Comparison

SMS codes vs authenticator apps for two-factor login

SMS codes and authenticator apps both beat a password alone. Here is which one is harder to steal, and when to use each.

3 min read

SMS codes

Work on any phone
Can be intercepted by SIM swaps
Depend on your number staying yours

Authenticator apps and passkeys

Codes are generated on your device, nothing travels by SMS
Immune to SIM swaps
Need a backup if you lose the phone

Verdict

Use SMS to sign up if you must, then switch login codes to an authenticator app or passkey.