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

This app provides robust two-factor authentication to secure your online accounts. It offers features like account organization, secure password storage, and cross-device synchronization for enhanced digital identity protection.

Highlights
  • Two-factor authentication (2FA)
  • Account creation via QR code or manual entry
  • Account organization with folders
  • Secure password and recovery code storage
  • Cross-device synchronization and backup
  • Face ID app lock
Read full description

Introducing an exceptionally advanced and top-notch security authenticator app designed to safeguard and fortify your accounts through fully encrypted two-factor authentication: Authenticator: Secure 2FA App – Your Ultimate Companion for Securing Your Digital Identity. Explore the ideal solution for protecting your online accounts and ensuring the security of your digital presence with our robust and feature-rich application. We provide a seamless platform to manage your diverse online accounts, enhance privacy, and simplify your digital life. Key Features: Account Creation: Effortlessly generate and securely store new accounts for your preferred websites, apps, and services through QR Codes or manual entry. Account Folders: Organize your accounts efficiently by creating customized folders to maintain a tidy and systematic arrangement. Export Functionality: Safely export your account data for backups or when transitioning to new devices. Customizable Icons: Personalize your account entries with custom icons for swift identification. Passwords: Save and secure your passwords in a safe place for easy copying and use when needed. Recovery Codes Storage: Safeguard your recovery codes in a dedicated folder for quick access during emergencies. Sync & Backup: Seamlessly synchronize your account data across multiple devices. Face ID Lock: Enhance security with Face ID to lock the app and prevent unauthorized access. Unlock Premium Features with Subscriptions: Elevate your digital security with premium subscriptions, granting access to advanced functionalities including: 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 all three subscriptions to explore the full spectrum of premium features: Weekly with Trial Monthly with Trial Yearly with Trial, and yearly Please note that your iTunes account will be charged upon purchase confirmation. Subscriptions will auto-renew unless disabled at least 24 hours before the current period ends. Manage your subscriptions and auto-renewal settings in your Account Settings post-purchase. Privacy Policy: https://www.authensec.info/ios-Autheticator-privacy-policy.html Terms of Use: https://www.authensec.info/ios-Authenticator-terms-of-use.html Support: For inquiries, concerns, or feedback, our dedicated support team is ready to assist you. Reach out to us at intradeteamllc@gmail.com, and we'll gladly provide the assistance you need. Your security and satisfaction are our top priorities. Experience a world where convenience and security coexist with Authenticator: Secure 2FA App. Download now and take control of your online identity, protecting what matters most.

Screenshots

Google Authenticator4 screens
Authenticator4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Google Authenticator at 58% against Authenticator's 0%. Google Authenticator also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.3) and in-app purchases (none vs 6). 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Authenticator sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 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 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Google Authenticator has 1.2M ratings behind it against 31, 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 0% of Authenticator's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, Authenticator every 33 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 3 level
Google Authenticator versus Authenticator: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGoogle AuthenticatorAuthenticator
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (1.2M ratings) — better4.3 (31 ratings)
Positive reviews58.4% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings1.2M — better31
Update frequencyEvery 4 months — betterEvery 33 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#3 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS16.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB35 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGooglePiotr Kalita

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 ratings31 ratings
Positive83.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative16.1%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

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

6 purchases

Authenticator

Subscriptions6
  • Authenticator: Secure 2FA App$6.997 Days
  • 2FA Authenticator: MFA, TOTP3 Days trial$9.997 Days
  • Authenticator: Secure 2FA App$14.991 Month
Show 3 more
  • Authenticator: Secure 2FA App3 Days trial$15.991 Month
  • Authenticator: Secure 2FA App$83.991 Year
  • Two Factor Verify - Duo Auth3 Days trial$99.991 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 4.3 from 31 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 33 months. Most recently, Google Authenticator was updated on September 25, 2026 and Authenticator on September 19, 2026.

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