Google Authenticator vs Authenticator App · 2FA
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 · 2FA
This app provides an extra layer of security for your online accounts by generating time-based one-time passwords (TOTP/OTP) for two-factor authentication. It supports numerous services and offers features like encrypted sync, passkey support, and app-level security.
- Generate 2-factor authentication codes
- Support for passkeys and passwordless logins
- Encrypted sync and backup via iCloud/Google Cloud
- App-level security with Face ID/Touch ID
- Widgets for home screen access
- Organize codes with folders
- Import from Google Authenticator
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Authenticator App is a highly secure application designed to provide two-factor authentication (2FA) for your online accounts. By generating unique security token/time-based one-time password (TOTP/OTP), the 2FA Authenticator app provides an extra layer of protection to your accounts when logging in, mitigating the risks of unauthorized access and identity theft and managing all your device online apps 2-factor authentication codes with just one authentication app. Support logging in with passkeys and accounts synchronization across all kinds of smartphones, tablets and mac using iCloud & Google Cloud. We support any service that provides 2 step verification, including the most popular services like Microsoft, Google, Facebook, TikTok, PayPal, Amazon, Snapchat, Coinbase, Roblox, Discord, Twitch, Reddit, Epic, SAP, Shopify, Login.gov, Kick, Activision, NVIDIA, LastPass, Sony, One Healthcare ID, crypto, Stripe, Rockstar, Sprintax, Sterling, Ubisoft, Autotask, Instagram, Air Force, GitHub, mo.gov. Our 2fa Authenticator app ensures the security of your personal data and Apple passwords, safeguarding them from hackers and malicious attacks. Download this authenticator (T)OTP manager now to fortify your digital security! Key Features: 1. Store and generate 2-factor Authentication code/security token. The 2 step verification code will update to a new one every 30 seconds. 2. Easy to setup two-factor Authentication. Scan QR Code or enter manually to add Authenticator secure ID, support import from Google Authenticator. 3. User-friendly guide. The 2FA authentication application has instructions that describe basic steps, such as adding 2FA/MFA/(T)OTP Code. 4. Encrypted sync & backup using iCloud & Google Cloud. Sync your accounts across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and any other smartphones or tablets. 5. Backup codes & Recovery codes. Easily manage and recognize codes using OCR. 6. Support Passkeys. Enhance account security with passwordless logins and prevent hacking attacks. 7. Support Passwords. Auto generate strong passwords and enjoy AutoFill. 8. Widgets. You can access and copy your two factor Authentication Code on homescreen. 9. Live Activities. You can access the copied 2 step verification code & its validity time on Dynamic Island. 10. App level security by Face ID/Touch ID. You are the only one who can read your two factor authentication otp codes. 11. Folders. Too many keys? Don't worry, manage your keys with custom groups. 12. Support 14 languages: English, German, French, Japanese, Korean, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Polish, Ukrainian. Subscription Terms: This (T)OTP Apple password/passkey authentication app offers monthly or annual subscriptions to provide you with unlimited access to all features while you maintain an active subscription. 1. Payment will be charged to the credit card connected to your iTunes Account when you confirm the initial subscription purchase. 2. Subscriptions automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current subscription period. 3. Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours before the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal. 4. You may manage your subscription and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to your Account Settings after the purchase. 5. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription, where applicable. If you have any thoughts, questions or suggestions about our security service app, please feel free to contact us at feedback@firstorder.ai. Home Page: https://authenticator.firstorder.ai Terms of Use: https://authenticator.firstorder.ai/terms-of-service Privacy Policy: https://authenticator.firstorder.ai/privacy-policy-authenticator
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Google Authenticator at 4.9 against Authenticator App · 2FA's 4.2. Google Authenticator also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 15) and ads (none vs shown). Authenticator App · 2FA's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months) and device support (5 vs 2). On price 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 · 2FA sells 14 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 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 379, 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 45% of Authenticator App · 2FA's.
Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, Authenticator App · 2FA every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.
| Parameter | Google Authenticator | Authenticator App · 2FA |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.9 (1.2M ratings) — better | 4.2 (379 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 58.4% of reviews — better | 45.3% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1.2M — better | 379 |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | #3 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 39 MB | 114 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Shanghai FirstOrder Technology Co., Ltd | |
Customer experience
Google Authenticator
Authenticator App · 2FA
User reviews
Google Authenticator
From 1.2M App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 👍 User-friendly
- 🔒 Secure authentication
- 🚀 Simple and fast
- 🔒 Reliable security
- 👍 Easy to use
Room to improve
- 🐛 Randomly deleted all codes
- 🐛 Unreliable, lost access to accounts
- 🐛 Timing issues, codes didn't work
- 🐛 Accounts duplicated then deleted
- 🐛 Wiped all accounts after update
Authenticator App · 2FA
From 379 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🔒 Strong security and encryption for 2FA codes
- 👍 Easy to use and intuitive interface
- 🚀 Fast and reliable performance
- 💻 Cross-platform synchronization (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)
- ⌚ Widget support and smartwatch integration
Room to improve
- 💰 Misleading free-to-paid conversion model
- 🚫 Difficult cancellation process
- ⚠️ Accidental subscription charges
- 🔐 Authentication and login issues
- 📱 Mobile version requires paid subscription
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 · 2FA
Reported bugs
7 issues- QR code scanner not functioning properly
- Unable to import keys on mobile without payment
- Sync issues between Mac and iOS devices
- Photo-based QR code reading fails
- App incompatible with CachyOS
Show 2 moreShow fewer
- Accidental subscription triggering
- Cancellation form submission failures
Requested features
5 requests- CachyOS/Arch Linux version support
- Clearer pricing and subscription information upfront
- Manual code entry without QR scanner requirement
- Better cross-platform synchronization documentation
- Improved setup instructions for new devices
In-app purchases
Google Authenticator
No in-app purchases
Authenticator App · 2FA
- Authenticator PRO Weekly3 Days trial$9.997 Days
- Authenticator Monthly Premium3 Days trial$11.991 Month
- Authenticator Monthly Premium$11.991 Month
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- Authenticator Monthly Premium3 Days trial$12.991 Month
- Authenticator PRO Monthly$12.991 Month
- Authenticator Annual Premium$29.991 Year
- Authenticator PRO Yearly$29.991 Year
- Authenticator PRO Yearly3 Days trial2 variants$39.991 Year
- OTP Authenticator PRO Yearly$39.991 Year
- OTP Authenticator PRO Yearly$49.991 Year
- Authenticator PRO Lifetime$39.99
- Authenticator PRO Lifetime$59.99
- 2FA Authenticator - Pro$59.99
Show 1 moreShow fewer
- Authenticator PRO Lifetime$79.99
Questions
Is Google Authenticator free?
Is Authenticator App · 2FA free?
Which has better reviews, Google Authenticator or Authenticator App · 2FA?
Do Google Authenticator or Authenticator App · 2FA have ads?
Which is updated more often, Google Authenticator or Authenticator App · 2FA?
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