Google Authenticator vs The authenticator App
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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
The authenticator App
Securely manage all your two-factor authentication codes in one place. Scan QR codes or manually add accounts for easy access, protected by Face ID or password.
- 2FA Code Generation
- QR Code Scanning
- Centralized Account Management
- Face ID Access
- Password Lock
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Authenticator App will help you to have all your 2FA Auth access in one place. All you need to SCAN a QR code or manually enter details. This is very secure. We have following features supported 1. 2FA Generator 2. Scan Auth QR code 3. Maintain all in one place 4. Access with faceid 5. Lock with password Subscription Policy - Subscriptions are billed weekly or monthly at the rate selected depending on the subscription plan. Payment models for Premium subscription: - Monthly Subscription : $9.99 / month which comes with 3 Day Free Trial - Weekly Subscription: $4.99/week which no trail - Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase - Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal - Subscriptions auto-renew at the cost of the chosen package, unless cancelled 24-hours in advance prior to the end of the current period. Subscriptions may be managed by going to your iTunes Account Settings after purchase. You may manage your subscription and turn off auto-renewal by going to your Account Settings after purchase. Privacy Policy - http://sleepnext.nextpixelapps.in/index.php/sleepnext-app-mobile-privacy-policy/ Service Terms - http://sleepnext.nextpixelapps.in/index.php/terms-and-condition/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: The authenticator App at 100% against Google Authenticator's 58%. The authenticator App also leads on update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 4 months) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.0). Google Authenticator's advantage is rating (4.9 vs 4.4) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). On price, 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
Both are free to download. The authenticator App sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Google Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.
Google Authenticator holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Google Authenticator has 1.2M ratings behind it against 67, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 58% of Google Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 100% of The authenticator App's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, The authenticator App every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 11, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Google Authenticator | The authenticator App |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.9 (1.2M ratings) — better | 4.4 (67 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 58.4% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 1.2M — better | 67 |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Every 4 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | #3 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 14.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 39 MB | 19 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | NextPixel apps | |
Customer experience
Google Authenticator
The authenticator App
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
The authenticator App
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Google Authenticator
No in-app purchases
The authenticator App
- The authy authenticator3 Days trial$4.997 Days
- 2fa 2 factor authentication3 Days trial$9.991 Month
Questions
Is Google Authenticator free?
Is The authenticator App free?
Which has better reviews, Google Authenticator or The authenticator App?
Do Google Authenticator or The authenticator App have ads?
Which is updated more often, Google Authenticator or The authenticator App?
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