# Google Authenticator vs Authenticator App  #1

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Google Authenticator at 58% against Authenticator App  #1's 13%. Google Authenticator also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ratings volume (1.2M vs 1.4K). Authenticator App  #1's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 4 months) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App  #1 sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per month. Google Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Google Authenticator holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Google Authenticator has 1.2M ratings behind it against 1.4K, 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 13% of Authenticator App  #1's.

Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, Authenticator App  #1 every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Google Authenticator | Authenticator App  #1 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (1.2M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-authenticator/id388497605/reviews)** | [4.6 (1.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-1/id6446109237/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.2M** | 1.4K |
| Positive reviews | **58.4% of reviews** | 12.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#3** | — |
| Size | 39 MB | 53 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) | [Identity and Access Security](https://appshunter.io/developer/1762367475) |

## What reviewers say

### Google Authenticator

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

**Currently charting:** #3 Top Free · Utilities, #99 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


### Authenticator App  #1

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-1/id6446109237)

Securely manage your online accounts with a fast and intuitive authenticator and QR scanner. Easily set up two-factor authentication and access your codes quickly. Keep track of your scan history for convenient access.

**Highlights:** Setup 2FA accounts easily, Scan QR code & Barcode, Manage scan history, Lightning-fast scanning, User-friendly design

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ScanMate Premium 1 Month | $12.99 | per month |
| ScanMate Premium 1 Year | $39.99 | per year |
| ScanMate Premium 1 Year | $39.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and quick installation
- 👍 User-friendly interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🔒 Lack of transparency around subscription and cancellation
- 🚫 Forced subscription without user consent
- 🚫 Impossible to cancel subscription
- 🚫 Scam and misleading app

**Reported bugs**

- Login screen freezes
- Incompatible with older devices

**Requested features**

- Option to purchase app with one-time fee instead of subscription
- Clear subscription management controls within the app


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Google Authenticator free?

Google Authenticator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Authenticator App  #1 free?

Authenticator App  #1 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Google Authenticator or Authenticator App  #1?

Google Authenticator is rated higher. Google Authenticator averages 4.9 out of 5 from 1.2M ratings, while Authenticator App  #1 averages 4.6 from 1.4K ratings.

### Do Google Authenticator or Authenticator App  #1 have ads?

Neither Google Authenticator nor Authenticator App  #1 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Google Authenticator or Authenticator App  #1?

Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, and Authenticator App  #1 every 6 weeks. Most recently, Google Authenticator was updated on September 24, 2026 and Authenticator App  #1 on September 22, 2026.

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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.*