BAYAuth vs. the authenticator app you're using now
Every authenticator app makes a different trade between convenience and control. Pick the one you are comparing against for a direct, row-by-row look — not a marketing claim, an actual feature table.
Comparison
BAYAuth vs. Google Authenticator
Google Authenticator is the most widely used TOTP app, and the default many people import from. It has no official desktop or web version, and its cloud backup is opt-in and tied to a single Google Account.
| Feature | BAYAuth | Google Authenticator |
|---|---|---|
| Official app for Windows / Mac / browser | ||
| Cross-device sync by default | Opt-in, Google Account only | |
| Recovery key independent of any account provider | ||
| Bulk import from Google Authenticator | N/A | |
| Server can read your secrets | Unknown / undocumented |
Comparison
BAYAuth vs. Authy
Authy (by Twilio) popularized multi-device sync for TOTP codes and had a companion desktop app. Its desktop-app support has shifted over time, which is a common reason people start comparing alternatives.
| Feature | BAYAuth | Authy |
|---|---|---|
| Runs the same way in any browser, no separate build | ||
| Vault architecture publicly documented | Not published | |
| Requires a phone number to create an account | ||
| Recovery key you hold, with no provider override | PIN-based, provider-mediated |
Comparison
BAYAuth vs. Microsoft Authenticator
Strong for Microsoft 365 and Entra ID sign-in with push approval, but general TOTP account management and cross-platform desktop support are not its focus.
| Feature | BAYAuth | Microsoft Authenticator |
|---|---|---|
| General-purpose TOTP vault for any service | Primarily Microsoft accounts | |
| Official desktop or web app | ||
| Bulk export/import of existing accounts | ||
| Passkey sign-in |
FAQ
Questions about switching
Why switch away from Google Authenticator?
The most common reasons are losing a phone with no way back in, wanting the same codes on a work and personal device, and wanting a browser-based option that is not tied to one piece of hardware. Google Authenticator added an opt-in Google Account backup, but it still has no official desktop or web app.
Is Authy shutting down?
Twilio has changed Authy's desktop-app support over time, which is what drives a lot of the search for alternatives. Whatever Authy's current desktop status is at the time you're reading this, BAYAuth's browser-based approach does not depend on a vendor shipping and maintaining a separate desktop binary at all.
Can I move my accounts from Microsoft Authenticator?
Microsoft Authenticator does not offer a bulk export in the way Google Authenticator does. In practice this means removing and re-adding each account's 2FA from inside the service it protects (GitHub, your bank, etc.), scanning the new QR code into BAYAuth as you go.
Does switching authenticator apps risk losing access to my accounts?
Only if you remove the old app's 2FA before confirming the new one generates a matching, accepted code. The safe order is: add the account to BAYAuth, confirm the code is accepted by the service, and only then remove it from your old app.
Bring your accounts across in one step
Import from Google Authenticator directly, or add accounts fresh by scanning each service's QR code.
Create your vault