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†

Secure your online accounts with a versatile two-factor authentication solution. Manage all your authentication codes in one place, offering enhanced security for websites, services, and crypto wallets. Supports biometric access and offline code generation.

Highlights
  • Two-factor authentication (2FA)
  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
  • Time-based one-time passwords (TOTP)
  • Biometric security (fingerprint, face ID, PIN)
  • Offline code generation
  • Wide service compatibility
Features
Read full description

Authenticator App is a versatile and reliable two-factor authentication (2FA) solution, compatible with thousands of websites and services, including major platforms like Microsoft, Google, Robinhood, Facebook, PayPal, Amazon, Coinbase, Binance, Duo Mobile, Dropbox, Discord, Twitter, Steam, Snapchat, and countless others. With our app, you can manage all your authentication codes in one secure place, making it easier than ever to protect your online accounts. Enhanced Security for Your Digital Life Our app offers multi-factor authentication (MFA), which adds an extra layer of security beyond your password. This second layer ensures that even if someone has your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the additional verification method. You can use your fingerprint, face ID, or a PIN to provide this extra layer of protection in the two-step verification process, making your sign-ins fast and secure. Once you’ve signed in using 2FA, you’ll have seamless access to your favorite sites while keeping your accounts safe from unauthorized access. Perfect for Securing Your Crypto Wallets With the rise of digital currencies, security is more important than ever. Authenticator App is a trusted solution for protecting your bitcoin wallet and other crypto accounts. Rest easy knowing that your assets are safeguarded with state-of-the-art security measures. No More Complicated Passwords Gone are the days of juggling multiple long passwords. With Authenticator App, you can generate secure codes for your accounts with ease. Simply scan a QR code from a supported service, and the app will generate time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) for you, ensuring that you’re always just a few taps away from secure access. Why Choose Authenticator App? * Compatibility: Works with a wide range of services, offering hassle-free integration for thousands of websites and apps. * User-Friendly: Intuitive interface and easy setup process make it suitable for everyone, from beginners to advanced users. * Biometric Security: Use fingerprint, face ID, or PIN for quick access to your codes. * Offline Functionality: Generate codes even without an internet connection, keeping you secure wherever you go. Take control of your online security and keep your digital life safe with Authenticator App—your all-in-one solution for managing two-factor authentication codes. You can cancel your subscription or free trial anytime by cancelling your subscription through your iTunes account settings, or it will automatically renew. This must be done 24 hours before the end of the free trial or any subscription period to avoid being charged. Subscription with a free trial period will automatically renew to a paid subscription. Please note: any unused portion of a free trial period (if offered) will be forfeited when you purchase a premium subscription during the free trial period. Subscription payments will be charged to your iTunes account at confirmation of your purchase and upon commencement of each renewal term. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Privacy Policy: https://appqe.com/privacy.html Terms of Use: https://appqe.com/terms.html

Screenshots

Google Authenticator4 screens
Authenticator App†4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Google Authenticator at 58% against Authenticator App†'s 20%. Google Authenticator also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and rating (4.9 vs 4.5). Authenticator App†'s advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 4 months). On price, ads, device support 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 $8.99 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 2.5K, 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 20% of Authenticator App†'s.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, Authenticator App† fortnightly. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

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 (2.5K ratings)
Positive reviews58.4% of reviews — better20.0% of reviews
Number of ratings1.2M — better2.5K
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#3 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS16.016.0
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB22 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGoogleAppqe

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 ratings2,532 ratings
Positive85.9%
Neutral3.8%
Negative10.3%
Written reviews80 reviews
Positive20.0%
Neutral7.5%
Negative72.5%

User reviews

Google Authenticator

From 1.2M App Store ratings

What we love

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

Room to improve

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

Authenticator App†

From 2.5K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Fast and smooth app
  • 🔒 Puts confidence in data security
  • 👍 Great app overall

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Removed accounts after update
  • 🐛 Deleted authentication codes
  • 🐛 QR code scanning issues
  • 🔒 Lost data and no backup
  • 💰 Aggressive subscription upselling

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†

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Accounts removed after update
  • Authentication codes deleted
  • QR code scanning not working
  • Data loss with no backup
  • App freezing or crashing

Requested features

3 requests
  • Ability to rename token cards
  • Option to pin favorites or sort
  • Assign categories to entries

In-app purchases

None

Google Authenticator

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Authenticator App†

Subscriptions3
  • Weekly Subscription Pack$8.997 Days
  • Monthly Subscription$14.991 Month
  • Yearly Subscription3 Days trial$49.991 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 2.5K 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† fortnightly. Most recently, Google Authenticator was updated on September 24, 2026 and Authenticator App† on September 24, 2026.

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