Google Authenticator vs Twilio Authy
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
Twilio Authy
This app provides a secure and convenient way to manage two-factor authentication tokens for your online accounts. It offers features like cloud backups, multi-device synchronization, and offline token generation to enhance account security and prevent lockouts.
- Secure 2-step verification token generation
- Encrypted cloud backups
- Multi-device synchronization
- Offline token generation
- Supports thousands of providers
- 8-digit token support
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Your use of the Authy App is subject to these Authy App Terms (https://www.twilio.com/en-us/legal/authy-app-terms) Authy brings the future of two-factor authentication to the convenience of your iPhone or iPad. The Authy app generates secure 2 step verification tokens on your device. It helps you protect your account from hackers and hijackers by adding an additional layer of security. Why Authy is the best multi factor authentication app: - Secure Cloud Backups: Did you lose your device and get locked out of all of your accounts? Authy provides secure cloud encrypted backups so you will never lose access to your tokens again. We use the same algorithm that banks and the NSA use to protect their information. - Multi Device Synchronization: Are you re-scanning all your QR codes just to add them to your tablet and smartphone? With Authy you can simply add devices to your account and all of your 2fa tokens will automatically synchronize. - Offline: Still waiting for an SMS to arrive? Do you travel constantly and lose access to your accounts? Authy generates secure tokens offline from the safety of your device, this way you can authenticate securely even when in airplane mode. - All of your accounts: We support most major multi-factor authentication accounts including Facebook, Dropbox, Amazon, Gmail, and thousands of other providers. We also support 8 digit tokens. - Protect your bitcoins: Authy is the preferred two factor authentication solution to protect your bitcoin wallet. We are the default 2fa provider for trusted companies like Coinbase, CEX.IO, BitGo and many others. Official website: https://www.authy.com
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Twilio Authy at every 3 weeks against Google Authenticator's every 4 months. Twilio Authy also leads on device support (4 vs 2). Google Authenticator's advantage is review sentiment (58% vs 36%) and chart position (#3 vs #203). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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. 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 53K, 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 36% of Twilio Authy's.
Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, Twilio Authy every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.
| Parameter | Google Authenticator | Twilio Authy |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.9 (1.2M ratings) — better | 4.7 (53K ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 58.4% of reviews — better | 35.8% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1.2M — better | 53K |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | #3 — better | #203 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 39 MB | 50 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Authy Inc. | |
Customer experience
Google Authenticator
Twilio Authy
User reviews
Google Authenticator
From 1.2M App Store ratingsWhat 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
Twilio Authy
From 53K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Reliable and secure
- 🔒 Robust backup and sync features
- 👍 Convenient Apple Watch integration
- 🚀 Fast and responsive
- 🔒 Secure cloud backup
Room to improve
- 🐛 Occasional app freezes and crashes
- 🔍 Limited customization options for account icons
- 🔍 Confusing account management
- 🔍 Slow app load times
- 🔍 Lack of dark mode support
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
Twilio Authy
Reported bugs
4 issues- App freezes when switching between accounts
- Sync issues between devices
- Incorrect code generation on Apple Watch
- Account deletion process not working as expected
Requested features
5 requests- Ability to sort and categorize accounts
- Customizable account icons
- Dark mode support
- Improved Apple Watch integration with complications
- Faster app load times
In-app purchases
Google Authenticator
No in-app purchases
Twilio Authy
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Google Authenticator free?
Is Twilio Authy free?
Which has better reviews, Google Authenticator or Twilio Authy?
Do Google Authenticator or Twilio Authy have ads?
Which is updated more often, Google Authenticator or Twilio Authy?
Which is more popular, Google Authenticator or Twilio Authy?
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