Google Authenticator vs Ente Auth

Agent access

1. ai-native userPoint an agent at llms.txt or agent-oriented docs

   weight 2 · round to Ente Auth
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth✓fullprobed7/10

   Ente serves a live llms.txt at ente.com/llms.txt confirmed by two independent probes, giving an agent a fair entry point; however, docs-as-markdown and OpenAPI endpoints 404, so agent-oriented documentation beyond the single llms.txt file is thin. missing for 10: markdown-served docs pages, OpenAPI/agent-consumable API spec, broader agent-oriented doc structure beyond one root file.

   • [probe] “PROBE llms.txt: HTTP 200 at https://ente.com/llms.txt # Ente > Ente builds private, end-to-end encrypted apps for photos, two-factor authen…”
   • [probe] “PROBE runtime (recorded 2026-09-15): ente.com serves a live llms.txt — '# Ente — Ente builds private, end-to-end encrypted apps for photos, …”
   • [probe] “PROBE docs-md: HTTP 404 at https://ente.com/help/auth/.md”
   • [probe] “PROBE openapi: all candidate paths 404 (https://ente.com/openapi.json, https://ente.com/swagger.json, https://ente.com/api/openapi.json, htt…”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

2. ai-native userRun the product headlessly / in CI for automation

   weight 2 · round to Ente Auth
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth~partialprobed3/10

   Ente provides an official CLI (ente-cli) that can run headlessly to export/backup Auth codes, which is scriptable and could be used in automation/CI contexts, but evidence only documents it for exporting/decrypting backups, not for generic headless operation, generating TOTP codes on demand, or CI-integrated workflows. Missing for 10: documentation of CLI usage for retrieving/generating codes programmatically, CI-specific examples, and any first-party statement about automation/agentic use beyond backup.

   • [claimed-docs] “You can use [Ente's CLI](https://github.com/ente/ente/tree/main/cli#readme) to automatically backup your Auth codes.”
   • [probe] “PROBE runtime (recorded 2026-09-15): Ente's official CLI is packaged in Homebrew as ente-cli 0.3.0, described by the formula itself as 'Util…”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

3. ai-native userConnect an agent via an official MCP server

   weight 3 · round drawn
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

4. ai-native userUse an official CLI

   weight 2 · round to Ente Auth
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth~partialprobed6/10

   Ente ships an official CLI (github.com/ente/ente/tree/main/cli) confirmed to be packaged via Homebrew as 'ente-cli', documented as scriptable tooling to 'automatically backup your Auth codes' and decrypt exports — this is a real, official, automatable interface. However it is scoped narrowly to backup/export/decrypt operations rather than full account/code management or general agentic control. Missing for 10: broader CLI command coverage (add/edit/delete codes, sharing, sync), first-party docs detailing CLI usage beyond export, and independent hands-on reports of using it in automated/agentic workflows.

   • [claimed-docs] “You can use [Ente's CLI](https://github.com/ente/ente/tree/main/cli#readme) to automatically backup your Auth codes.”
   • [probe] “PROBE runtime (recorded 2026-09-15): Ente's official CLI is packaged in Homebrew as ente-cli 0.3.0, described by the formula itself as 'Util…”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

5. ai-native userDrive the product through a documented public API

   weight 3 · round to Ente Auth
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth~partialprobed3/10

   Ente provides a CLI (ente-cli) for exporting/backing up Auth codes and a documented deep-link scheme (enteauth://search), but there is no documented public REST/GraphQL API or SDK for driving the product programmatically — OpenAPI probes returned 404s. missing for 10: a documented public API/SDK covering core operations (add/edit/delete codes, sharing, sync), API authentication docs, and independent developer corroboration of API usage.

   • [probe] “PROBE runtime (recorded 2026-09-15): Ente's official CLI is packaged in Homebrew as ente-cli 0.3.0, described by the formula itself as 'Util…”
   • [claimed-docs] “You can use [Ente's CLI](https://github.com/ente/ente/tree/main/cli#readme) to automatically backup your Auth codes.”
   • [claimed-docs] “Added support for search deep links via enteauth://search.”
   • [probe] “PROBE openapi: all candidate paths 404 (https://ente.com/openapi.json, https://ente.com/swagger.json, https://ente.com/api/openapi.json, htt…”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

6. ai-native userIssue scoped/least-privilege API credentials for an agent

   weight 2 · round drawn
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

7. ai-native userBuild against official SDKs

   weight 2 · round drawn
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

Agentic features

1. ai-native userSet up automations that run autonomously in the background

   weight 2 · round drawn
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

2. ai-native userOperate the product with natural-language commands

   weight 2 · round drawn
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

Api quality

1. ai-native userRely on versioned APIs with a documented deprecation policy

   weight 2 · round drawn
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth—none0/10

   Ente Auth is a 2FA authenticator app; there is no evidence of a public API, API versioning scheme, or documented deprecation policy — OpenAPI probes 404 and no API docs exist in the evidence pack.

   • [probe] “PROBE openapi: all candidate paths 404 (https://ente.com/openapi.json, https://ente.com/swagger.json, https://ente.com/api/openapi.json, htt…”
   • [probe] “PROBE docs-md: HTTP 404 at https://ente.com/help/auth/.md”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

1. ai-native userPerform bulk operations across many items at once

   weight 2 · round to Ente Auth
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth~partialprobed4/10

   Ente Auth documents bulk import from other 2FA apps and a CLI tool for scripted export/backup of all codes, which supports some automation-depth for a bulk operation, but there is no evidence of programmatic bulk editing, deleting, or tagging across many stored codes at once (only single-item edit/delete via long-press is documented). missing for 10: bulk edit/delete/tag API or CLI beyond import/export, evidence of scripted multi-item management, independent hands-on confirmation of bulk workflows.

   • [claimed-docs] “Bulk import from other 2FA apps”
   • [claimed-docs] “Ente Auth natively supports imports from many 2FA providers.”
   • [claimed-docs] “You can use [Ente's CLI](https://github.com/ente/ente/tree/main/cli#readme) to automatically backup your Auth codes.”
   • [probe] “PROBE runtime (recorded 2026-09-15): Ente's official CLI is packaged in Homebrew as ente-cli 0.3.0, described by the formula itself as 'Util…”
   • [claimed-docs] “You can delete or edit a code by long pressing (or right clicking on desktop) on that item.”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

1. ai-native userDo everything through the API that I can do in the UI

   weight 2 · round drawn
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth—none0/10

   Ente Auth exposes only a CLI for exporting/decrypting backups, not a general API covering all UI actions (add/edit/share/organize codes, etc.); probes for OpenAPI/API docs all returned 404, and no documentation describes a comprehensive API surface.

