Comparison · 6 min read
Aegis vs Authy: the best Authy alternative after the desktop sunset
Authy popularised multi-device 2FA — codes on your phone AND your laptop, synced through the cloud. Then in 2024, Twilio shut down the Authy desktop app, leaving power users scrambling for a replacement. Aegis is built for exactly that gap: an Authy alternative that keeps the multi-device sync, adds true zero-knowledge encryption, and runs in any modern browser so your laptop is back in the loop.
Quick verdict
Stay on Authy if
- You only use one phone and never signed into Authy Desktop.
- You're happy for Twilio to hold the encryption key to your 2FA secrets.
- You don't need a browser-based fallback when your phone is missing.
Switch to Aegis if
- You miss Authy Desktop and want codes on your laptop again.
- You want end-to-end encryption where the provider literally cannot read your secrets.
- You want an installable web app (PWA) that syncs to phone, tablet, and desktop.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Aegis | Authy |
|---|---|---|
Desktop / web app in 2026 Authy Desktop was discontinued in 2024; mobile only. | Yes | No |
Zero-knowledge end-to-end encryption Authy encrypts backups with your password, but the provider controls the key material. | Yes | Partial |
Multi-device sync (phone + laptop + tablet) | Yes | Partial |
Works fully offline once codes are loaded | Yes | Yes |
Requires a phone number to sign up | No | Yes |
Installable as a PWA — no store required | Yes | No |
Standards-based TOTP (RFC 6238) export | Yes | No |
Open sign-in options (email, Google) | Yes | No |
1. Your laptop is back in the loop
The Authy desktop shutdown was the biggest single change in mainstream 2FA in years. If you signed into work on a laptop, you now fish out your phone every single time. Aegis runs in any modern browser, installs as a PWA, and shows the same encrypted vault on desktop, tablet, and phone. Copy a code with one keystroke, get back to work.
2. Zero-knowledge, not just 'encrypted'
Authy encrypts backups using a password you set, but the provider is still involved in the key exchange. Aegis derives the encryption key from your passphrase on your device, using PBKDF2 with a per-user salt. The server sees ciphertext only — even with full database access, no one at Aegis can read your codes.
3. Multi-device sync without the SIM
Authy uses your phone number as identity, which means every SIM swap is a support ticket. Aegis uses an email address (or Google sign-in) and syncs the encrypted vault to every device you authorise. Add a laptop, add a tablet, revoke a lost device — nothing to re-enrol.
4. A passphrase you own, forever
The trade-off of zero-knowledge is deliberate: if you forget your passphrase, no one can reset it — because no one else has it. In exchange you get an authenticator with no backdoor. For anyone who left Authy over the desktop sunset AND wants a stronger security posture, that's the whole point.
The short version
If you're here because Authy Desktop went away and mobile-only doesn't fit your workflow, Aegis is the closest replacement — with a stronger encryption model on top. Sign in on your laptop, add your accounts, and your phone stays in your pocket unless you want it out.
FAQ
- Is Aegis a good Authy alternative?
- Yes. Aegis keeps the multi-device convenience Authy was known for, adds zero-knowledge encryption, and — crucially — works in the browser on desktop after Authy shut down its desktop app.
- Why did Authy shut down the desktop app?
- Twilio discontinued the Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop apps in 2024 to consolidate on mobile. Long-time desktop users have been looking for a replacement ever since.
- Can I import my Authy tokens into Aegis?
- Authy does not offer a direct export. The reliable path is to re-enrol each 2FA account with Aegis using its recovery / QR-code setup screen. Once added, the code syncs to every device you sign in on.