Comparison

Google Authenticator vs Authenticator App ◦

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 App ◦

This app enhances your digital security by protecting your online privacy and identity. It offers features like privacy detection for photos, two-factor authentication for accounts, secure storage for personal files, and detection of phishing websites. Safely scan QR codes and barcodes to guard against online threats.

Highlights
  • Privacy detection for photos
  • Two-factor authentication
  • Secure password-protected folder
  • Phishing site detection
  • Secure QR and barcode scanner
Read full description

In an era where digital security is crucial, DuoProtec offers a comprehensive set of tools designed to protect your online privacy and security. Our easy-to-use app combines essential security features with innovative technology to shield you from various online threats. Key Features: - Privacy Detection: Keep your identity information safe. Our privacy detection feature scans photos for any ID information to help prevent identity theft. - Authenticator: Strengthen the security of your various accounts with two-factor authentication. Easy setup for multiple accounts ensures you're protected at every step. - Safe Folder: Securely store your photos in a password-protected folder. Peace of mind knowing your personal files are safe. - Phishing Site Detection: Before you click, make sure it's safe. Enter any URL into our app to check if a website is legitimate or a potential phishing threat. - Secure QR-Scan: Scan QR codes and barcodes securely. Whether you're accessing a menu or checking into a venue, do it safely with DuoProtec’s secure scanner. Why Choose DuoProtec? DuoProtec is more than just an app; it's your partner in navigating the digital world safely. We believe in providing robust protection without compromising ease of use. With DuoProtec, you can: - Protect your accounts and personal identity. - Secure your private photos and documents. - Prevent falling victim to phishing and scam websites. - Safely scan QR codes and barcodes without risking your privacy. Your privacy and security matter. Download DuoProtec today and take the first step towards a safer online experience. Feel confident knowing your digital life is guarded with DuoProtec – where security meets simplicity. Regarding Subscriptions: - Upon confirmation of purchase, the payment will be charged to your iTunes Account. - Unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period, subscriptions will renew automatically. - Your account will be charged for renewal up to 24 hours before the current period ends, and the cost of renewal will be identified. - Subscribers can manage their subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal by going to their Account Settings post-purchase. - Should there be any unused portion of a free trial period offered, it will be forfeited when the user subscribes to that publication, where applicable. Terms: https://www.apexinnovateapps.com/terms Policy: https://www.apexinnovateapps.com/privacy Support: https://www.apexinnovateapps.com/support

Screenshots

Google Authenticator4 screens
Authenticator App ◦4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Google Authenticator at 59% against Authenticator App ◦'s 7%. Google Authenticator also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.4) and in-app purchases (none vs 3). Authenticator App ◦'s advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 4 months) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.0). On price, ads and device support 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 App ◦ sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. 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 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Google Authenticator has 1.2M ratings behind it against 982, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 59% of Google Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 7% of Authenticator App ◦'s.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, Authenticator App ◦ every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 3 level
Google Authenticator versus Authenticator App ◦: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGoogle AuthenticatorAuthenticator App ◦
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (1.2M ratings) — better4.4 (982 ratings)
Positive reviews58.8% of reviews — better7.4% of reviews
Number of ratings1.2M — better982
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#4 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS16.012.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB82 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperGoogleApex Innovate Limited

Customer experience

Google Authenticator

All ratings1,160,889 ratings
Positive96.6%
Neutral1.0%
Negative2.4%
Written reviews1,706 reviews
Positive58.8%
Neutral4.4%
Negative36.8%

Authenticator App ◦

All ratings982 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral3.8%
Negative12.9%
Written reviews27 reviews
Positive7.4%
Neutral0.0%
Negative92.6%

User reviews

Google Authenticator

From 1.2M App Store ratings

What 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 ◦

From 982 App Store ratings

Room to improve

  • ⚠️ Misleading app description
  • 💰 Expensive subscription
  • 🚫 Not the free Google Authenticator app
  • 🔒 Security concerns
  • 🤯 Difficult to use/navigate

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 ◦

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Subscription charges without user consent
  • Inability to cancel subscription

In-app purchases

None

Google Authenticator

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Authenticator App ◦

Subscriptions3
  • DuoProtec Premium 1 Month$6.991 Month
  • DuoProtec Premium 1 Year$39.991 Year
  • DuoProtec Premium 1 Year3 Days trial$49.991 Year

Questions

Is Google Authenticator free?
Google Authenticator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Authenticator App ◦ free?
Authenticator App ◦ is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Google Authenticator or Authenticator App ◦?
Google Authenticator is rated higher. Google Authenticator averages 4.9 out of 5 from 1.2M ratings, while Authenticator App ◦ averages 4.4 from 982 ratings.
Do Google Authenticator or Authenticator App ◦ have ads?
Neither Google Authenticator nor Authenticator App ◦ shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Google Authenticator or Authenticator App ◦?
Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, and Authenticator App ◦ every 2 months. Most recently, Google Authenticator was updated on October 9, 2026 and Authenticator App ◦ on September 28, 2026.

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