FactorCat vs Ente Auth: Open Source vs Push Approve

Ente Auth: the open-source contender

Ente Auth emerged as a popular alternative when Authy discontinued its desktop app. It is fully open-source, supports end-to-end encrypted cloud backups, and has a clean interface. If you want a traditional authenticator app with strong privacy credentials, Ente Auth is a legitimate choice.

FactorCat vs Ente Auth: side-by-side

	FactorCat	Ente Auth
Browser auto-fill	Yes - push approve + auto-fill	No
Push notifications	Yes - tap to approve	No
Browser extension	Yes (Chrome, Firefox)	No (desktop app available)
Desktop access	Browser extension + web dashboard	Desktop app (Electron)
E2E encrypted backup	Locked Vault (zero-trust, free)	Yes (all tokens, free)
Cloud-managed option	Cloud Vault (convenience, free)	No - E2E only
Open source	Extension (planned)	Fully open source (client + server)
Token sharing	Yes - share-to-invite + anonymous links	No
Self-hosting	No	Yes
Price	Free (50 factors) / Pro $24/yr	Free

Where Ente Auth is better

• Fully open source. Client and server. FactorCat plans to open-source the extension, but Ente Auth is fully auditable today.
• Self-hosting. You can run your own Ente server. FactorCat is a managed service.
• E2E encryption by default. Ente Auth encrypts all tokens end-to-end with no cloud-managed option. If you want maximum security with no choices to make, that is simpler.
• No token limit. Ente Auth does not cap the number of tokens on the free tier.

Where FactorCat is better

• Browser auto-fill. This is the fundamental difference. Ente Auth is a code-viewing app: you still switch to it, find the code, and type it in. FactorCat fills the code into your browser automatically.
• Push-to-approve. Instead of opening an app and reading a 6-digit code, your phone buzzes and you tap approve. The code fills in. No app-switching, no typing.
• Vault choice. FactorCat lets you choose per-token: Cloud Vault for convenience (streaming accounts, social media) or Locked Vault for zero-trust (crypto, cloud infrastructure). Ente Auth is E2E-only, which means if you lose your master password, everything is gone, even your Chipotle account.
• Token sharing. Share a factor with a teammate or family member directly. Ente Auth does not have sharing.

The honest take

Ente Auth is a great authenticator, especially for the privacy-conscious community that values full open-source and self-hosting. If browser auto-fill and push-to-approve are not important to you, Ente Auth is a solid choice.

FactorCat is for people who want MFA to be invisible, where the browser and phone work together so you never have to manually copy a code again. Different priorities, both valid.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ente Auth a good alternative to Authy?

Ente Auth surged in popularity after Authy discontinued its desktop app. It is fully open-source, supports end-to-end encryption, and runs on iOS, Android, web, and desktop. If you want a privacy-focused replacement and do not need browser auto-fill, Ente Auth is a strong pick. If browser auto-fill matters, FactorCat is a closer match to the Authy workflow.

What is the difference between FactorCat and Ente Auth?

Both encrypt your factors. The difference is browser integration and vault choice. Ente Auth is a phone-first code generator: you open the app and read codes. FactorCat ships a browser extension that auto-fills codes via push-to-approve, and lets you choose between Cloud Vault (managed) and Locked Vault (zero-trust) per factor.

Can you self-host Ente Auth?

Yes. Ente publishes the server code and supports self-hosting. FactorCat is a managed service - you cannot self-host it. If self-hosting is a hard requirement, Ente Auth wins.

Is Ente Auth free?

Yes, Ente Auth is free and open source. FactorCat is also free for up to 50 factors, with Pro at $24/year unlocking unlimited factors and approval history.