Comparison

Google Authenticator vs 2FA 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

2FA Authenticator

This app provides enhanced security for your online accounts by generating temporary, time-based codes. It offers one-tap authentication, secure cloud backup, and flexible account management for a safer digital experience.

Highlights
  • One-Tap Authentication
  • Multi-Factor Security
  • Time-Based One-Time Passwords (TOTP)
  • Secure Backup & Recovery
  • Flexible Account Management
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
  • Proactive Security Measures
Features
Read full description

Introducing Authenticator, the ultimate solution for efficiently and effortlessly managing the security of all your online accounts! Our powerful and user-friendly app enhances your digital life by adding an extra layer of protection to your accounts while reducing the hassle of remembering complex passwords. To get started, simply sign up for a 2FA-enabled account with a supported service or enable 2FA on an existing account. You'll receive a unique QR code that you can scan with our Authenticator app to link your account and start generating secure, temporary codes. Key Features: - One-Tap Authentication. Confirm or deny login requests with a single tap, eliminating the need for additional hardware tokens or SMS codes. - Multi-Factor Security. Combine something you know (your password) with something you have (your mobile device) for robust, authorized access to your accounts. - Time-Based One-Time Passwords (TOTP). Generate unique, temporary security codes that refresh every 30 seconds, minimizing the risk of code interception or reuse. - Secure Backup & Recovery. Store your authentication keys in encrypted cloud storage, allowing for account recovery even if you lose or replace your mobile device. - Flexible Account Management. Easily add, edit, and remove accounts while customizing display names and icons for straightforward navigation and organization. - Cross-Platform Compatibility. SecureKey Authenticator works seamlessly across various browsers, services, and devices that support standard 2FA protocols, providing a consistent authentication experience. - Proactive Security Measures. Benefit from enhanced protection with features like auto-lock, biometric authentication support, and login request notifications. Stay ahead of online threats and enjoy seamless access to your accounts with SecureKey Authenticator! Enhance your security and simplify your life with our convenient and reliable app, designed to give you peace of mind in a fast-paced digital world. Download SecureKey Authenticator now and take the first step towards a safer online experience! Premium Subscription: Subscribe for unlimited access to premium features, including unrestricted use of the Interaction tab. Payment is charged to your iTunes Account upon purchase confirmation. Subscriptions automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Renewal charges are billed within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. Manage subscriptions and disable auto-renewal via Account Settings after purchase. For more details, please visit: https://support.apple.com/HT202039. Upon expiration of the current trial/subscription period, you will be unsubscribed. The current active subscription period cannot be canceled. Once the subscription expires, access to the Interaction tab will be lost. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, is forfeited upon purchasing a subscription to the publication, where applicable. Available subscription plans: - 1-week subscription - Weekly Pro Access - $4.99 - 1-month subscription - Monthly Pro Access - $7.99 Terms of Use: https://telegra.ph/Terms-Of-Use-06-17-5 Privacy Policy: https://telegra.ph/Privacy-Policy-06-17-37

Screenshots

Google Authenticator4 screens
2FA Authenticator4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Google Authenticator at none against 2FA Authenticator's 2. Google Authenticator also leads on ratings volume (1.2M vs 31) and chart position (#3 vs unranked). 2FA Authenticator's advantage is update cadence (daily vs every 4 months). On price, rating, 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. 2FA Authenticator sells 2 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 4.7. 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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, 2FA Authenticator daily. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and July 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
Google Authenticator versus 2FA Authenticator: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGoogle Authenticator2FA Authenticator
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (1.2M ratings) — better4.7 (31 ratings)
Positive reviews58.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings1.2M — better31
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsDaily — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFreemium
Best chart rank#3 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB45 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGoogleJullien Pay

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%

2FA Authenticator

All ratings32 ratings
Positive96.9%
Neutral3.1%
Negative0.0%

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

2FA Authenticator

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Google Authenticator

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

2FA Authenticator

Subscriptions2
  • Weekly premium3 Days trial$6.997 Days
  • Monthly premium$19.991 Month

Questions

Is Google Authenticator free?
Google Authenticator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is 2FA Authenticator free?
2FA Authenticator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Google Authenticator or 2FA Authenticator?
Google Authenticator is rated higher. Google Authenticator averages 4.9 out of 5 from 1.2M ratings, while 2FA Authenticator averages 4.7 from 31 ratings.
Do Google Authenticator or 2FA Authenticator have ads?
Neither Google Authenticator nor 2FA Authenticator shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Google Authenticator or 2FA Authenticator?
Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, and 2FA Authenticator daily. Most recently, Google Authenticator was updated on September 24, 2026 and 2FA Authenticator on July 17, 2026.

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