# Google Authenticator vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is update cadence: Authenticator App at every 9 days against Google Authenticator's every 4 months. Authenticator App also leads on device support (5 vs 2). Google Authenticator's advantage is ratings volume (1.2M vs 34K) and rating (4.9 vs 4.7). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

Google Authenticator holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Google Authenticator has 1.2M ratings behind it against 34K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 58% of Google Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 45% of Authenticator App's.

Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, Authenticator App every 9 days. Both last shipped on September 28, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Google Authenticator | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (1.2M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-authenticator/id388497605/reviews)** | [4.7 (34K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-oneauth/id1142928979/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.2M** | 34K |
| Positive reviews | **58.4% of reviews** | 44.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | **#5** | — |
| Size | 39 MB | 220 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) | [Zoho Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/388384807) |

## What reviewers say

### Google Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-authenticator/id388497605)

**Currently charting:** #5 Top Free · Utilities, #137 Top Free (US App Store)

Enhance your online security with a second verification step for your accounts. Generate codes directly on your phone, even offline, to protect against unauthorized access. Sync codes across devices for easy access and manage multiple accounts securely.

**Highlights:** Offline code generation, Sync codes across devices, Automatic QR code setup, Support for multiple accounts, Time-based and counter-based codes, Transfer accounts via QR code

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 User-friendly
- 🔒 Secure authentication
- 🚀 Simple and fast
- 🔒 Reliable security
- 👍 Easy to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Randomly deleted all codes
- 🐛 Unreliable, lost access to accounts
- 🐛 Timing issues, codes didn't work
- 🐛 Accounts duplicated then deleted
- 🐛 Wiped all accounts after update

**Reported bugs**

- Codes randomly deleted
- Accounts wiped after update
- Duplicated accounts then deleted all
- Timing issues, codes didn't work

**Requested features**

- Add scan from photo feature
- Ability to rename and group accounts
- Add Apple Watch app
- Implement cloud backup option


### 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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Google Authenticator free?

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

### Is Authenticator App free?

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

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

Google Authenticator is rated higher. Google Authenticator averages 4.9 out of 5 from 1.2M ratings, while Authenticator App averages 4.7 from 34K ratings.

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

Neither Google Authenticator nor Authenticator App shows ads.

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

Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, and Authenticator App every 9 days. Most recently, Google Authenticator was updated on September 28, 2026 and Authenticator App on September 28, 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.*