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An authenticator is an APP on your phone and you either go to it, look at the 4 digit code and then enter it (basically the same as a text) or the app pops up on your phone asking you to verify it's you trying to log into the software. With that you just hit "yes".

I hear you! I HATE having to have my phone at my fingertips all the time. I try to remember that I'm adding steps. Yes, my authenticator is a phone app but I don't have to use it often so am prepared to have the phone available. My choice was to use my fingerprint which is how I protect my phone. It can get annoying but I now automatically pick it up with my left hand and my fingertip goes right to the spot. I still have a landline for my business and will keep it until I retire. I leave my cell on vibrate and the sound off about 90% of the time. It annoys some folks trying to reach me because they have to leave a message. And I don't answer unidentified calls on either phone. Since I don't have every contact ever in my cell, lots of calls are unidentified and not all callers leave a message. Also my cell isolates identified spam calls very effectively.

The safest computer level protection is a bios/boot password. That process stops brute force because of limiting attempts before a waiting period. Coupled with bit locker and hibernate instead of sleep, you have the best practical protection available. Phone as second method is silly as it is still easy to spoof or steal phone accounts. Protect the device and the second factor is moot (use the least obtrusive).

Drake's program uses only authenticators. It doesn't email any codes, if that is what you were thinking. Here's the complete setup: https://drakesoftware.com/Site/Browse/15895/Drake-Tax-MultiFactor-Authentication-Drake18-and-Future

The authenticator I use provides a 6 digit code to your mileage must vary.

I have read that with some programs if your cell phone is synced then as long your cell phone is on and nearby then you are allowed to log in.