   • [probe] “PROBE openapi: all candidate paths 404 (https://ente.com/openapi.json, https://ente.com/swagger.json, https://ente.com/api/openapi.json, htt…”
   • [probe] “PROBE runtime (recorded 2026-09-15): Ente's official CLI is packaged in Homebrew as ente-cli 0.3.0, described by the formula itself as 'Util…”
   • [claimed-docs] “You can use [Ente's CLI](https://github.com/ente/ente/tree/main/cli#readme) to automatically backup your Auth codes.”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

2. ai-native userExport all of my data in open formats and leave

   weight 3 · round to Ente Auth
   Google Authenticator!disputedcontradicted3/10

   Docs show a QR-code based transfer/export feature for moving codes between devices (docs-3, docs-11, comm-9, comm-18), but this is a proprietary re-import-only format tied to Google Authenticator itself, not an open, portable format usable elsewhere. Community evidence explicitly contradicts any 'open format export' claim: users report Google 'makes it stupendously difficult to just get a simple text export to a file' and that 'Google Authenticator does not allow you to include your codes in your backup, even when it's encrypted,' with data tied to a Google Account that can vanish if banned. Missing for 10: any documented open/standard export format (e.g., plain TOTP URI list, CSV, encrypted portable file), and evidence of true account-independent data portability.

   • [claimed-docs] “On your old device, create a QR code... On your new device, tap Scan QR code”
   • [claimed-docs] “To manually transfer Authenticator codes to a new device, you need: Your old device with Google Authenticator codes”
   • [community] “Storing it in the google cloud doesn't satisfy me. I just simply want the codes under my control... google still makes it stupendously diffi…”
   • [community] “Google Authenticator does not allow you to include your codes in your backup, even when it's encrypted. So due to Google Authenticator, losi…”
   • [community] “Google Authenticator already has a QR-Code based very easy export procedure, I just backup my GAuth to my spare phone and tablet. It feels s…”
   • [community] “Google Authenticator has a feature to allow export of all saved codes into one QR code for re-import into Google Authenticator running on an…”
   • [community] “If Google ever decides to kick you out of your account, Authenticator data will be gone. Google has done this on several occasions in the pa…”
   • [community] “Imagine your google account getting deleted cuz you got banned from Google and the suddenly you lose all your 2FA secrets cuz they are part …”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

   Ente Auth!disputedcontradicted5/10

   Ente ships an official CLI to export and decrypt Auth data and documents password-encrypted local backups, and some HN commenters confirm easy export/import between apps (comm-6,7,8; probe-rt-1). But a first-hand HN commenter explicitly states 'You cant easily export your codes into a different format using this app, meaning that it is difficult to migrate away' (comm-2), directly contradicting the frictionless open-format export claim. Missing for 10: a documented plain/open (non-proprietary) full export format, resolution of the lock-in complaint, and independent verification that CLI-exported data is usable outside Ente.

   • [claimed-docs] “Automatic daily backups: When enabled, Ente Auth creates one local backup per day when you open the app.”
   • [claimed-docs] “Password-protected: All local backups are encrypted with a password you set. Keep this password safe, because Ente cannot recover it for you…”
   • [claimed-docs] “You can use [Ente's CLI](https://github.com/ente/ente/tree/main/cli#readme) to automatically backup your Auth codes.”
   • [claimed-docs] “the data is encrypted using a key derived from the user's password”
   • [probe] “PROBE runtime (recorded 2026-09-15): Ente's official CLI is packaged in Homebrew as ente-cli 0.3.0, described by the formula itself as 'Util…”
   • [community] “I'm waiting for bitwarden or aegis export capability before trying this out. You cant easily export your codes into a different format using…”
   • [community] “I have been using Aegis but switched to Ente Auth as I decided to use Ente Photos as well. Both Aegis and Ente Auth are great options. This …”
   • [community] “I think it has its own backup service. But it otherwise lets you export/import your data. I feel like as long as I can do an export in some …”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

3. ai-native userRead the product's source under an open license

   weight 2 · round to Ente Auth
   Google Authenticator~partialclaimed4/10

   The official GitHub repo (google/google-authenticator) publicly hosts source for HOTP/TOTP implementations across platforms and a PAM module, suggesting some source is open, but the evidence never states an explicit open-source license nor confirms the current mobile app's source is included/maintained there. missing for 10: explicit license text (e.g., Apache 2.0) confirmation, evidence the current Android/iOS app source (not just legacy PAM/CLI code) is published, and any independent corroboration of license terms.

   • [github] “These implementations support the HMAC-Based One-time Password (HOTP) algorithm specified in RFC 4226 and the Time-based One-time Password (…”
   • [github] “The Google Authenticator project includes implementations of one-time passcode generators for several mobile platforms.”
   • [github] “Pluggable Authentication Module, aka PAM.”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

   Ente Auth✓fullprobed7/10

   Ente's own llms.txt explicitly states 'Ente's apps and server are open source,' and a GitHub repo (ente/ente) is referenced for the CLI/export tooling; independent HN commentary corroborates ('thank you for releasing it open source'). Missing for 10: explicit license name/text and a direct link to the license file are not shown in the evidence pack.

   • [probe] “PROBE llms.txt: HTTP 200 at https://ente.com/llms.txt # Ente > Ente builds private, end-to-end encrypted apps for photos, two-factor authen…”
   • [probe] “PROBE runtime (recorded 2026-09-15): ente.com serves a live llms.txt — '# Ente — Ente builds private, end-to-end encrypted apps for photos, …”
   • [community] “This looks quite nice, thank you for releasing it open source... One note as I signed up for an account is that the email verification went …”
   • [claimed-docs] “You can use [Ente's CLI](https://github.com/ente/ente/tree/main/cli#readme) to automatically backup your Auth codes.”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

4. ai-native userSelf-host the core product

   weight 3 · round to Ente Auth
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   Google Authenticator's core mobile app is closed-source and tied to Google account infrastructure for sync (docs-1, docs-4); the only open-source artifacts on GitHub are OTP-generator libraries and a PAM module, not the actual app users run, and there's no documented way to self-host the core product. Community threads reinforce this, complaining about lack of control over codes and dependency on Google's cloud (comm-6, comm-7, comm-12).

   • [claimed-docs] “With Google Authenticator, you can synchronize your verification codes across all your devices, simply by signing in to your Google Account.”
   • [claimed-docs] “When you sign in to your Google Account within Google Authenticator on a new device, your codes are automatically synced to this device.”
   • [github] “These implementations support the HMAC-Based One-time Password (HOTP) algorithm specified in RFC 4226 and the Time-based One-time Password (…”
   • [github] “Pluggable Authentication Module, aka PAM.”
   • [community] “Storing it in the google cloud doesn't satisfy me. I just simply want the codes under my control... google still makes it stupendously diffi…”
   • [community] “If Google ever decides to kick you out of your account, Authenticator data will be gone. Google has done this on several occasions in the pa…”
   • [community] “Imagine your google account getting deleted cuz you got banned from Google and the suddenly you lose all your 2FA secrets cuz they are part …”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

   Ente Auth✓fullprobed8/10

   Ente explicitly documents self-hosting instructions, pointing users to run Ente Auth at localhost/machine-ip:3003, and the product is described as open source, consistent with independent verification via the llms.txt runtime probe. missing for 10: independent hands-on report of a full self-hosted deployment (beyond docs/probe), and details on self-hosting server setup/requirements beyond the port reference.

