# Google Authenticator vs 2FA Authenticator

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Google Authenticator | 2FA Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (1.2M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-authenticator/id388497605/reviews)** | [4.7 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/2fa-authenticator-mfa-verify/id6504246373/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.2M** | 31 |
| Positive reviews | 58.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Daily** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Best chart rank | **#3** | — |
| Size | 39 MB | 45 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) | [Jullien Pay](https://appshunter.io/developer/1763632608) |

## What reviewers say

### Google Authenticator

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

**Currently charting:** #3 Top Free · Utilities, #85 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


### 2FA Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/2fa-authenticator-mfa-verify/id6504246373)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly premium | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly premium | $19.99 | per month |


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