# Google Smart Lock vs Authenticator ·

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.

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.

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.

Google Smart Lock ships an update every 2 months, Authenticator · every 9 days. Both last shipped on October 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Google Smart Lock | Authenticator · |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.5 (614 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-smart-lock/id1152066360/reviews) | **[4.6 (26K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id1602061522/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 614 | **26K** |
| Positive reviews | 9.4% of reviews | **23.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #132 | **#49** |
| Size | 56 MB | 129 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Google LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) | [SMM service, s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1503472689) |

## What reviewers say

### Google Smart Lock

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

**Currently charting:** #132 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


### Authenticator ·

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id1602061522)

**Currently charting:** #49 Top Grossing · Utilities, #107 Top Free · Utilities (US App Store)

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:** Safari Extension, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Week Starter | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 Month Promo | $7.99 | per month |
| 1 Week Plan | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 Month Plan - VPN | $12.99 | per month |
| 1 Month Plan | $12.99 | per month |
| 1 Month Special | $12.99 | per month |
| 1 Month Plan - 7 Days | $12.99 | per month |
| 1 Year Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| 1 Year Plan | $59.99 | per year |
| 1 Year Plan - 3 Days | $59.99 | per year |
| 1 Year - 7 Days | $69.99 | per year |
| 1 Year Plan - VPN | $79.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

- Codes not working as expected
- Accounts disappearing after device change
- Inability to cancel subscription

**Requested features**

- Backup and restore functionality
- Support for more account types
- Clearer instructions for setup and usage


## Frequently asked 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 October 1, 2026 and Authenticator · on October 1, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Google Smart Lock or Authenticator ·?

Google Smart Lock currently peaks at #132 in the App Store charts, and Authenticator · at #49. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

---

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