   • [claimed-docs] “Alternatively, if using Ente Auth, get started by adding an account (assuming you are running Ente Auth at `http://<machine-ip>:3003` or `ht…”
   • [probe] “PROBE llms.txt: HTTP 200 at https://ente.com/llms.txt # Ente > Ente builds private, end-to-end encrypted apps for photos, two-factor authen…”
   • [probe] “PROBE runtime (recorded 2026-09-15): ente.com serves a live llms.txt — '# Ente — Ente builds private, end-to-end encrypted apps for photos, …”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

Storage

1. everyday userThe app stores passkeys and signs me into websites and apps with them, not just TOTP codes

   weight 3 · round drawn
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   All evidence describes Google Authenticator solely as a TOTP/HOTP code generator with cloud sync of codes; there is no mention of passkey storage or passkey-based sign-in anywhere in the docs, GitHub description, or community discussion.

   • [github] “These implementations support the HMAC-Based One-time Password (HOTP) algorithm specified in RFC 4226 and the Time-based One-time Password (…”
   • [claimed-docs] “With Google Authenticator, you can synchronize your verification codes across all your devices, simply by signing in to your Google Account.”
   • [claimed-docs] “When you sign in to your Google Account within Google Authenticator on a new device, your codes are automatically synced to this device.”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

   Ente Auth—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

Sync

1. power userMy passkeys sync across ecosystems — iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, browsers — instead of being locked to one platform vendor

   weight 2 · round drawn
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth—none0/10

   Ente Auth is a TOTP/2FA code manager; the only passkey mention in evidence (doc-14) refers to passkey login for the separate Ente Photos account, not Ente Auth storing/syncing passkeys as credentials across iOS/Android/Windows/Linux/browsers. No evidence shows Ente Auth itself functions as a cross-platform passkey vault.

   • [claimed-docs] “Ente also offers [Legacy](/help/photos/features/legacy/) (emergency contacts) and support for [Passkeys](/help/photos/features/passkeys).”
   • [claimed-docs] “Auth has an app for every platform. Mobile, desktop and web. Your codes sync across all your devices, end-to-end encrypted.”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

Export

1. power userExport all my TOTP secrets in an open, readable format and leave for another app whenever I choose — no lock-in

   weight 3 · round to Ente Auth
   Google Authenticator!disputedcontradicted3/10

   Docs and community posts confirm a QR-code 'export' exists, but it is a proprietary migration QR built for transferring to another Google Authenticator instance, not an open/readable text format, and users explicitly report Google 'makes it stupendously difficult to just get a simple text export to a file' and that codes cannot be included in backups. This directly contradicts the story's requirement of an open, readable, portable export for switching apps freely. Missing for 10: an official plain-text/otpauth-URI export, documented compatibility with third-party apps, and confirmation the QR format is standardized/open rather than proprietary.

   • [claimed-docs] “On your old device, create a QR code... On your new device, tap Scan QR code”
   • [claimed-docs] “To manually transfer Authenticator codes to a new device, you need: Your old device with Google Authenticator codes”
   • [community] “Google Authenticator already has a QR-Code based very easy export procedure, I just backup my GAuth to my spare phone and tablet. It feels s…”
   • [community] “Google Authenticator has a feature to allow export of all saved codes into one QR code for re-import into Google Authenticator running on an…”
   • [community] “Storing it in the google cloud doesn't satisfy me. I just simply want the codes under my control... google still makes it stupendously diffi…”
   • [community] “Google Authenticator does not allow you to include your codes in your backup, even when it's encrypted. So due to Google Authenticator, losi…”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

   Ente Auth!disputedcontradicted4/10

   Ente Auth does offer local encrypted backups and a CLI ('ente-cli') that can export and decrypt Auth data (docs-8/9/11, probe-rt-1), and Authy-specific tooling explicitly produces a 'plaintext export format' for importing into Ente (docs-5/40) — but this is import-facing, not an open export for leaving Ente. A hands-on community report explicitly states the opposite of the 'no lock-in' claim: 'You cant easily export your codes into a different format using this app, meaning that it is difficult to migrate away once you have already moved your codes over' (comm-2), while other users only describe importing into Ente, not exporting out to a different app's format. Missing for 10: documented open/standard export format usable directly by other authenticator apps, and independent confirmation that migrating away (not just in) is easy.

   • [claimed-docs] “Automatic daily backups: When enabled, Ente Auth creates one local backup per day when you open the app.”
   • [claimed-docs] “Password-protected: All local backups are encrypted with a password you set. Keep this password safe, because Ente cannot recover it for you…”
   • [claimed-docs] “You can use [Ente's CLI](https://github.com/ente/ente/tree/main/cli#readme) to automatically backup your Auth codes.”
   • [claimed-docs] “you should type this for MacOS... This will generate a text file called authy_codes.txt, which contains your Authy codes in Ente's plaintext…”
   • [probe] “PROBE runtime (recorded 2026-09-15): Ente's official CLI is packaged in Homebrew as ente-cli 0.3.0, described by the formula itself as 'Util…”
   • [community] “I'm waiting for bitwarden or aegis export capability before trying this out. You cant easily export your codes into a different format using…”
   • [community] “Ente has free backups and it's own encrypted export format, which sounds promissing.”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

Import

1. power userImport tokens in bulk from other authenticator apps instead of re-enrolling every account by hand

   weight 2 · round to Ente Auth
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   Evidence only covers transferring/syncing Google Authenticator codes between devices running Google Authenticator itself (QR export/import, Google Account sync), not bulk import of tokens originating in other authenticator apps (e.g., Authy, Microsoft Authenticator). No documentation or community report describes cross-app bulk import.

   • [claimed-docs] “On your old device, create a QR code... On your new device, tap Scan QR code”
   • [claimed-docs] “When you sign in to your Google Account within Google Authenticator on a new device, your codes are automatically synced to this device.”
   • [claimed-docs] “To manually transfer Authenticator codes to a new device, you need: Your old device with Google Authenticator codes”
   • [community] “Google Authenticator has a feature to allow export of all saved codes into one QR code for re-import into Google Authenticator running on an…”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

   Ente Auth✓fullcommunity9/10

   Ente Auth has a dedicated bulk-import feature and docs listing native support for many 2FA providers (2FAS, Aegis, andOTP, Bitwarden, Google Authenticator, LastPass, Proton, Raivo OTP) plus conversion paths for others like Authy, with community testimony confirming easy export/import migration from Aegis. missing for 10: no independent hands-on walkthrough of the bulk-import UI itself, only docs and one community mention.

   • [claimed-docs] “Ente Auth natively supports imports from many 2FA providers.”
   • [claimed-docs] “Bulk import from other 2FA apps”
   • [claimed-docs] “2FAS Authenticator * Aegis Authenticator * andOTP (including encrypted backups, except MOTP) * Bitwarden * Google Authenticator * …”
   • [claimed-docs] “you might be still able to import from them by first converting the data from your old provider into these plaintext files and then importin…”
   • [claimed-docs] “you should type this for MacOS... This will generate a text file called authy_codes.txt, which contains your Authy codes in Ente's plaintext…”
   • [community] “I have been using Aegis but switched to Ente Auth as I decided to use Ente Photos as well. Both Aegis and Ente Auth are great options. This …”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

Migration

1. everyday userMoving to a new phone transfers all my tokens in one guided step

   weight 2 · round to Ente Auth
   Google Authenticator!disputedcontradicted4/10

   Google's own docs describe a guided one-step transfer via signing into a Google Account (auto-sync) or scanning a QR export code between old/new devices, which matches the story closely. However, multiple hands-on community reports concretely contradict this working reliably in practice—users report app upgrades wiping all tokens, phone replacements losing TOTP keys despite expecting sync/backup, and account bans erasing synced codes entirely. missing for 10: independent verification that the guided transfer works consistently without data loss, and resolution of documented upgrade/sync failures.

