# Google Authenticator vs Twilio Authy

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 #205). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Google Authenticator | Twilio Authy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (1.2M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-authenticator/id388497605/reviews)** | [4.7 (53K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/twilio-authy/id494168017/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.2M** | 53K |
| Positive reviews | **58.4% of reviews** | 35.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | **#3** | #205 |
| Size | 39 MB | 50 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) | [Authy Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/494168021) |

## What reviewers say

### Google Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-authenticator/id388497605)

**Currently charting:** #3 Top Free · Utilities, #111 Top Free (US App Store)

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

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


### Twilio Authy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/twilio-authy/id494168017)

**Currently charting:** #205 Top Free · Utilities (US App Store)

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:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Reliable and secure
- 🔒 Robust backup and sync features
- 👍 Convenient Apple Watch integration
- 🚀 Fast and responsive
- 🔒 Secure cloud backup

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional app freezes and crashes
- 🔍 Limited customization options for account icons
- 🔍 Confusing account management
- 🔍 Slow app load times
- 🔍 Lack of dark mode support

**Reported bugs**

- 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**

- Ability to sort and categorize accounts
- Customizable account icons
- Dark mode support
- Improved Apple Watch integration with complications
- Faster app load times


## Frequently asked 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 25, 2026 and Twilio Authy on September 25, 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 #205. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*