Comparison

Google Authenticator vs 2 factor authentication

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

2 factor authentication

Enhance your online security with a robust two-step verification process. This app generates time-based one-time passwords for account protection and offers features like encrypted backups and private browsing.

Highlights
  • Two-step verification
  • Time-based one-time passwords (TOTP)
  • Multi-account management
  • Encrypted backup and sync
  • Private browsing
  • Email recovery
Features
Read full description

Secure your online presence with the 2 Factor Authentication app, a reliable solution for enhancing the security of your accounts. Our app offers a robust two-step verification process, ensuring that your data remains safe from unauthorized access. With our 2 Factor Authentication app, you can easily set up and manage your accounts, whether for personal use or business. The app generates time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) that provide an additional layer of security, making sure only you have access to your important information. Key Features: • Easy Setup and Sign-Up: Begin your journey with a simple and secure sign-up process. Use Face ID or Touch ID for added convenience and security. • Multi-Account Management: Manage multiple accounts effortlessly. Add new accounts by scanning QR codes or entering information manually. • Secure Code Generation: Generate secure codes that work even offline, ensuring you can access your accounts anytime, anywhere. • Encrypted Backup and Sync: Your data is always encrypted and securely backed up. Sync your accounts across all your devices, including your smartwatch, for seamless access. • Private Browsing: Browse the web securely without leaving any traces. Our built-in browser ensures your online activities remain private and protected. • Email Recovery: Add and verify email addresses for easy account recovery. If you forget your password, retrieve it through a secure OTP sent to your email. • Customizable Settings: Adjust settings to suit your preferences, including changing passwords, managing Face ID/Touch ID preferences, and accessing support. Our app is designed to provide a seamless user experience while ensuring top-notch security. Whether you are securing personal accounts or business data, our 2 Factor Authentication app is the perfect companion for safeguarding your digital life. Download now and take control of your online security with ease and confidence. Terms of Service: https://appnap.io/terms Privacy Policy: https://appnap.io/privacy

Screenshots

Google Authenticator4 screens
2 factor authentication4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ratings volume: Google Authenticator at 1.2M against 2 factor authentication's 1. Google Authenticator also leads on chart position (#3 vs unranked). 2 factor authentication's advantage is iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.0). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

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 2 factor authentication. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Google Authenticator has 1.2M ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Scorecard3 real differences · 8 level
Google Authenticator versus 2 factor authentication: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGoogle Authenticator2 factor authentication
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (1.2M ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews58.4% of reviews
Number of ratings1.2M — better1
Update frequencyEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
Best chart rank#3 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.014.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB12 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperGoogleAppnap Technologies Limited

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%

2 factor authentication

All ratings1 ratings
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

2 factor authentication

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Google Authenticator

No in-app purchases

None

2 factor authentication

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Google Authenticator free?
Google Authenticator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is 2 factor authentication free?
2 factor authentication is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Google Authenticator or 2 factor authentication?
2 factor authentication is rated higher. Google Authenticator averages 4.9 out of 5 from 1.2M ratings, while 2 factor authentication averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Google Authenticator or 2 factor authentication have ads?
Neither Google Authenticator nor 2 factor authentication shows ads.

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