Comparison

Google Authenticator vs Authenticator

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

Enhance your online security with this app that generates time-based one-time passwords for two-factor authentication. It securely stores all your accounts in one place and works offline, offering peace of mind against cyber threats.

Highlights
  • Generates secure TOTP codes
  • Stores all accounts in one app
  • Works offline
  • Secure cloud backup and sync
  • Biometric and PIN protection
  • Auto-fill and copy to clipboard
Features
Read full description

In today’s digital world, passwords alone aren’t enough to keep your online accounts safe. That’s where Authenticator: Mobile 2FA, MFA comes in. This app adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by generating secure, time-based one-time passwords (TOTP), ensuring only you can access your data. Whether you're logging into your email, social media, banking apps, or work accounts, our two-factor authentication (2FA) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) solution makes account protection easier and more reliable than ever. Protect your data with our powerful authenticator app. This password app enhances security using two factor authentication codes that refresh every 30 secs. Store all accounts in one password app, backed by two factor authentication and offline access. The authenticator app is your go-to password app for secure two factor authentication. Download our authenticator app now for total peace of mind. Why Choose Our Authenticator App? Fast & Easy Setup Securing your accounts takes just a few seconds. Simply scan a QR code or enter your account details manually, and the app will instantly generate secure 6-digit codes for login authentication. No complicated setup—just instant protection. Secure Time-Based One-Time Passwords (TOTP) With 2FA and MFA, the app generates TOTP codes that refresh every 30 seconds, keeping your logins safe from hackers. Even if someone gets your password, they can’t access your account without the verification code. Store & Manage All Your Accounts in One Place Tired of juggling multiple authentication apps? Keep all your 2FA-protected accounts securely stored in one app—whether it’s email, social media, cryptocurrency wallets, or online banking. Works Completely Offline Unlike SMS-based authentication, our app doesn’t require an internet connection. Your one-time passwords are generated directly on your device, so you can log in securely anytime, anywhere. Secure Cloud Backup & Device Sync Never lose access to your 2FA codes again. With cloud backup and device syncing, you can restore your authentication data when switching to a new phone. Advanced Security Features Biometric & PIN protection – Lock the app using a fingerprint, Face ID, or a PIN for extra security. Auto-fill & Copy to Clipboard – Quickly enter your 2FA codes without hassle. Multiple device support – Access your authentication codes from different devices without losing security. How Does It Work? Install Authenticator: Mobile 2FA, MFA on your device. Scan a QR code or enter the secret key manually. Use the generated 6-digit codes to log in securely. That’s it. Your accounts are now protected with an extra security layer. Stay One Step Ahead of Hackers Cyber threats are increasing every day—don’t wait until it’s too late. Download Authenticator: Mobile 2FA, MFA now and take control of your online security. Privacy Policy - https://zipoapps.com/authenticatorios/privacy/ Terms & Conditions - https://zipoapps.com/authenticatorios/terms/

Screenshots

Google Authenticator4 screens
Authenticator4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Authenticator at 100% against Google Authenticator's 58%. Google Authenticator's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 19) and ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, 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 sells 17 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 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 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Google Authenticator has 1.2M ratings behind it against 135, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 58% of Google Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 100% of Authenticator's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, Authenticator every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 4 level
Google Authenticator versus Authenticator: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGoogle AuthenticatorAuthenticator
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (1.2M ratings) — better4.5 (135 ratings)
Positive reviews58.4% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1.2M — better135
Update frequencyEvery 4 months — betterEvery 5 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#3 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS16.016.0
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB127 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGoogleZipoApps

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

All ratings135 ratings
Positive87.4%
Neutral4.4%
Negative8.1%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

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

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Google Authenticator

No in-app purchases

17 purchases

Authenticator

Subscriptions17
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$0.997 Days
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$1.997 Days
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$2.997 Days
Show 14 more
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$3.997 Days
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • 2FA Authenticator App: Secure$5.997 Days
  • 2FA Authenticator App: Secure3 Days trial$5.997 Days
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$5.997 Days
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$6.997 Days
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$7.997 Days
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$8.997 Days
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$9.991 Year
  • Authenticate ID: Authorization$19.991 Month
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial2 variants$19.991 Month
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial2 variants$29.991 Month
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • Unlimited access3 Days trial$49.991 Year

Questions

Is Google Authenticator free?
Google Authenticator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Authenticator free?
Authenticator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Google Authenticator or Authenticator?
Google Authenticator is rated higher. Google Authenticator averages 4.9 out of 5 from 1.2M ratings, while Authenticator averages 4.5 from 135 ratings.
Do Google Authenticator or Authenticator have ads?
Authenticator shows ads; Google Authenticator does not.
Which is updated more often, Google Authenticator or Authenticator?
Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, and Authenticator every 5 months. Most recently, Google Authenticator was updated on September 24, 2026 and Authenticator on September 4, 2026.

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