Comparison

Authenticator vs 2FA4G

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

Head to head
About

Authenticator

This app generates time-based and counter-based one-time passwords for multi-factor authentication. It enhances account security by providing an extra layer of verification for services like Google and Bouqt apps. Data is stored securely on your device's keychain.

Highlights
  • Multi-factor authentication code generation
  • Supports time-based and counter-based OTPs
  • Offline functionality (no internet required)
  • Secure keychain storage
  • Code grouping for organization
  • Simple and readable UI
Features
Read full description

Multi-factor authentication code generator, can be used for 2-Step Verification of Google, or other alike services, to provide an additional layer of security when signing in. Supports Bouqt Authentication™ required for Bouqt apps' multi factor verification. • OFF THE GRID. Doesn't send or receive anything from the internet. • SECURE. Uses iOS's built-in encrypted and secure keychain to store your keys. • SMART. Supports time-based and counter-based one-time passwords as described in RFC 4226 and 6238. • GROUPS. Allows grouping codes, especially useful for those with lots of keys. Quickly find your code. • CLEAR. Simple and readable user interface for fast reading. Important - to prevent security risks, Authenticator does not backup your data anywhere. Sensitive data (2FA keys) is stored on your iPhone's secure keychain, so only iTunes/iCloud encrypted backups will include a backup to these keys. If you're restoring your device from an iTunes/iCloud backup, the app and all keys will be restored as well, since your keychain will be restored as part of the process. IN ANY CASE, IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO BACKUP YOUR 2FA SECRET KEYS IN A SEPARATE PASSWORD MANAGER (NOT THE MAIN ONE YOU'RE USING), TO AVOID LOSING ACCESS TO YOUR ACCOUNTS IN CASE OF ANY SORT OF A DATA LOSS. Bouqt Authenticator is based on a GitHub open source project of mattrubin/Authenticator.

About

2FA4G

Features
Read full description

2FA4G is an authenticator app for Garmin watch users who want OTP, 2FA, MFA, verification codes, one-time passwords, offline codes, QR import, and wrist access to security codes. Import OTP tokens on your phone, scan QR codes, read QR images from Photos, paste otpauth:// links, or add tokens manually. Then sync supported tokens to your watch through the 2FA4G Connect IQ watch app, so your codes stay available when your phone is in your pocket. Why 2FA4G: - Watch authenticator workflow for Garmin wearable users - TOTP and HOTP token management - QR scan, photo import, clipboard import, and manual entry - Offline access to supported verification codes on the watch - Local-first storage for token secrets on phone and, when synced, on watch - Pro upgrade for unlimited active tokens and full Garmin sync workflows Connect IQ watch app: https://apps.garmin.com/apps/784776e6-609d-4a83-8b1c-6c112da7fd6e Terms: https://2fa4g.li2niu.com/en/terms Garmin is a registered trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. 2FA4G is an independent product and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Garmin.

Screenshots

Authenticator3 screens
2FA4G4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Authenticator at none against 2FA4G's 3. Authenticator also leads on iOS requirement (9.0 vs 13.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support 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. 2FA4G sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Authenticator ships an update every 3 days, 2FA4G every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Authenticator versus 2FA4G: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAuthenticator2FA4G
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.1 (21 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews82.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings21 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 days — betterEvery 4 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS9.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size18 MB46 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBouqt.com LtdWuhan Newrathon Technology Co., Ltd.

In-app purchases

None

Authenticator

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

2FA4G

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly$2.991 Month
  • Yearly$7.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime$9.99

Questions

Is Authenticator free?
Authenticator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is 2FA4G free?
2FA4G is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Authenticator or 2FA4G have ads?
Neither Authenticator nor 2FA4G shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Authenticator or 2FA4G?
Authenticator ships an update every 3 days, and 2FA4G every 4 days. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on October 22, 2026 and 2FA4G on October 6, 2026.

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