Comparison

Google Smart Lock vs Authenticator ·

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Google Smart Lock

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
Currently charting
Read full description

Smart Lock allows you to use your Bluetooth security key or set up the security key built in to your phone.

About

Authenticator ·

Securely store and generate two-factor authentication (2FA) tokens for your online accounts. Protect your accounts from hackers with an additional layer of security. Features encrypted backups, cross-device synchronization, and a private browser.

Highlights
  • Secure 2FA token generation
  • Encrypted iCloud backups
  • Cross-device synchronization
  • Import/Export 2FA codes
  • Password manager with leak protection
  • Private browser
  • App PIN lock
Features
Read full description

Protect your accounts with secure 2FA codes, passwords, and private browsing in one app. Authenticator 7 stores and generates two-factor authentication codes for all your online accounts. Keep your data safe with encrypted storage, iCloud backup, Face ID, and Apple Watch support. FEATURES • Generate 2FA codes for all popular services Google, Facebook, Instagram, Microsoft, Amazon, Discord, Dropbox, PayPal, Slack, Shopify, Zoom and thousands more. • Secure encrypted backup All your 2FA codes, passwords, and secret keys are encrypted and safely stored in iCloud. Restore everything on a new device in seconds. • Sync across all Apple devices Your codes automatically sync between iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. • Easy import and export Import 2FA codes from other authenticator apps with QR code or CSV. Export your data anytime. • Password Manager Store passwords in one secure place. Get alerts if your password appears in a data leak. • Password Generator Create strong passwords with custom length, symbols, and numbers. • App Lock Protect the app with Face ID, Touch ID, or a PIN code with auto-lock. • Organize your codes Create folders, use drag and drop, and add custom icons for easier access. • Private Browser Browse privately with no history, cookies, or tracking. • Built-in VPN Protect your connection, hide your IP address, block ads, and stay safe on public Wi-Fi. Your privacy comes first. All data is encrypted and only you can access it. Privacy Policy: https://www.team2swift.com/privacy-authenticator/ Terms of Use: https://www.team2swift.com/terms-authenticator/

Screenshots

Google Smart Lock4 screens
Authenticator ·4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator · at 4.6 against Google Smart Lock's 2.5. Authenticator · also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (26K vs 614). Google Smart Lock's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 12). On price, ads, monetization model and chart position there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Authenticator · sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Google Smart Lock asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Authenticator · holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 2.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator · has 26K ratings behind it against 614, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 9% of Google Smart Lock's written reviews are positive against 24% of Authenticator ·'s.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
Google Smart Lock versus Authenticator ·: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGoogle Smart LockAuthenticator ·
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.5 (614 ratings)4.6 (26K ratings) — better
Positive reviews9.4% of reviews23.8% of reviews — better
Number of ratings61426K — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 9 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#129#48 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size56 MB129 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperGoogle LLCSMM service, s.r.o.

Customer experience

Google Smart Lock

All ratings614 ratings
Positive35.2%
Neutral3.6%
Negative61.2%
Written reviews308 reviews
Positive9.4%
Neutral2.9%
Negative87.7%

Authenticator ·

All ratings26,318 ratings
Positive90.8%
Neutral3.4%
Negative5.7%
Written reviews282 reviews
Positive23.8%
Neutral3.9%
Negative72.3%

User reviews

Google Smart Lock

From 614 App Store ratings

What we love

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

Room to improve

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

Authenticator ·

From 26K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 💡 Helpful for 2FA
  • 👍 Easy to navigate
  • 🚀 Efficient authentication

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Inconsistent performance
  • 💰 Subscription-based model
  • 🔒 Concerns about security and privacy
  • 🤔 Misleading marketing

Bugs and requests

Google Smart Lock

Reported bugs

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

Requested features

3 requests
  • Support for NFC security keys
  • Easier setup and usage
  • Better compatibility with other devices

Authenticator ·

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Codes not working as expected
  • Accounts disappearing after device change
  • Inability to cancel subscription

Requested features

3 requests
  • Backup and restore functionality
  • Support for more account types
  • Clearer instructions for setup and usage

In-app purchases

None

Google Smart Lock

No in-app purchases

12 purchases

Authenticator ·

Subscriptions12
  • 1 Week Starter$6.997 Days
  • 1 Month Promo$7.991 Month
  • 1 Week Plan3 Days trial$9.997 Days
Show 9 more
  • 1 Month Plan - VPN3 Days trial$12.991 Month
  • 1 Month Plan$12.991 Month
  • 1 Month Special1 Month trial$12.991 Month
  • 1 Month Plan - 7 Days7 Days trial$12.991 Month
  • 1 Year Plan$49.991 Year
  • 1 Year Plan$59.991 Year
  • 1 Year Plan - 3 Days3 Days trial$59.991 Year
  • 1 Year - 7 Days$69.991 Year
  • 1 Year Plan - VPN3 Days trial$79.991 Year

Questions

Is Google Smart Lock free?
Google Smart Lock is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Authenticator · free?
Authenticator · is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Google Smart Lock or Authenticator ·?
Authenticator · is rated higher. Google Smart Lock averages 2.5 out of 5 from 614 ratings, while Authenticator · averages 4.6 from 26K ratings.
Do Google Smart Lock or Authenticator · have ads?
Neither Google Smart Lock nor Authenticator · shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Google Smart Lock or Authenticator ·?
Google Smart Lock ships an update every 2 months, and Authenticator · every 9 days. Most recently, Google Smart Lock was updated on September 30, 2026 and Authenticator · on September 30, 2026.
Which is more popular, Google Smart Lock or Authenticator ·?
Google Smart Lock currently peaks at #129 in the App Store charts, and Authenticator · at #48. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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