   • [claimed-docs] “On your old device, create a QR code... On your new device, tap Scan QR code”
   • [claimed-docs] “When you sign in to your Google Account within Google Authenticator on a new device, your codes are automatically synced to this device.”
   • [community] “I recently had a broken phone replaced and had depended on a backup to have my TOTP keys on my new phone. It was not a part of the phone bac…”
   • [community] “Don't upgrade! I just had this unpleasant experience and warned everyone... Warning: Google Authenticator upgrade loses all accounts.”
   • [community] “Every time I upgraded to a new iOS 7 beta, it wiped my Google Authenticator account tokens... I can't log in to my CampBX account anymore.”
   • [community] “Imagine your google account getting deleted cuz you got banned from Google and the suddenly you lose all your 2FA secrets cuz they are part …”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

   Ente Auth✓fullprobed7/10

   Ente Auth syncs codes end-to-end encrypted across all devices (docs-27, docs-34), so on a new phone a user simply logs into their existing account and their tokens reappear automatically—effectively a single guided step. Community feedback corroborates that switching devices via export/import was 'very easy' (ente-auth-comm-6), and offline-mode users can restore via password-protected local/CLI backups (docs-7, docs-8, docs-9, docs-11, ente-auth-probe-rt-1). Missing for 10: no explicit first-party step-by-step 'new phone setup/restore' walkthrough, and no independent hands-on account of the exact new-device login-and-sync flow.

   • [claimed-docs] “Auth has an app for every platform. Mobile, desktop and web. Your codes sync across all your devices, end-to-end encrypted.”
   • [claimed-docs] “Auth provides end-to-end encrypted cloud backups so you don't have to worry about losing your tokens.”
   • [claimed-docs] “Ente Auth can be used without an account by choosing **Use without backups**. In offline mode, your codes are stored only on that device.”
   • [claimed-docs] “Automatic daily backups: When enabled, Ente Auth creates one local backup per day when you open the app.”
   • [claimed-docs] “You can use [Ente's CLI](https://github.com/ente/ente/tree/main/cli#readme) to automatically backup your Auth codes.”
   • [community] “I have been using Aegis but switched to Ente Auth as I decided to use Ente Photos as well. Both Aegis and Ente Auth are great options. This …”
   • [probe] “PROBE runtime (recorded 2026-09-15): Ente's official CLI is packaged in Homebrew as ente-cli 0.3.0, described by the formula itself as 'Util…”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

1. ai-native userChoose where my data is stored (region/residency)

   weight 2 · round to Ente Auth
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth~partialprobed5/10

   Ente Auth offers self-hosting instructions (running your own Ente Auth server) and an offline mode that keeps codes only on-device, both of which let a user control where their data lives rather than being forced into a fixed cloud region. However, there's no explicit region/residency selection (e.g., choosing an EU vs US data center) for its hosted cloud service. Missing for 10: explicit multi-region cloud storage options, documented data-residency guarantees for the hosted service.

   • [claimed-docs] “Alternatively, if using Ente Auth, get started by adding an account (assuming you are running Ente Auth at `http://<machine-ip>:3003` or `ht…”
   • [claimed-docs] “Ente Auth can be used without an account by choosing **Use without backups**. In offline mode, your codes are stored only on that device.”
   • [probe] “PROBE llms.txt: HTTP 200 at https://ente.com/llms.txt # Ente > Ente builds private, end-to-end encrypted apps for photos, two-factor authen…”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

2. ai-native userPrevent my data from being used to train AI models

   weight 3 · round to Ente Auth
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth~partialprobed5/10

   Ente Auth stores codes with end-to-end encryption, meaning Ente itself cannot access plaintext data, which structurally prevents it from being used to train AI models — but there is no explicit policy statement addressing AI training use of data. Missing for 10: an explicit AI-training data-use policy/statement, and any independent confirmation of this posture beyond the general E2E encryption claim.

   • [claimed-docs] “Auth provides end-to-end encrypted cloud backups so you don't have to worry about losing your tokens.”
   • [claimed-docs] “the data is encrypted using a key derived from the user's password”
   • [probe] “PROBE docs-md: HTTP 404 at https://ente.com/help/auth/.md”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

3. ai-native userControl data retention and deletion

   weight 2 · round to Ente Auth
   Google Authenticator~partialcommunity4/10

   Google Authenticator lets users delete individual codes (swipe to delete), edit/reassign codes, and use the app without a Google account (avoiding cloud retention entirely), giving some control over what data is stored and removed. However, there is no documented account-level 'delete all my data' or data-export-to-file control, and community reports describe difficulty exporting/backing up codes and total data loss if a Google account is banned or deleted, undermining full user control over retention. missing for 10: explicit data export/portability controls, account-wide deletion/retention settings, and confirmation that deleting codes removes them from Google's backend, not just the local view.

   • [claimed-docs] “To delete an Authenticator code on Android, swipe right on any code to show the delete option.”
   • [claimed-docs] “When you first open the app, tap Use without an account.”
   • [claimed-docs] “For additional protection, you can turn on Privacy Screen in Google Authenticator. This requires a verification from your device, like a PIN…”
   • [community] “Storing it in the google cloud doesn't satisfy me. I just simply want the codes under my control... google still makes it stupendously diffi…”
   • [community] “Google Authenticator does not allow you to include your codes in your backup, even when it's encrypted. So due to Google Authenticator, losi…”
   • [community] “Imagine your google account getting deleted cuz you got banned from Google and the suddenly you lose all your 2FA secrets cuz they are part …”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

   Ente Auth~partialprobed7/10

   Ente Auth lets users delete/trash codes with recovery or permanent deletion (docs-18/33/38), control backup location and encryption (docs-9/10), run fully offline with no cloud retention (doc-7), and export/decrypt all data via the official CLI for full portability (docs-11, probe-rt-1). However there's no explicit documentation on cloud-side account/data deletion policies or retention periods for encrypted server backups. Missing for 10: documented cloud account deletion/retention policy, independent confirmation of full data erasure on request.

   • [claimed-docs] “You can now trash codes that you don't need. ... You can recover codes from here, in case of accidental deletions, or delete them permanentl…”
   • [claimed-docs] “You can delete or edit a code by long pressing (or right clicking on desktop) on that item.”
   • [claimed-docs] “You can now trash codes that you don't need. These items will be moved to a separate section within the app, under the "Trash" header.”
   • [claimed-docs] “Ente Auth can be used without an account by choosing **Use without backups**. In offline mode, your codes are stored only on that device.”
   • [claimed-docs] “Password-protected: All local backups are encrypted with a password you set. Keep this password safe, because Ente cannot recover it for you…”
   • [claimed-docs] “Custom backup location: Choose where to store your backups on your device.”
   • [claimed-docs] “You can use [Ente's CLI](https://github.com/ente/ente/tree/main/cli#readme) to automatically backup your Auth codes.”
   • [probe] “PROBE runtime (recorded 2026-09-15): Ente's official CLI is packaged in Homebrew as ente-cli 0.3.0, described by the formula itself as 'Util…”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

4. ai-native userOpt out of telemetry and usage tracking

   weight 2 · round drawn
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth—none0/10

   No evidence pack mentions any telemetry, analytics, or usage-tracking settings, opt-out toggles, or privacy policy statements about data collection in Ente Auth; the evidence covers import/export, backups, and sync features only.

