Comparison

Google Authenticator vs Authenticator Duo

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 Duo

Secure your online accounts with this app that generates and stores two-factor authentication codes. It offers end-to-end encryption, Face ID/Touch ID access, and encrypted iCloud backups for easy restoration across devices. Operate securely offline and import existing tokens.

Highlights
  • Generate and store 2FA/MFA tokens
  • Scan QR codes or manually input codes
  • End-to-end encryption for all codes
  • Face ID & Touch ID access
  • Encrypted iCloud backups
  • Offline operation
  • Import existing tokens
Features
Read full description

Our app ensures the security of your online accounts. Use the Authenticator App to scan, generate, and store 2FA & MFA codes for various services. FEATURES: • Create and save secure two-factor and multi-factor (2FA & MFA) authentication tokens • Manually input codes or scan QR Codes • All codes are protected with end-to-end encryption • Access secured by Face ID & Touch ID • Encrypted backups on iCloud • Restore codes easily when changing or losing devices • Codes can be securely synced across your Apple devices • Operates offline without needing an internet connection • Import your existing tokens • Full compatibility with time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) • Compatible with many popular services SUBSCRIPTION TERMS: This app offers an auto-renewable subscription to grant you unlimited access to all functionalities as long as you subscribe. Charges will be made to the credit card associated with your iTunes Account at the time you confirm your initial subscription purchase. Subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours before the end of the current period, and the renewal charge will be specified. You can manage your subscription and turn off auto-renewal by accessing your Account Settings after purchase. Any unused portion of a free trial, if available, will be forfeited when you subscribe. Questions or comments about the Service may be directed to us at the email address powellquentin473@gmail.com. TERMS & PRIVACY: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16AsjdDbjxSBUiw4_cSao1kq42qrO4Id-bU3NIc7n_sY/edit?usp=sharing https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iwI1-jVMpTBWgfoT4kY7z7O2bFxA9GCMWH6w9mhQxfk/edit?usp=sharing

Screenshots

Google Authenticator4 screens
Authenticator Duo4 screens

Verdict

The call

Google Authenticator and Authenticator Duo both sit at 4.9 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of Authenticator Duo's written reviews are positive against 58% of Google Authenticator's. Authenticator Duo also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 4 months). Google Authenticator's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ratings volume (1.2M vs 14). 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. Authenticator Duo 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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for Google Authenticator against 5.0 for Authenticator Duo. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Google Authenticator has 1.2M ratings behind it against 14, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 58% of Google Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 100% of Authenticator Duo's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, Authenticator Duo every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and June 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
Google Authenticator versus Authenticator Duo: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGoogle AuthenticatorAuthenticator Duo
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (1.2M ratings)5.0 (14 ratings) — better
Positive reviews58.4% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1.2M — better14
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterSubscription
Best chart rank#3 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS16.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB20 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperGoogleQuentin Powell

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 Duo

All ratings14 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
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

Authenticator Duo

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Google Authenticator

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Authenticator Duo

Subscriptions2
  • Weekly subscription with trial3 Days trial$6.997 Days
  • Weekly subscription$6.997 Days

Questions

Is Google Authenticator free?
Google Authenticator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Authenticator Duo free?
Authenticator Duo is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Google Authenticator or Authenticator Duo?
Authenticator Duo is rated higher. Google Authenticator averages 4.9 out of 5 from 1.2M ratings, while Authenticator Duo averages 5.0 from 14 ratings.
Do Google Authenticator or Authenticator Duo have ads?
Neither Google Authenticator nor Authenticator Duo shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Google Authenticator or Authenticator Duo?
Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, and Authenticator Duo every 2 days. Most recently, Google Authenticator was updated on September 25, 2026 and Authenticator Duo on June 1, 2026.

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