Comparison

Google Authenticator vs Twilio Authy

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

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.

Highlights
  • Secure 2-step verification token generation
  • Encrypted cloud backups
  • Multi-device synchronization
  • Offline token generation
  • Supports thousands of providers
  • 8-digit token support
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

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

Google Authenticator4 screens
Twilio Authy4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, Twilio Authy every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
Google Authenticator versus Twilio Authy: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGoogle AuthenticatorTwilio Authy
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (1.2M ratings) — better4.7 (53K ratings)
Positive reviews58.4% of reviews — better35.8% of reviews
Number of ratings1.2M — better53K
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
Best chart rank#3 — better#203
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS16.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB50 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGoogleAuthy Inc.

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%

Twilio Authy

All ratings53,420 ratings
Positive91.9%
Neutral1.9%
Negative6.2%
Written reviews2,056 reviews
Positive35.8%
Neutral9.3%
Negative54.9%

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

Twilio Authy

From 53K App Store ratings

What 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

None

Google Authenticator

No in-app purchases

None

Twilio Authy

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Google Authenticator free?
Google Authenticator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Twilio Authy free?
Twilio Authy is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Google Authenticator or Twilio Authy?
Google Authenticator is rated higher. Google Authenticator averages 4.9 out of 5 from 1.2M ratings, while Twilio Authy averages 4.7 from 53K ratings.
Do Google Authenticator or Twilio Authy have ads?
Neither Google Authenticator nor Twilio Authy shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Google Authenticator or Twilio Authy?
Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, and Twilio Authy every 3 weeks. Most recently, Google Authenticator was updated on September 24, 2026 and Twilio Authy on September 24, 2026.
Which is more popular, Google Authenticator or Twilio Authy?
Google Authenticator currently peaks at #3 in the App Store charts, and Twilio Authy at #203. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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