# Google Authenticator vs Authenticator App ¹

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.

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.

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.

Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, Authenticator App ¹ daily. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 21, 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)** | [4.2 (285 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id6446274872/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.2M** | 285 |
| Positive reviews | **58.4% of reviews** | 56.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Daily** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#3** | — |
| Size | 39 MB | 128 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) | [GITU Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1676651389) |

## What reviewers say

### Google Authenticator

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

**Currently charting:** #3 Top Free · Utilities, #110 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/id6446274872)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Plan | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly (VPN) | $4.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Monthly Plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly (VPN) | $14.99 | per year |
| Monthly Plan | $14.99 | per month |
| Yearly Plan | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $29.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| Lifetime License | $59.99 | one-time |


## 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 4.2 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 25, 2026 and Authenticator App ¹ on September 21, 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.*