to the iOS and Android apps going forward. The app remains actively available on iOS and Android and supports multi-device sync so a single account's 2FA codes can be accessed from more than one phone or tablet. It's positioned as a straightforward, free consumer security tool rather than an enterprise identity platform, competing with app-based authenticators like Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator.
- Completely free and open source.
- Local encryption keeps data off the cloud.
- Supports both TOTP and HOTP standards.
- Easy import/export for migration.
- Encrypted multi-device backup solves the common 'lost phone locks me out of 2FA' problem
- Completely free with no paid tier or subscription required
- Long-established, widely recognized app with broad compatibility across services
- Simple, consumer-friendly interface compared to enterprise identity platforms
- No iOS version available.
- Limited to Android platform only.
- No built‑in cloud sync; manual backup required.
- Desktop and Chrome extension apps were discontinued, unlike some competitors that still offer desktop clients
- Development pace has visibly slowed as Twilio focuses on enterprise authentication products
- No API or enterprise identity management features, positioning it purely as a personal consumer tool
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Aegis
View all →Companion app that generates 2FA codes stored securely on a physical YubiKey.
Alternatives to Authy
View all →Companion app that generates 2FA codes stored securely on a physical YubiKey.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataAegis offers fully offline, open‑source security on Android only, while Authy adds cloud‑backed multi‑device sync but is closed source and Android‑only as of 2026.
Key differences
- •Aegis stores tokens only locally with AES‑256 encryption; Authy backs up encrypted tokens to the cloud.
- •Aegis is open source (12,869 GitHub stars); Authy is proprietary.
- •Authy provides automatic multi‑device sync; Aegis requires manual export/import for migration.
- •Aegis has no iOS or desktop versions; Authy also lacks desktop/extension but still works on multiple Android devices.
- •Aegis offers fingerprint/device‑unlock for quick access; Authy uses PIN or biometric lock but no mention of fingerprint integration.
Pricing & value
Both are free to download and use; no paid tiers mentioned.
Ease of use / learning curve
Authy’s simple consumer UI and automatic cloud sync reduce manual steps compared to Aegis’s manual backup process.
Features & depth
Aegis supports both TOTP and HOTP, dark theme, customizable display, and AES‑256 encrypted vault; Authy only TOTP.
Integrations & ecosystem
Authy integrates with any standard TOTP service and offers multi‑device sync; Aegis limited to Android and manual imports.
Collaboration
Neither product offers collaboration or shared vault features.
Scalability
Authy’s cloud backup allows unlimited device additions; Aegis relies on manual file transfers.
Support
Authy provides a help center and Twilio support; Aegis has no official support channel listed.
Security & privacy
Aegis encrypts the entire vault locally with AES‑256 and never stores data in the cloud; Authy stores encrypted backups in the cloud.
Migration / lock‑in
Authy’s cloud sync eases device replacement; Aegis requires manual export/import, increasing lock‑in risk.
Choose Aegis if…
Android‑only users who prioritize offline, open‑source security and control over their token data.
Choose Authy if…
Users needing automatic cloud backup and multi‑device sync across Android phones, accepting a closed‑source solution.
Common questions
Is there any cost to use either app?
Both Aegis and Authy are free to download and use; no paid tiers are mentioned.
Can I sync my 2FA tokens across multiple devices?
Authy provides encrypted cloud backup and automatic sync; Aegis requires manual export/import and has no built‑in sync.
Is my token data stored in the cloud?
Aegis stores tokens only locally with AES‑256 encryption; Authy backs up encrypted tokens to the cloud.