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Cybersecurity · head to head

Authy vs WebStorm

Authy logo

Authy

Cybersecurity

Twilio's free authenticator app with encrypted cloud backup, mobile only since the desktop clients were withdrawn in 2024.

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit AuthyFull review
WebStorm logo

WebStorm

Developer Tools

The JavaScript and TypeScript IDE

From
$12.9/month
Free plan
No
Visit WebStormFull review

The short version

  • WebStorm is a IDE for modern JavaScript development.
  • Authy is free; WebStorm starts at $12.9/mo.
  • Only Authy lists encrypted cloud backup; only WebStorm lists smart JavaScript editor.
  • Prices and features on this page were last checked on 13 November 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Authy and WebStorm actually diverge.

Attributes where Authy and WebStorm differ
AttributeAuthyWebStorm
Starting priceFree$12.9/month
Pricing modelFreeSubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWebWindows, macOS, Linux
CategoryCybersecurityDeveloper Tools

Not yet recorded: founded for Authy.

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Authy

  • Encrypted cloud backup
  • Multi-device sync
  • Standard TOTP
  • Offline code generation
  • App lock
  • Multi-device toggle
  • Token organisation
  • Free with no account tier

Only in WebStorm

  • Smart JavaScript editor
  • TypeScript support
  • Node.js development
  • Modern framework support
  • Built-in debugger
  • Unit testing
  • Version control
  • Live templates

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Authy

  • An individual who wants two-factor authentication on personal accounts and needs it to survive losing or replacing a phonenot WebStorm
  • A small team sharing access to a service account where the same tokens must be available on more than one handsetnot WebStorm
  • Replacing SMS-based codes with TOTP for someone who would abandon two-factor entirely if recovery were difficultnot WebStorm
  • Consolidating tokens scattered across several apps onto one device list with recognisable names and iconsnot WebStorm

WebStorm

  • Web application developmentnot Authy
  • React/Angular/Vue developmentnot Authy
  • Node.js backend developmentnot Authy
  • TypeScript projectsnot Authy
  • Frontend testingnot Authy

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Authy

  • There is no export function for stored TOTP secrets, so moving to a different authenticator means disabling and re-enrolling two-factor authentication on every account individually, which is the reason most users stay rather than a reason anyone should choose it
  • The Windows, macOS and Linux desktop applications were discontinued in 2024 and stopped working, so any workflow that depended on copying codes on a computer now requires a phone in hand, and users who held tokens only on a desktop client had to restore from backup or re-enrol
  • The account is keyed to a phone number, so an attacker who takes over that number through a SIM swap can begin the device registration flow, and the only remaining control is the backup password that most users set once and cannot recall
  • In 2024 an unauthenticated Twilio endpoint allowed attackers to confirm which numbers from a supplied list were registered Authy accounts, exposing around 33 million phone numbers, which disclosed no codes but handed phishers a validated list of people known to use two-factor authentication
  • It is a free consumer application inside a company that has already retired the paid Authy developer API it once supported, so it carries no revenue of its own, and users should treat its continued existence as a business decision rather than a roadmap commitment

WebStorm

  • JetBrains WebStorm is sold as an annual subscription rather than a one-time purchase: commercial price is $199 per year (USD), and personal price starts at $299 in year one, dropping to $239 in year two and $179 from year three onward with continuous renewal
  • If the subscription lapses, use of new versions stops; JetBrains grants a fallback license only for the last version used while the subscription was active, per its published buy page

Pricing, plan by plan

Authy

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Authy review.

WebStorm

$12.9/month
  • Individual$12.9/mo
    • Intelligent JavaScript & TypeScript editor
    • Debugging and testing
    • VCS integration
  • Organizations$25.9/mo
    • All Individual features
    • Commercial use license
    • Centralized license management

Which should you pick?

Choose Authy if

  • You need encrypted cloud backup.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want multi-device sync.
Authy review

Choose WebStorm if

  • You need smart javascript editor.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want typescript support.
WebStorm review

Questions people ask

Is Authy or WebStorm better?
Neither clearly leads. Authy starts at Free and WebStorm at $12.9/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Authy or WebStorm?
Authy has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Authy and $12.9/month for WebStorm.
Does Authy or WebStorm run on more platforms?
Authy runs on Web. WebStorm runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
Can I use Authy for free?
Yes. Authy has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. WebStorm starts at $12.9/month.
What is Authy best used for?
Authy is most often used for an individual who wants two-factor authentication on personal accounts and needs it to survive losing or replacing a phone, a small team sharing access to a service account where the same tokens must be available on more than one handset, replacing sms-based codes with totp for someone who would abandon two-factor entirely if recovery were difficult, consolidating tokens scattered across several apps onto one device list with recognisable names and icons. Of those, an individual who wants two-factor authentication on personal accounts and needs it to survive losing or replacing a phone and a small team sharing access to a service account where the same tokens must be available on more than one handset are not what WebStorm is typically brought in for.
What can Authy do that WebStorm cannot?
Authy covers Encrypted cloud backup, Multi-device sync, Standard TOTP, Offline code generation. WebStorm covers Smart JavaScript editor, TypeScript support, Node.js development, Modern framework support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Authy: Is Authy still supported?

The mobile apps for iOS and Android are still available and functional. The desktop applications were withdrawn in 2024 and the Authy developer API has been retired in favour of Twilio Verify, so the surrounding product has been shrinking.

WebStorm: Is there a free version of WebStorm?

Yes, WebStorm is free for non-commercial use and includes access to JetBrains AI with a free tier.

Source
Authy: Can I export my tokens?

No. There is no export of the underlying secrets, by design. Migrating to another authenticator means going to each service, disabling two-factor authentication and setting it up again with the new app.

WebStorm: What is the cost of a commercial WebStorm license?

The page references a testimonial mentioning 70 euros as a cost, though specific current pricing requires visiting the dedicated pricing page.

Source
Authy: What happened to the desktop app?

Twilio announced its discontinuation in March 2024 and the applications stopped working later that year. There is no replacement desktop client; the mobile apps are the product now.

WebStorm: How does JetBrains AI licensing work?

Users can pay with JetBrains AI credits, bring their own AI subscriptions and API keys to avoid vendor lock-in, or use the free tier included with WebStorm.

Source
Authy: Is multi-device sync safe to leave on?

It is the feature most worth understanding. Leaving new device registration enabled means anyone who controls your phone number can attempt to add a device. The usual advice is to turn the multi-device setting off once your devices are registered and turn it on only when you need to add one.

WebStorm: What features does the free tier include?

The free tier includes the smart code editor, navigation tools, integrated developer tools, and customization options.

Source
Authy: What if I lose my phone and forget the backup password?

The secrets are encrypted with that password and Twilio does not hold it, so they cannot be recovered. You would fall back to each individual service's account recovery process, which is exactly the situation the backup was meant to avoid.

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