![Best 2 Factor Plugins for WordPress - Header Image](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/best-2fa-for-wp-2-1024x538.jpg)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security solution that you can use to protect your website logins. It works by requiring a code to be entered after the initial login credentials are entered. This helps prevent weak or abused passwords from being used for access.
WordPress has many plugins that can provide 2FA. This article compares four different plugins that offer different functionality.
We have only tested the free version of these plugins. The table below compares some of the main features found in 2FA plugins.
2FA plugin comparison video
Table of plugin features
word press 2FA plugin |
Wizard setup | TOTP and HOTP support | Setup grace period | backup code | Custom form support | premium |
WP 2FA | yes | TOTP and HOTP (via email) | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Two-factor authentication (by the makers of UpdraftPlus) | no | TOTP and HOTP (not email) | no | Yes (Premium) | Yes (Premium) | yes |
wordfence login | no | TOTP only | yes | yes | no | No (full security plugin) |
miniOrange Google Authenticator | yes | TOTP and HOTP (email or SMS) | yes | yes | yes | yes |
All of these plugins offer 2FA, but the main difference lies in what they do and how they are configured. These plugins meet the needs of simple WordPress sites and can scale to larger sites such as e-commerce sites.
Compare plugins
Wizard setup
![Start WP 2FA Wizard](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/wp2fa-wizard-setup.jpg)
A wizard provides easy step-by-step instructions for setting up 2FA.
You will immediately notice the difference compared to using the wizard when setting up these plugins. The initial setup can be confusing for novice 2FA users.A wizard guides you through the setup WP 2FA and the miniOrange Google AuthenticatorThis allows for quick configuration even for those unfamiliar with 2FA.
TOTP and HOTP support
![Default algorithm selection - TOTP or HOTP](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/algorithm-choice.jpg)
Time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) and hash-based one-time passwords (HOTP) are used to authenticate logins. TOTP requires an authenticator and HOTP can be used via an authenticator or email or SMS.
All of these plugins support TOTP for user authentication. This is typically done with an application such as Google Authenticator. HOTP (hash-based one-time passwords) is not supported. word fence. and just WP 2FA and miniOrange Google Authenticator Supports email authentication.
Email access can be an additional weakness exploited by hackers, so it is often recommended not to use email-based authentication. miniOrange is the only plugin that can also support multi-factor authentication (MFA) with hardware keys. If you use email authentication, we recommend that you also include a hardware key for authentication with the premium upgrade.
Setup grace period
![Setting up miniOrange two-factor authentication](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/miniorange-grace-period-1024x450.jpg)
This is the amount of time an administrator allows users to set up a 2FA configuration. Can be set in hours or days. Meanwhile, the user does not need to use her 2FA. After the period expires, the user will not be able to login without his 2FA.
Using 2FA should not be a burden on users. You should consider giving your users a grace period to learn about your security solution and adapt to its use.
The grace period feature is Two-factor authentication (From the makers of UpdraftPlugs).
backup code
![A recovery code that you can download and use if your authentication device is unavailable](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/recovery-codes-1.jpg)
These codes allow users access via 2FA if the authenticator is not on hand or lost.
that’s all Two-factor authentication (from the makers of UpdraftPlus) omits the option to use backup codes. Two-factor authentication provides a backup option after premium upgrade.
Custom form support
Many plugins and addons modify your normal WordPress login. 3 out of 4 plugins reviewed support these custom login forms.
The free version of miniOrange Google Authenticator includes many custom login forms. Two-factor authentication (by the makers of UpdraftPlus) also offers support for custom logins, but upgrading to the premium version unlocks more forms. WP 2FA refers to these custom logins as providing compatibility with third-party plugins.
Only the Wordfence plugin does not support custom login forms.
premium
Most of the plugins in this review have premium upgrades that can be purchased for a fee. The premium version adds features and functionality to the plugin.
The only plugin that doesn’t bombard you with upgrade options is Wordfence login securityIf you want to upgrade your security options, you should use the full Wordfence login security plugin.
miniOrange Google Authenticator Until recently, it only supported one user. Up to 3 admin users at this point. The premium her package is important if you use this plugin for different user roles. It also has the widest range of upgrade options for using the plugin.
Two-factor authentication (by the makers of UpdraftPlus) Purchasing an upgrade only provides backup codes and forced use of 2FA.
of WP 2FA The premium version of the plugin adds many features including authentication options, white labeling, trusted devices, tech support, and many other features. Its expansion is comparable to miniOrange, with a low starting price of $29 per year.
verdict
![Robot Graphics - Verdict](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/robot-finds-bulb-1024x791.jpg)
If the criteria by which these plugins were compared were functionality and 2FA effective security, they would be ranked as follows:
- miniOrange Google Authenticator
- WP 2FA
- word fence
- Two-factor authentication (by the makers of UpdraftPlus)
Comparing plugins for WordPress users often boils down to a few things: ease of use, feature set, and cost. While the benefits of using 2FA far outweigh the costs, choosing the right solution is also very important.
If you are a power user and have a large complex WordPress site with many users, WP 2FA and miniOrange Google AuthenticatorThey offer different options for authentication that can support different users. Plus, both are easy to configure with wizards for initial setup.
If you’re a simple WordPress user and want a plugin that provides simple 2FA usage with minimal frills, word fence may be your choice. It’s free and focuses its functionality mainly on securing WordPress logins.
Two-factor authentication (by the makers of UpdraftPlus) It offers 2FA and many of the features of other plugins, but requires an upgrade to force the use of 2FA. Installing the free version only gives you the option to use 2FA. If you’re experimenting with 2FA and plan to improve your site’s functionality over time, you may want to consider this plugin as it doesn’t cost you anything to upgrade.
The starting price for the premium version of this plugin is $26 per year.
All four of these two-factor authentication plugins for WordPress are great solutions that provide 2FA. Determining the best solution depends on your installation type, users, and need to add 2FA to your WordPress site.