# Google Authenticator vs Authenticator

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Google Authenticator | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (1.2M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-authenticator/id388497605/reviews)** | [4.3 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-secure-2fa-app/id6472184300/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.2M** | 31 |
| Positive reviews | **58.4% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 months** | Every 33 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#3** | — |
| Size | 39 MB | 35 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) | [Piotr Kalita](https://appshunter.io/developer/1759390978) |

## What reviewers say

### Google Authenticator

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

**Currently charting:** #3 Top Free · Utilities, #92 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 page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-secure-2fa-app/id6472184300)

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator: Secure 2FA App | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| 2FA Authenticator: MFA, TOTP | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator: Secure 2FA App | $14.99 | per month |
| Authenticator: Secure 2FA App | $15.99 | per month |
| Authenticator: Secure 2FA App | $83.99 | per year |
| Two Factor Verify - Duo Auth | $99.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*