   ⚑ flag

App lock

1. everyday userThe app itself locks behind biometrics or a PIN, so a borrowed phone doesn't expose my codes

   weight 2 · round drawn
   Google Authenticator✓fullclaimed8/10

   Google's own docs describe a 'Privacy Screen' feature requiring PIN, pattern, or biometric verification before the app can be used, directly matching the story. No community evidence contradicts this specific lock-screen feature (complaints focus on sync/backup, not app-lock). Missing for 10: independent hands-on confirmation of the Privacy Screen feature working reliably across devices.

   • [claimed-docs] “For additional protection, you can turn on Privacy Screen in Google Authenticator. This requires a verification from your device, like a PIN…”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

   Ente Auth✓fullclaimed8/10

   Docs explicitly confirm FaceID lock (Settings → Security → Lockscreen) and a custom lock screen supporting PINs and passwords, directly matching the story's biometric/PIN app-lock requirement. missing for 10: no independent/hands-on confirmation that the lock actually blocks access on a borrowed device, and no mention of Android biometric or desktop lock parity beyond FaceID/PIN.

   • [claimed-docs] “You can enable FaceID lock under Settings → Security → Lockscreen.”
   • [claimed-docs] “You can now further protect your codes with a custom lock screen that supports PINs and passwords.”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

Audits

1. security engineerThe vendor publishes independent security audits of the app and its sync protocol

   weight 2 · round drawn
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   No evidence of any independent security audit of the app or its cloud sync protocol; a notable 2023 independent security researcher analysis found the sync data was unencrypted, but no formal published audit exists in the evidence pack, only community complaints about sync/backup reliability and trust concerns.

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth—none0/10

   No evidence pack item references any independent security audit of Ente Auth or its sync protocol; documentation focuses on features, encryption claims, and migration, not third-party audit reports.

   ⚑ flag

Monitoring

1. power userThe app warns me when a service I use is breached or a stored credential is weak, reused, or exposed

   weight 2 · round drawn
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth—none0/10

   Ente Auth is a TOTP/HOTP authenticator app; nothing in the evidence pack shows breach-monitoring, weak/reused-credential detection, or exposure alerts — its documented features are around code storage, import/export, sharing, and lockscreen security.

   ⚑ flag

Push

1. it adminPush-based sign-in includes phishing defenses — number matching, location context, and admin-enforced MFA policies

   weight 2 · round drawn
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

Server

1. it adminSelf-host the sync server on my own infrastructure and keep every secret inside my perimeter

   weight 2 · round to Ente Auth
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth~partialprobed6/10

   Ente explicitly documents running the Auth server locally (e.g. at http://localhost:3003) and its server code is confirmed open source, supporting self-hosting for IT admins wanting to keep secrets in-perimeter. However, the evidence pack lacks detailed self-hosting setup docs (Docker/compose instructions, hardware requirements, upgrade/security guidance) and no independent community reports specifically about self-hosting the Auth server (only cloud usage is discussed in community threads). Missing for 10: full self-hosting deployment guide, independent hands-on verification of self-hosted Auth server, and security/perimeter assurances specific to self-hosted mode.

   • [claimed-docs] “Alternatively, if using Ente Auth, get started by adding an account (assuming you are running Ente Auth at `http://<machine-ip>:3003` or `ht…”
   • [probe] “PROBE runtime (recorded 2026-09-15): ente.com serves a live llms.txt — '# Ente — Ente builds private, end-to-end encrypted apps for photos, …”
   • [probe] “PROBE llms.txt: HTTP 200 at https://ente.com/llms.txt # Ente > Ente builds private, end-to-end encrypted apps for photos, two-factor authen…”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

Source

1. security engineerThe client apps are open source, so the code handling my seeds can be inspected and community-reviewed

   weight 2 · round to Ente Auth
   Google Authenticator~partialclaimed4/10

   The GitHub repo (google/google-authenticator) documents open-source implementations of HOTP/TOTP and a PAM module, giving some basis for code review, but the evidence pack has no confirmation that the current shipped Android/iOS apps (which now handle cloud sync of seeds) actually correspond to this repo or receive active community review. missing for 10: evidence that the live mobile app source matches the published repo, evidence of active maintenance/community audits of the seed-handling code, and independent confirmation of code correctness.

   • [github] “These implementations support the HMAC-Based One-time Password (HOTP) algorithm specified in RFC 4226 and the Time-based One-time Password (…”
   • [github] “The Google Authenticator project includes implementations of one-time passcode generators for several mobile platforms.”
   • [github] “Pluggable Authentication Module, aka PAM.”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

   Ente Auth✓fullprobed7/10

   Ente's own llms.txt explicitly states 'Ente's apps and server are open source,' and a community poster on HN independently confirms 'thank you for releasing it open source,' corroborating that the client code is publicly available for inspection. Missing for 10: a direct link/reference to the actual auth client source repo, and independent evidence of community security review or audits of the seed-handling code.

   • [probe] “PROBE runtime (recorded 2026-09-15): ente.com serves a live llms.txt — '# Ente — Ente builds private, end-to-end encrypted apps for photos, …”
   • [community] “This looks quite nice, thank you for releasing it open source... One note as I signed up for an account is that the email verification went …”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

Automation

1. ai-native userAn agent can fetch a current TOTP code programmatically — via CLI or API — to complete a 2FA login inside an automated workflow

   weight 2 · round drawn
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   Google Authenticator is a mobile/PAM app with no documented CLI or API for programmatic TOTP retrieval; evidence only covers manual app UI actions (sync, QR export, editing codes) and community complaints about backup/sync issues, none of which show agent-accessible code fetching.

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth—none0/10

   Evidence only shows a CLI for exporting/backing up and decrypting Ente Auth data (ente-auth-docs-11, ente-auth-probe-rt-1), not for programmatically retrieving a live/current TOTP code for use in an automated 2FA login. No API, CLI subcommand, or docs describe generating a real-time code for agent consumption.

   • [claimed-docs] “You can use [Ente's CLI](https://github.com/ente/ente/tree/main/cli#readme) to automatically backup your Auth codes.”
   • [probe] “PROBE runtime (recorded 2026-09-15): Ente's official CLI is packaged in Homebrew as ente-cli 0.3.0, described by the formula itself as 'Util…”
   • [probe] “PROBE openapi: all candidate paths 404 (https://ente.com/openapi.json, https://ente.com/swagger.json, https://ente.com/api/openapi.json, htt…”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

2. ai-native userExpose the vault through a local programmatic endpoint an agent can query for codes and secrets without screen-scraping the app

   weight 1 · round drawn
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth—none0/10

   No evidence of any local API, IPC endpoint, or programmatic interface for querying codes; the only related tooling is the export/backup CLI (docs-11, probe-rt-1), which produces files rather than a queryable local endpoint an agent could hit live. No OpenAPI/local server documentation was found (probe-3 confirms no openapi endpoint).

