# Authenticator App vs App for Google Authenticator ®

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Authenticator App at 72% against App for Google Authenticator ®'s 18%. Authenticator App also leads on rating (4.8 vs 3.8) and monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription). App for Google Authenticator ®'s advantage is ratings volume (243 vs 32). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and App for Google Authenticator ® sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator App holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: App for Google Authenticator ® has 243 ratings behind it against 32, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 72% of Authenticator App's written reviews are positive against 18% of App for Google Authenticator ®'s.

Authenticator App ships an update every 3 weeks, App for Google Authenticator ® every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator App | App for Google Authenticator ® |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-sentinel/id1189922806/reviews)** | [3.8 (243 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-for-google-authenticator/id6479869138/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 32 | **243** |
| Positive reviews | **72.4% of reviews** | 17.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 49 MB | 18 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tommaso Carpi](https://appshunter.io/developer/714996025) | [ROCKET TECHNOLOGY INC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1737330934) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-sentinel/id1189922806)

Secure your online accounts with this app that manages all your two-factor authentication (2FA) codes in one place. It offers seamless syncing across devices, organized folders, and encrypted backups for peace of mind. Personalize your experience with custom icons and themes for easy account recognition.

**Highlights:** Manage all 2FA codes in one app, Seamless sync across Apple devices, Encrypted backups for code protection, Organize accounts with folders, Custom icons and themes, iOS & macOS widgets for quick access

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $1.99 | per month |
| Annual Subscription | $9.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Access | $39.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use and set up
- 🚀 Seamless syncing across devices (iOS, macOS)
- 🔒 Secure and dependable 2FA solution
- 💡 Responsive and friendly developer
- 💰 One-time purchase/lifetime option appreciated

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Widgets not working consistently (Mac/iPhone)
- 💰 Paid app, no free tier for some features
- 🐛 Some users experienced issues with syncing
- 🐛 Codes not working for specific services (e.g., Discord, Amazon)
- 🐛 App stuck on loading tokens for some users

**Reported bugs**

- Widgets not working on Mac Desktop and iPhone
- App stuck on loading tokens
- Syncing issues between devices
- Codes not working for specific services (Discord, Amazon)
- Unexpected charges/multiple purchases

**Requested features**

- Ability to reorder/hide folders
- Sort accounts by email address or service
- Show duplicates
- Show date service added
- Backup options (more explicit)


### App for Google Authenticator ®

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-for-google-authenticator/id6479869138)

Secure your online accounts with this app, offering robust verification for Google, Facebook, and more. Features include data import, anti-snooping protection, and multiple account adding methods for streamlined management.

**Highlights:** Google account verification, Import data from Google Authenticator, Supports mainstream accounts (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), Anti-snooping screen saver, Quick account adding via QR code, Multiple adding methods (scan, upload, manual), Top frequently used accounts

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Week Subscription | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Year Subscription | $39.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $69.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Good
- 🔒 Worried Free
- 👍 Satisfied Customer
- 👍 Best free Authenticator
- 👍 Awesome!!!!

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Quite disappointed
- 🐛 Awful
- 🐛 Garbage
- 🐛 Doesn't work
- 🐛 Hidden Fees

**Reported bugs**

- Login screen freezes
- Incompatible with older devices

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Advanced analytics dashboard


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator App free?

Authenticator App is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is App for Google Authenticator ® free?

App for Google Authenticator ® is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Authenticator App or App for Google Authenticator ®?

Authenticator App is rated higher. Authenticator App averages 4.8 out of 5 from 32 ratings, while App for Google Authenticator ® averages 3.8 from 243 ratings.

### Do Authenticator App or App for Google Authenticator ® have ads?

Neither Authenticator App nor App for Google Authenticator ® shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Authenticator App or App for Google Authenticator ®?

Authenticator App ships an update every 3 weeks, and App for Google Authenticator ® every 2 weeks. Most recently, Authenticator App was updated on September 24, 2026 and App for Google Authenticator ® on September 24, 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.*