Google Authenticator vs Authenticator App
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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
Authenticator App
Secure your online accounts with this comprehensive two-factor authentication tool. It offers features like account organization, customizable icons, secure backups, and Face ID protection. Unlock advanced features like QR code scanning and manual 2FA entry with premium subscriptions.
- Account creation and storage
- Customizable account folders
- Personalized account icons
- Secure data export
- Light/dark theme UI settings
- Face ID app lock
- Cross-device sync and backup
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Introducing The Authenticator App - DuoShield, your ultimate companion for safeguarding your online accounts and ensuring the security of your digital identity. With a powerful suite of features, this app offers a seamless solution for managing your diverse online accounts, bolstering your privacy, and simplifying your digital life. Key Features: Account Creation: Effortlessly generate and store new accounts for your favorite websites, apps, and services. Account Folders: Efficiently organize your accounts by creating custom folders. Customizable Icons: Personalize your account entries by changing icons for quick identification. Export Functionality: Securely export your account data for backup or when transitioning to new devices. UI Settings: Tailor the app's appearance with light and dark themes, or choose from various clock display options. Recovery Code Folder: Safeguard your recovery codes in a dedicated folder for quick access in emergencies. Face ID Lock: Strengthen security by using Face ID to lock the app, thwarting unauthorized access. Sync & Backup: Seamlessly synchronize your account data across multiple devices. Unlock Premium Features with Subscriptions: The Authenticator App - DuoShield offers premium subscriptions to enhance your digital security, granting access to advanced functionalities: Two-factor authentication (2FA) QR Code Scanning Manual 2FA Entry Add Accounts from Photos or Files Face ID Security Enjoy a complimentary 3-day trial period with both Weekly and Yearly subscriptions to explore the full range of premium features. Please note that your iTunes account will be charged upon purchase confirmation. Subscriptions auto-renew unless disabled at least 24 hours before the current period ends. Manage your subscriptions and auto-renewal settings in your Account Settings after purchase. Privacy Policy: https://www.addapproom.com/Authenticator-DuoShield_Privacy-Policy.html Terms of Use: https://www.addapproom.com/Authenticator-DuoShield_Terms-Of-Use.html Support: For inquiries, concerns, or feedback, our dedicated support team is here to assist you. Reach out to us at swmdev8i@gmail.com, and we'll gladly provide the assistance you require. Your security and satisfaction are our top priorities. Experience a world where convenience and security coexist with The Authenticator App - DuoShield. Download now and take control of your online identity, protecting what matters most.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Google Authenticator at none against Authenticator App's 3. Google Authenticator also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (1.2M vs 15). Authenticator App's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs every 4 months). On price, 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
Both are free to download. Authenticator App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. 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 15, so its average is the more settled of the two.
Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, Authenticator App every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and July 6, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Google Authenticator | Authenticator App |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.9 (1.2M ratings) — better | 4.6 (15 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 58.4% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 1.2M — better | 15 |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Every 4 days — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #3 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 39 MB | 25 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Stas Miroshko | |
Customer experience
Google Authenticator
Authenticator App
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
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Google Authenticator
No in-app purchases
Authenticator App
- Duo Step Mobile Authentication3 Days trial$6.997 Days
- 2FA-MFA OTP-TOTP Authenticator3 Days trial$39.991 Year
- Annual purchase premium access$49.99
Questions
Is Google Authenticator free?
Is Authenticator App free?
Which has better reviews, Google Authenticator or Authenticator App?
Do Google Authenticator or Authenticator App have ads?
Which is updated more often, Google Authenticator or Authenticator App?
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