   • [claimed-docs] “You can use [Ente's CLI](https://github.com/ente/ente/tree/main/cli#readme) to automatically backup your Auth codes.”
   • [probe] “PROBE runtime (recorded 2026-09-15): Ente's official CLI is packaged in Homebrew as ente-cli 0.3.0, described by the formula itself as 'Util…”
   • [probe] “PROBE openapi: all candidate paths 404 (https://ente.com/openapi.json, https://ente.com/swagger.json, https://ente.com/api/openapi.json, htt…”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

Browser

1. everyday userA browser extension autofills my TOTP codes and passkeys during login instead of making me retype them

   weight 2 · round drawn
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth—none0/10

   No evidence of a browser extension for Ente Auth; the product is described as apps for mobile, desktop and web with manual QR-scan/setup-key entry, not autofill via a browser extension for TOTP or passkeys during login.

   ⚑ flag

Desktop

1. power userA first-class desktop app gives me codes and vault access on my computer, not just on mobile

   weight 2 · round to Ente Auth
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   No evidence of a desktop application; Google Authenticator is documented and discussed only as a mobile app with QR-based transfer/sync between phones, not a desktop client or vault.

   • [claimed-docs] “With Google Authenticator, you can synchronize your verification codes across all your devices, simply by signing in to your Google Account.”
   • [claimed-docs] “On your old device, create a QR code... On your new device, tap Scan QR code”
   • [github] “The Google Authenticator project includes implementations of one-time passcode generators for several mobile platforms.”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

   Ente Auth✓fullcommunity7/10

   Ente Auth explicitly ships native desktop clients (Flathub Linux app, plus 'app for every platform: Mobile, desktop and web' with full sync) and desktop-specific UI features like right-click code editing, matching a first-class desktop experience; a HN user corroborates switching to it specifically for its desktop app after Authy dropped theirs. missing for 10: explicit list/docs of Windows/Mac desktop builds beyond Flathub, and an independent hands-on review confirming full feature parity with mobile.

   • [claimed-docs] “Auth is now officially available on [Flathub](https://flathub.org/apps/io.ente.auth)!”
   • [claimed-docs] “Auth has an app for every platform. Mobile, desktop and web. Your codes sync across all your devices, end-to-end encrypted.”
   • [claimed-docs] “You can delete or edit a code by long pressing (or right clicking on desktop) on that item.”
   • [community] “Ente Auth is awesome - I've been using it ever since Authy discontinued their desktop app.”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

Watch

1. everyday userRead my codes from my smartwatch without pulling out my phone

   weight 1 · round drawn
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth—none0/10

   The evidence pack covers mobile/desktop/web platform support, import/export, sharing, and lockscreen features, but contains no mention of smartwatch (e.g. Wear OS, watchOS) support or companion app for viewing codes without pulling out a phone.

   ⚑ flag

Backup

1. security engineerBackups are end-to-end encrypted with a key the vendor never holds, and the encryption design is documented

   weight 3 · round to Ente Auth
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   Docs only describe syncing codes via a Google Account (google-authenticator-docs-1,4) with no mention of end-to-end encryption or a vendor-blind key, and community reports explicitly note that storing codes in 'google cloud doesn't satisfy me' and that losing access to the Google account means losing all 2FA data, implying no such E2E encryption exists.

   • [claimed-docs] “With Google Authenticator, you can synchronize your verification codes across all your devices, simply by signing in to your Google Account.”
   • [claimed-docs] “When you sign in to your Google Account within Google Authenticator on a new device, your codes are automatically synced to this device.”
   • [community] “Storing it in the google cloud doesn't satisfy me. I just simply want the codes under my control... google still makes it stupendously diffi…”
   • [community] “If Google ever decides to kick you out of your account, Authenticator data will be gone. Google has done this on several occasions in the pa…”
   • [community] “Imagine your google account getting deleted cuz you got banned from Google and the suddenly you lose all your 2FA secrets cuz they are part …”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

   Ente Auth~partialprobed6/10

   Ente docs state cloud backups are end-to-end encrypted (docs-27, docs-34) and local backups are encrypted with a password-derived key that Ente cannot recover (docs-9, docs-12), plus open-source apps/server are confirmed (probe-rt-2), supporting a 'vendor never holds key' claim. However there is no detailed cryptographic design doc (key derivation algorithm, protocol specifics, audit report) in the evidence, only high-level marketing/FAQ statements. Missing for 10: a published encryption whitepaper or technical spec, and independent security audit/corroboration of the E2E design.

   • [claimed-docs] “Auth has an app for every platform. Mobile, desktop and web. Your codes sync across all your devices, end-to-end encrypted.”
   • [claimed-docs] “Auth provides end-to-end encrypted cloud backups so you don't have to worry about losing your tokens.”
   • [claimed-docs] “Password-protected: All local backups are encrypted with a password you set. Keep this password safe, because Ente cannot recover it for you…”
   • [claimed-docs] “the data is encrypted using a key derived from the user's password”
   • [probe] “PROBE runtime (recorded 2026-09-15): ente.com serves a live llms.txt — '# Ente — Ente builds private, end-to-end encrypted apps for photos, …”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

Multi device

1. everyday userMy tokens are available on my phone, tablet, and computer at the same time, kept in sync automatically

   weight 2 · round to Ente Auth
   Google Authenticator~partialcommunity5/10

   Google's docs confirm automatic cross-device sync via Google Account sign-in, works offline, and supports multiple accounts (docs-1,4,5,10), but Authenticator is a mobile-only app with no native desktop/computer client, so the 'computer' leg of the story is unsupported. Community reports also cite historical sync/backup failures and account-loss risk tying codes to a Google Account (comm-1, comm-7, comm-12, comm-13), showing real caveats even if not disproving the current sync feature outright. Missing for 10: a computer/desktop client, independent hands-on confirmation the modern sync feature works reliably across all device types without data loss.

   • [claimed-docs] “With Google Authenticator, you can synchronize your verification codes across all your devices, simply by signing in to your Google Account.”
   • [claimed-docs] “When you sign in to your Google Account within Google Authenticator on a new device, your codes are automatically synced to this device.”
   • [claimed-docs] “Authenticator can sync codes for multiple Google Accounts and display them from the same mobile device.”
   • [claimed-docs] “You can still generate codes without an internet connection or mobile service.”
   • [community] “I recently had a broken phone replaced and had depended on a backup to have my TOTP keys on my new phone. It was not a part of the phone bac…”
   • [community] “If Google ever decides to kick you out of your account, Authenticator data will be gone. Google has done this on several occasions in the pa…”
   • [community] “Imagine your google account getting deleted cuz you got banned from Google and the suddenly you lose all your 2FA secrets cuz they are part …”
   • [community] “Don't upgrade! I just had this unpleasant experience and warned everyone... Warning: Google Authenticator upgrade loses all accounts.”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

   Ente Auth✓fullcommunity8/10

   Ente Auth explicitly advertises multi-platform apps (mobile, desktop, web) with end-to-end encrypted cloud sync so codes stay in sync across devices, and community evidence corroborates real-world use across app switches without complaint about sync failures. Missing for 10: independent hands-on confirmation of real-time multi-device sync latency/reliability and any edge-case sync bugs reported by users.

