Comparison

Google Authenticator vs Authenticator App

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

Head to head
About

Google Authenticator

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
Read full description

Google Authenticator adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by adding a second step of verification when you sign in. This means that in addition to your password, you'll also need to enter a code that is generated by the Google Authenticator app on your phone. The verification code can be generated by the Google Authenticator app on your phone, even if you don't have a network or cellular connection. • Sync your Authenticator codes to your Google Account and across your devices. This way, you can always access them even if you lose your phone. • Set up your Authenticator accounts automatically with a QR code. This is quick and easy, and it helps to ensure that your codes are set up correctly. • Support for multiple accounts. You can use the Authenticator app to manage multiple accounts, so you don't have to switch between apps every time you need to sign in. • Support for time-based and counter-based code generation. You can choose the type of code generation that best suits your needs. • Transfer accounts between devices with a QR code. This is a convenient way to move your accounts to a new device. To use Google Authenticator with Google, you need to enable 2-Step Verification on your Google Account. To get started visit http://www.google.com/2step

About

Authenticator App

Securely store and generate two-factor authentication tokens for your online accounts. This app enhances your digital security by providing Time-based One-time Passwords (TOTP) and Hash-based one-time passwords (HOTP). It offers encrypted backups and cross-device access for peace of mind.

Highlights
  • Two-factor authentication token generation
  • Time-based and Hash-based OTP support
  • Encrypted backup for security
  • Access across multiple Apple devices
  • Supports thousands of online accounts
Features
Read full description

Authenticator app store and generate secure 2FA (two-factor authentication) tokens for your online accounts on your device. Multi factor authentication app helps you to ensure your online accounts are much safer. Two Factor Authentication (2FA) which generates Time-based One-time Passwords (TOTP) and Hash-based one-time password (HOTP). With 2FA, potentially compromising just one of these factors will not unlock the account. So, even if your password is stolen or your phone is lost, the possibilities of someone else getting your second factor information is pretty low. -Two Factor Authentication 2FA is critical to security as it instantly neutralizes the risks associated with compromised passwords. Authenticator app allows you to generate Time-based One-time Passwords (TOTP) and Hash-based one-time password (HOTP) - Encrypted Backup Your 2FA information is backed up with encryption so you can access it safely if you lose your information or switch to a new device - Access from all your Devices Authenticator app allows you to access your tokens across All your Apple devices - Support thousands of Online accounts Authenticator app supports thousands of accounts including Microsoft, Google, Binance, Salesforce, Amazon, Gmail, Instagram, Apex and more... Terms of use: https://beylergroup.com/app_terms_of_use.pdf Privacy policy: https://beylergroup.com/app_privacy_policy.pdf

Screenshots

Google Authenticator4 screens
Authenticator App4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Google Authenticator at none against Authenticator App's 3. Google Authenticator also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.5) and ratings volume (1.2M vs 136). Authenticator App's advantage is device support (4 vs 2). On price, update cadence, ads and iOS requirement 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 App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Google Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Google Authenticator holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Google Authenticator has 1.2M ratings behind it against 136, 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 50% of Authenticator App's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 4 level
Google Authenticator versus Authenticator App: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGoogle AuthenticatorAuthenticator App
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (1.2M ratings) — better4.5 (136 ratings)
Positive reviews58.4% of reviews — better50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings1.2M — better136
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#3 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS16.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB19 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGoogleBEYLER Software

Customer experience

Google Authenticator

All ratings1,160,889 ratings
Positive96.6%
Neutral1.0%
Negative2.4%
Written reviews1,648 reviews
Positive58.4%
Neutral4.5%
Negative37.1%

Authenticator App

All ratings136 ratings
Positive86.8%
Neutral1.5%
Negative11.8%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

Bugs and requests

Google Authenticator

Reported bugs

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

Requested features

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

Authenticator App

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Google Authenticator

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Authenticator App

Subscriptions3
  • Premium7 Days trial$2.997 Days
  • Premium7 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Premium7 Days trial$19.991 Year

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 in-app purchases available.
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 4.5 from 136 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 4 months. Most recently, Google Authenticator was updated on September 24, 2026 and Authenticator App on September 17, 2026.

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