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.
Clerk provides a complete authentication and user management solution that lets developers add sign‑in, sign‑up, and profile flows with just a few lines of code. Its prebuilt UI components are customizable and work out‑of‑the‑box, reducing the time spent building secure login experiences. The platform also offers a robust API and SDKs for popular front‑end frameworks, enabling seamless integration with existing applications while handling security, session management, and user data storage for you.
- 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
- Fast integration with prebuilt components
- Supports many social and passwordless providers
- Strong security defaults and session handling
- Generous free tier for early projects
- 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
- Limited self‑hosting options – SaaS only
- Pricing can rise for high‑volume usage
- Custom UI tweaks may require deeper CSS work
More alternatives & similar tools
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Companion app that generates 2FA codes stored securely on a physical YubiKey.
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataAuthy is a free, consumer‑focused 2FA app for mobile devices, while Clerk is a SaaS platform that adds full user‑auth and management for web apps.
Key differences
- •Authy provides only TOTP generation and cloud backup on mobile; Clerk offers complete sign‑in/up UI, social logins, passwordless, and user management.
- •Authy is free with no paid tier; Clerk uses a freemium model that can cost more as usage grows.
- •Authy works on any service that supports standard TOTP; Clerk integrates specifically with modern web frameworks (React, Next.js, Remix).
- •Authy has no API or enterprise features; Clerk exposes an API/SDK and server‑side session handling.
- •Authy is a mobile‑only app (no desktop/extension); Clerk is a cloud SaaS accessed via web and APIs.
Pricing & value
Authy is completely free with no paid tier, while Clerk’s freemium can incur costs at higher volumes.
Ease of use / learning curve
Authy is a simple mobile app; Clerk requires integration of SDKs and configuration for web projects.
Features & depth
Clerk provides sign‑in components, social logins, passwordless, user dashboards, RBAC, and audit logs; Authy only generates TOTP codes.
Integrations & ecosystem
Clerk lists native support for React, Next.js, Remix, Vercel, Netlify; Authy works with any TOTP‑compatible service but no framework integrations.
Scalability
Clerk is a cloud SaaS designed for web app user bases; Authy is limited to individual mobile users.
Support
Clerk offers email, live chat, and community forum; Authy only provides a help center and Twilio support.
Security & privacy
Both use encryption (Authy encrypts backup tokens; Clerk provides secure session handling and audit logs).
Choose Authy if…
Individuals needing a free, mobile‑only TOTP authenticator with cloud backup.
Choose Clerk if…
Web developers/team building apps that need full authentication flows, social logins, and user management.
Common questions
Can I use Authy for passwordless or social logins?
No; Authy only generates TOTP codes for services that support standard 2FA.
What happens if my app usage exceeds Clerk’s free tier?
Pricing can increase; Clerk is freemium, so high‑volume projects may need to pay for additional usage.
Is there any desktop or browser extension for Authy?
Not specified; desktop and Chrome extension apps were discontinued as of 2026.