   • [claimed-docs] “Auth has an app for every platform. Mobile, desktop and web. Your codes sync across all your devices, end-to-end encrypted.”
   • [claimed-docs] “Auth provides end-to-end encrypted cloud backups so you don't have to worry about losing your tokens.”
   • [community] “Ente Auth is awesome - I've been using it ever since Authy discontinued their desktop app.”
   • [community] “I have been using Aegis but switched to Ente Auth as I decided to use Ente Photos as well. Both Aegis and Ente Auth are great options. This …”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

Recovery

1. everyday userLosing my phone doesn't lose my accounts — a documented recovery path restores my tokens on a new device

   weight 3 · round to Ente Auth
   Google Authenticator!disputedcontradicted5/10

   Google's own docs describe two documented recovery paths — signing into your Google Account to auto-sync codes across devices, or scanning a QR-code export to transfer codes to a new device (google-authenticator-docs-1/3/4/11) — which is exactly the story's ask. However, multiple hands-on community reports concretely contradict reliability of this recovery: users report app upgrades wiping all tokens with no recovery (comm-13, comm-14), phone backups explicitly excluding Authenticator data (comm-1, comm-8), and losing all codes permanently if the tied Google Account is banned/deleted (comm-7, comm-12). Missing for 10: independent verification that account-sync recovery works consistently across real device-loss scenarios, and resolution of the backup-exclusion/account-ban failure modes.

   • [claimed-docs] “With Google Authenticator, you can synchronize your verification codes across all your devices, simply by signing in to your Google Account.”
   • [claimed-docs] “On your old device, create a QR code... On your new device, tap Scan QR code”
   • [claimed-docs] “When you sign in to your Google Account within Google Authenticator on a new device, your codes are automatically synced to this device.”
   • [claimed-docs] “To manually transfer Authenticator codes to a new device, you need: Your old device with Google Authenticator codes”
   • [community] “I recently had a broken phone replaced and had depended on a backup to have my TOTP keys on my new phone. It was not a part of the phone bac…”
   • [community] “Does that mean one can use adb to backup Google Authenticator's data as well? Last time I tried, the app data was explicitly marked as exclu…”
   • [community] “Don't upgrade! I just had this unpleasant experience and warned everyone... Warning: Google Authenticator upgrade loses all accounts.”
   • [community] “Every time I upgraded to a new iOS 7 beta, it wiped my Google Authenticator account tokens... I can't log in to my CampBX account anymore.”
   • [community] “If Google ever decides to kick you out of your account, Authenticator data will be gone. Google has done this on several occasions in the pa…”
   • [community] “Imagine your google account getting deleted cuz you got banned from Google and the suddenly you lose all your 2FA secrets cuz they are part …”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

   Ente Auth✓fullprobed8/10

   Ente Auth documents end-to-end encrypted cloud sync/backups so codes restore on a new device after login, plus a recovery key to bypass 2FA lockouts, local encrypted backups, and a CLI export tool as additional restore paths. missing for 10: no independent hands-on account of a real device-loss recovery walkthrough, and no detail on exact steps to restore cloud-synced codes on a fresh device beyond general sync claims.

   • [claimed-docs] “Auth has an app for every platform. Mobile, desktop and web. Your codes sync across all your devices, end-to-end encrypted.”
   • [claimed-docs] “Auth provides end-to-end encrypted cloud backups so you don't have to worry about losing your tokens.”
   • [claimed-docs] “We recommend that you ensure you store your recovery key in a safe place (writing it down on a paper is a good idea). This key can be used t…”
   • [claimed-docs] “Automatic daily backups: When enabled, Ente Auth creates one local backup per day when you open the app.”
   • [claimed-docs] “Password-protected: All local backups are encrypted with a password you set. Keep this password safe, because Ente cannot recover it for you…”
   • [claimed-docs] “You can use [Ente's CLI](https://github.com/ente/ente/tree/main/cli#readme) to automatically backup your Auth codes.”
   • [probe] “PROBE runtime (recorded 2026-09-15): Ente's official CLI is packaged in Homebrew as ente-cli 0.3.0, described by the formula itself as 'Util…”
   • [community] “Ente has free backups and it's own encrypted export format, which sounds promissing.”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

Automation

1. ai-native userAn agent can create and update vault entries — seeding new TOTP secrets, storing credentials — through documented programmatic surfaces

   weight 2 · round drawn
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth—none0/10

   Evidence shows only manual QR-scan/setup-key entry, GUI import/export, and a CLI limited to exporting and decrypting backups—no documented API, SDK, or CLI subcommand for programmatically creating or updating vault entries. No OpenAPI/API surface was found (ente-auth-probe-3 confirms no openapi.json), so an agent has no documented programmatic surface to seed or update TOTP secrets.

   • [claimed-docs] “You can use [Ente's CLI](https://github.com/ente/ente/tree/main/cli#readme) to automatically backup your Auth codes.”
   • [probe] “PROBE runtime (recorded 2026-09-15): Ente's official CLI is packaged in Homebrew as ente-cli 0.3.0, described by the formula itself as 'Util…”
   • [probe] “PROBE openapi: all candidate paths 404 (https://ente.com/openapi.json, https://ente.com/swagger.json, https://ente.com/api/openapi.json, htt…”
   • [claimed-docs] “Scan the QR code shown by the service.”
   • [claimed-docs] “Enter the account name, issuer, and secret (setup key).”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

Policy

1. it adminEnforce org-wide policies — require app lock, restrict export, mandate strong master credentials — across every member's app

   weight 1 · round drawn
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth—none0/10

   No evidence of any org-wide admin console, centralized policy enforcement, mandated master password strength, or app lock/export restrictions applied across members — Ente Auth is a personal/individual authenticator with local lock screen (per-device) and personal backup/export options, not a managed enterprise policy tool.

   • [claimed-docs] “You can now further protect your codes with a custom lock screen that supports PINs and passwords.”
   • [claimed-docs] “Password-protected: All local backups are encrypted with a password you set. Keep this password safe, because Ente cannot recover it for you…”
   • [claimed-docs] “You can use [Ente's CLI](https://github.com/ente/ente/tree/main/cli#readme) to automatically backup your Auth codes.”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

Sharing

1. it adminMy team can share TOTP-protected logins through shared vaults or collections with per-member access control

   weight 2 · round to Ente Auth
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   The axis applies to this product kind (peer products hold positive or none verdicts on this story), so lack of evidence for an applicable capability is "none", never "na". (na/none harmonized at arena bring-up — see pipeline/scripts/na-harmonize.ts.)

