Authy vs SailPoint
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
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.
SailPoint is an identity governance and administration (IGA) platform used by large enterprises to continuously discover, manage, and certify access rights across cloud and on-premises systems. It unifies identity, access, and risk intelligence so security teams can enforce least-privilege policies, automate access reviews, and extend governance to machine and AI-agent identities, not just human users.
- 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
- Deep, enterprise-grade governance and compliance capabilities
- Strong coverage of non-human and AI-agent identity risk
- Widely adopted by regulated industries (finance, healthcare, government)
- Extensive connector library for cloud and legacy systems
- 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
- Enterprise pricing typically starts in the tens of thousands of dollars annually
- Implementation can require significant professional services investment
- Steeper learning curve than lightweight SSO-only tools
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Authy
View all →Companion app that generates 2FA codes stored securely on a physical YubiKey.
Alternatives to SailPoint
View all →Identity and access management suite covering SSO, MFA, PAM, and identity governance.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataSailPoint is an enterprise‑grade identity governance platform with deep compliance features but high cost and complexity, while Authy is a free, consumer‑focused 2FA app that’s simple to use but lacks enterprise management capabilities.
Key differences
- •SailPoint provides comprehensive identity governance, risk assessment, and certification across human, machine, and AI identities; Authy only generates TOTP codes.
- •SailPoint integrates with HR, ITSM, and cloud platforms (Active Directory, Workday, ServiceNow, AWS, Azure); Authy integrates with any service supporting standard TOTP but offers no native connectors.
- •SailPoint is priced via contact‑based enterprise contracts (tens of thousands annually) and requires professional services; Authy is completely free with no subscription.
- •SailPoint is deployed as a cloud SaaS solution with a steep learning curve and extensive feature set; Authy is a mobile app with a simple consumer UI and minimal learning required.
- •SailPoint includes dedicated support teams and enterprise support options; Authy provides only a help center and general Twilio support.
Pricing & value
Authy is free; SailPoint pricing starts in the tens of thousands annually.
Ease of use / learning curve
Authy is a simple mobile app; SailPoint has a steeper learning curve for enterprise governance.
Features & depth
SailPoint offers full identity governance, risk assessment, CIEM, and lifecycle automation; Authy only provides TOTP generation.
Integrations & ecosystem
SailPoint lists native connectors to AD, Workday, ServiceNow, AWS, Azure; Authy relies on generic TOTP support only.
Scalability
SailPoint is built for enterprise scale across thousands of identities; Authy targets individual users.
Support
SailPoint offers dedicated account teams and support portal; Authy offers only a help center.
Security & privacy
SailPoint includes access risk assessment and compliance controls; Authy provides encrypted backup but no broader security governance.
Choose Authy if…
Individuals or small teams needing free, easy 2FA token backup and sync on mobile devices.
Choose SailPoint if…
Enterprise security/compliance teams needing full identity governance across humans, machines, and cloud resources.
Common questions
What is the cost difference?
SailPoint requires a paid enterprise contract (tens of thousands USD annually); Authy is completely free.
Can either solution manage non‑human identities?
SailPoint governs human, machine, and AI‑agent identities; Authy only handles personal TOTP accounts.
Does Authy offer APIs for integration with other systems?
No, Authy does not provide an API; SailPoint includes an API for integration.