# Google Authenticator vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Google Authenticator at none against Authenticator App's 3. Google Authenticator also leads on ratings volume (1.2M vs 3.4K) and review sentiment (58% vs 41%). Authenticator App's advantage is update cadence (every 3 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 sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. Google Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

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 3.4K, 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 41% of Authenticator App's.

Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, Authenticator App every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Google Authenticator | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (1.2M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-authenticator/id388497605/reviews)** | [4.7 (3.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-authkey/id6447845767/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.2M** | 3.4K |
| Positive reviews | **58.4% of reviews** | 40.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#3** | — |
| Size | 39 MB | 49 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) | [SkyRise Networks](https://appshunter.io/developer/1682862399) |

## What reviewers say

### Google Authenticator

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

**Currently charting:** #3 Top Free · Utilities, #93 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

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-authkey/id6447845767)

Enhance your online security with this app, offering a secure and reliable method to protect your accounts. It generates unique codes for two-factor authentication, ensuring your personal information stays safe.

**Highlights:** Account protection with 2FA, Easy setup and management, Backup and sync accounts, Secure code generation

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator Monthly Premium | $8.99 | per month |
| Authenticator Yearly Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator Lifetime Premium | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Seamless functionality
- 🚀 Quick and easy setup
- 🔒 Robust security features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Compatibility issues
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🤯 Confusing user interface
- 🔒 Unreliable authentication

**Reported bugs**

- Unable to scan QR codes
- Accounts not showing up correctly
- Repeated login failures

**Requested features**

- Ability to add/manage multiple accounts
- Improved syncing across devices
- More transparent subscription model


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Google Authenticator free?

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

### Is Authenticator App free?

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

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

Google Authenticator is rated higher. Google Authenticator averages 4.9 out of 5 from 1.2M ratings, while Authenticator App averages 4.7 from 3.4K ratings.

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

Neither Google Authenticator nor Authenticator App shows ads.

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

Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, and Authenticator App every 3 weeks. Most recently, Google Authenticator was updated on September 24, 2026 and Authenticator App on September 23, 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.*