   ⚑ flag

   Ente Auth~partialclaimed4/10

   Ente Auth documents sharing individual TOTP codes via temporary, end-to-end encrypted links with teammates (docs-16, docs-35), and explicitly restricts sharing to TOTP (not HOTP) entries (docs-30), which covers the core 'share TOTP logins with team' idea. However there is no evidence of a vault/collection construct or per-member access control (e.g., role-based permissions, group vaults, admin-managed membership) — sharing appears to be per-code link generation rather than an admin-managed shared vault. Missing for 10: evidence of collection/vault-based sharing, per-member access control or roles, and admin management console for team access.

   • [claimed-docs] “You can now easily share specific codes with your team, with temporary links that are end-to-end encrypted.”
   • [claimed-docs] “Share codes with your team securely”
   • [claimed-docs] “Sharing is now limited to TOTP codes; the share option is hidden for HOTP entries.”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

Enrollment

1. everyday userScan a QR code and immediately start generating TOTP codes for a new account

   weight 3 · round drawn
   Google Authenticator✓fullclaimed8/10

   Docs and GitHub evidence confirm the app scans QR codes to add accounts and generates RFC 6238 TOTP codes, including offline (docs-3, docs-10, gh-1). Community feedback criticizes backup/sync/loss issues, not the basic scan-and-generate flow, so the core story is undisputed. Missing for 10: independent hands-on confirmation of the exact scan-to-first-code experience and no first-party UX walkthrough beyond support docs.

   • [claimed-docs] “On your old device, create a QR code... On your new device, tap Scan QR code”
   • [claimed-docs] “You can still generate codes without an internet connection or mobile service.”
   • [github] “These implementations support the HMAC-Based One-time Password (HOTP) algorithm specified in RFC 4226 and the Time-based One-time Password (…”
   • [github] “The Google Authenticator project includes implementations of one-time passcode generators for several mobile platforms.”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

   Ente Auth✓fullclaimed8/10

   Docs explicitly describe scanning a QR code shown by a service to add a new account, both generally (docs-1) and for specific migration flows (docs-6/41), which immediately generates TOTP codes in the app. This core flow is directly and simply documented as the primary onboarding method. Missing for 10: independent hands-on confirmation of the exact scan-to-code-generation moment and any UX friction reports.

   • [claimed-docs] “Scan the QR code shown by the service.”
   • [claimed-docs] “Enter the account name, issuer, and secret (setup key).”
   • [claimed-docs] “Tap the add button and scan the QR code shown by the service.”
   • [claimed-docs] “Open Ente Auth. Tap the add button and scan the QR code shown by the service.”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

Offline

1. power userCodes generate fully offline — no network, no vendor account required just to see my TOTP codes

   weight 2 · round drawn
   Google Authenticator✓fullclaimed8/10

   Docs explicitly state you can 'Use without an account' at setup and that codes generate 'without an internet connection or mobile service,' confirming fully offline, account-free TOTP generation (core RFC 6238 implementation per GitHub). Community discussion focuses on backup/sync/account-loss risks, not on offline generation failing, so no contradiction of this specific axis. Missing for 10: independent hands-on confirmation specifically testing offline-without-account code generation.

   • [claimed-docs] “When you first open the app, tap Use without an account.”
   • [claimed-docs] “You can still generate codes without an internet connection or mobile service.”
   • [github] “These implementations support the HMAC-Based One-time Password (HOTP) algorithm specified in RFC 4226 and the Time-based One-time Password (…”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

   Ente Auth✓fullclaimed8/10

   Docs explicitly confirm offline mode with no account required, codes stored only on-device, and no network dependency for viewing codes. Missing for 10: independent hands-on verification (e.g. airplane-mode test) beyond vendor docs, and no detail on how backups/imports work fully offline without any cloud touchpoint.

   • [claimed-docs] “Ente Auth can be used without an account by choosing **Use without backups**. In offline mode, your codes are stored only on that device.”
   • [claimed-docs] “Use without an account”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

Organization

1. power userKeep dozens of tokens organized — search, folders or groups, and service icons — so the right code is always two taps away

   weight 2 · round to Ente Auth
   Google Authenticator—none0/10

   Evidence only shows basic manual reordering (drag-to-reorder), swipe-to-edit/delete, and username/account editing — there is no mention of search, folders/groups, or service icons for organizing many tokens. missing for 10: search functionality, folder/group organization, service icons, any at-scale organization feature for dozens of tokens.

   • [claimed-docs] “To edit your Authenticator code on Android, swipe left on any code to show the edit option.”
   • [claimed-docs] “To organize your Authenticator codes, touch and hold any code, then drag to reorder to a desired location.”
   • [claimed-docs] “To delete an Authenticator code on Android, swipe right on any code to show the delete option.”
   • [claimed-docs] “To edit your Authenticator code on Android, swipe left on any code to show the edit option. You can update the username for the code or chan…”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

   Ente Auth~partialclaimed6/10

   Ente Auth's marketing docs confirm search (deep-link search feature), service icons, and favoriting/organizing features ('Organize with ease', 'Favorite services to the top', 'Don't scroll'), directly supporting quick access to tokens. However, there is no concrete evidence of folder or group/category organization for large token sets — only vague 'organize with ease' copy and free-text notes (500-char annotations), not structured grouping. Missing for 10: explicit folder/category/tagging feature documentation, evidence of grouping many tokens, independent hands-on confirmation of organization UX at scale.

   • [claimed-docs] “Save time by viewing your next code”
   • [claimed-docs] “Easily identify your tokens by their icons”
   • [claimed-docs] “Organize with ease”
   • [claimed-docs] “Favorite services to the top”
   • [claimed-docs] “Don't scroll”
   • [claimed-docs] “Added support for search deep links via enteauth://search.”
   • [claimed-docs] “You can attach any text (upto a maximum of 500 characters), to provide more information about your accounts.”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

Variants

1. power userNon-standard tokens work too — Steam Guard, HOTP counters, custom periods and digit lengths

   weight 2 · round to Ente Auth
   Google Authenticator~partialclaimed3/10

   The GitHub docs confirm the underlying library supports HOTP (RFC 4226) and TOTP (RFC 6238) algorithms, giving some basis for HOTP counter support, but there is no evidence anywhere in the pack that the consumer app exposes Steam Guard mode, custom periods, or custom digit lengths — the mobile app UI evidence only shows scanning QR codes, editing username, and deleting entries. missing for 10: Steam Guard token support, custom period configuration, custom digit-length configuration, and any UI/setting for manual HOTP counter entry.

   • [github] “These implementations support the HMAC-Based One-time Password (HOTP) algorithm specified in RFC 4226 and the Time-based One-time Password (…”
   • [github] “The Google Authenticator project includes implementations of one-time passcode generators for several mobile platforms.”
   • [claimed-docs] “To edit your Authenticator code on Android, swipe left on any code to show the edit option.”

   proof ↗⚑ flag

   Ente Auth~partialclaimed4/10

   Evidence confirms HOTP entries are supported (the changelog notes sharing is now limited to TOTP and hidden for HOTP entries), implying native HOTP counter support. However, there is no mention anywhere in the evidence pack of Steam Guard token support, or of custom period/digit-length configuration for TOTP entries. missing for 10: explicit Steam Guard support, custom period/digit-length configuration, and any hands-on confirmation beyond the changelog note.

   • [claimed-docs] “Sharing is now limited to TOTP codes; the share option is hidden for HOTP entries.”

   proof ↗⚑ flag