Comparison

Google Authenticator vs Authenticator App ¹

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 ¹

This app provides secure login and identity protection through two-factor authentication (2FA) and password management. It generates one-time passwords for various platforms and offers features like a private browser and VPN.

Highlights
  • Generate TOTP 2FA codes
  • Face ID, Touch ID, or password protection
  • Secure iCloud sync
  • Built-in password manager
  • Strong password generator
  • Integrated private browser
  • Apple Watch support
  • Built-in VPN client
Features
Read full description

Introducing the SafePass Authenticator App – the all-in-one solution for secure login, identity protection, and password management, built for both personal and professional use. Designed to meet the growing demand for reliable two-factor authentication (2FA), SafePass generates Time-based One-Time Passwords (TOTP) to help secure your accounts on platforms like Login.gov, SAP Concur, Epic Games, Crypto.com, Discord, Shopify, Stripe, Binance, and more. Whether you’re protecting your gaming profiles, crypto wallets, eCommerce dashboards, or government logins, SafePass helps you stay secure with a seamless multi-factor authentication experience. Core Features of SafePass Authenticator App: • Generate and store TOTP 2FA codes for platforms like Login.gov, SAP, Crypto.com, Epic Games, Shopify, and Binance. • Protect access with Face ID, Touch ID, or password. • Secure iCloud sync (disabled by default, user-enabled). • Built-in Password Manager with provider logo recognition to help you easily identify your logins. • Strong password generator for creating complex, secure credentials. • Integrated Private Browser to surf privately with no logs or history. • Full Apple Watch support for quick access to your 2FA codes. • Built-in VPN client to encrypt your online connection. • Smart AI Assistant to guide you with setup and security best practices. SafePass is ideal for users managing crypto exchanges like Binance, online business platforms like Stripe, Shopify, and Concur, or personal apps like Discord, Epic Games, and secure government portals like Login.gov. Subscription Options: Unlock the full suite of security features with our flexible monthly or yearly plans (includes a 3-day free trial). Subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the current period ends. Charges are applied to your Apple ID upon confirmation. Need help? Contact us at: support@gitu.us Privacy Policy: https://www.gitu.us/authenticator-privacy/ Terms of Use: https://www.gitu.us/authenticator-terms/

Screenshots

Google Authenticator4 screens
Authenticator App ¹4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Google Authenticator at 4.9 against Authenticator App ¹'s 4.2. Google Authenticator also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 11) and ads (none vs shown). Authenticator App ¹'s advantage is update cadence (daily vs every 4 months). On price, review sentiment, 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 ¹ sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 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 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Google Authenticator has 1.2M ratings behind it against 285, 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 56% of Authenticator App ¹'s.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, Authenticator App ¹ daily. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 4 level
Google Authenticator versus Authenticator App ¹: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGoogle AuthenticatorAuthenticator App ¹
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (1.2M ratings) — better4.2 (285 ratings)
Positive reviews58.4% of reviews — better56.3% of reviews
Number of ratings1.2M — better285
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsDaily — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterSubscription
Best chart rank#3 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS16.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB128 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperGoogleGITU Limited

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 ¹

All ratings285 ratings
Positive77.9%
Neutral2.1%
Negative20.0%
Written reviews16 reviews
Positive56.3%
Neutral12.5%
Negative31.3%

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 ¹

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Google Authenticator

No in-app purchases

10 purchases

Authenticator App ¹

Subscriptions9
  • Weekly Plan$2.997 Days
  • Monthly (VPN)$4.991 Month
  • Monthly$4.991 Month
Show 6 more
  • Monthly Plan$9.991 Month
  • Yearly (VPN)3 Days trial$14.991 Year
  • Monthly Plan$14.991 Month
  • Yearly Plan$19.991 Year
  • Yearly Plan3 Days trial$29.991 Year
  • Yearly Plan3 Days trial$49.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime License2 variants$59.99

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 4.2 from 285 ratings.
Do Google Authenticator or Authenticator App ¹ have ads?
Authenticator App ¹ shows ads; Google Authenticator does not.
Which is updated more often, Google Authenticator or Authenticator App ¹?
Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, and Authenticator App ¹ daily. Most recently, Google Authenticator was updated on September 24, 2026 and Authenticator App ¹ on September 21, 2026.

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