# Authenticator App vs Google Smart Lock

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator App at 4.7 against Google Smart Lock's 2.5. Authenticator App also leads on review sentiment (45% vs 9%) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 2 months). Google Smart Lock's advantage is chart position (#133 vs unranked). On price, ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Authenticator App holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator App has 34K ratings behind it against 614, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 45% of Authenticator App's written reviews are positive against 9% of Google Smart Lock's.

Authenticator App ships an update every 9 days, Google Smart Lock every 2 months. Both last shipped on September 30, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator App | Google Smart Lock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (34K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-oneauth/id1142928979/reviews)** | [2.5 (614 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-smart-lock/id1152066360/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **34K** | 614 |
| Positive reviews | **44.9% of reviews** | 9.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 days** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#133** |
| Size | 220 MB | 56 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Zoho Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/388384807) | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-oneauth/id1142928979)

Secure your online accounts with industry-standard two-factor authentication. Easily add accounts, generate time-based OTPs, and benefit from encrypted backups. Organize and manage your TFA with features like folders, brand logos, and search.

**Highlights:** Add accounts via QR code or manual entry, Time-based OTPs (offline access), Encrypted backup and secure recovery, Sync secrets across devices, Organize accounts with folders, Brand logos for easy identification, Passwordless sign-in options

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Quick and efficient
- 🔒 Very secure
- 👍 Easy to use
- 💡 Has Apple Watch app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable notifications
- 🐛 Confusing user interface
- 🐛 Inconsistent behavior
- 🐛 Difficult to navigate
- 🐛 Locked out of accounts

**Reported bugs**

- Push notifications not working
- Endless authentication loops
- Incompatibility with new devices
- Locking users out of accounts

**Requested features**

- Support for multiple accounts
- Ability to export data to other authenticator apps
- Improved error handling and feedback
- Simpler setup and onboarding process


### Google Smart Lock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-smart-lock/id1152066360)

**Currently charting:** #133 Top Free · Utilities (US App Store)

Securely log in to websites and apps using your phone's built-in security key or a physical Bluetooth key. It simplifies access by remembering your passwords and offering a more convenient sign-in experience.

**Highlights:** Use phone as security key, Use Bluetooth security key, Password saving, Simplified sign-in, Secure access

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works fine
- 🔒 Adds extra security layer
- 👍 Useful app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes on iOS 18 update
- 🐛 Doesn't work with Yubikey
- 🐛 Doesn't work with child accounts
- 🐛 Unreliable, constant issues
- 🐛 Locked out of accounts

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on launch
- Doesn't detect nearby devices
- Endless login loop
- Incompatible with latest iOS

**Requested features**

- Support for NFC security keys
- Easier setup and usage
- Better compatibility with other devices


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator App free?

Authenticator App is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Google Smart Lock free?

Google Smart Lock is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Authenticator App or Google Smart Lock?

Authenticator App is rated higher. Authenticator App averages 4.7 out of 5 from 34K ratings, while Google Smart Lock averages 2.5 from 614 ratings.

### Do Authenticator App or Google Smart Lock have ads?

Neither Authenticator App nor Google Smart Lock shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Authenticator App or Google Smart Lock?

Authenticator App ships an update every 9 days, and Google Smart Lock every 2 months. Most recently, Authenticator App was updated on September 30, 2026 and Google Smart Lock on September 30, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*