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

Secure your online accounts with two-factor and multi-factor authentication. Generates time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) and OTP codes for fast, reliable logins. Includes a built-in password manager and encrypted backup for all your credentials.

Highlights
  • Two-factor authentication (2FA)
  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
  • Time-based one-time passwords (TOTP)
  • Built-in password manager
  • Encrypted backup and sync
  • Import from other authenticator apps
  • Offline code generation
Features
Read full description

Authenticator App – Secure Accounts and Passwords Protect your online accounts with secure two-factor authentication (2FA) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) using this powerful authenticator app. Authenticator App generates time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) and OTP codes for safe, fast, and reliable logins, adding a strong layer of protection beyond passwords. Access your authentication codes anytime, even without an internet connection. All TOTP codes and OTP verification codes are generated directly on your device, ensuring fast, private, and secure sign-ins without relying on SMS. Easily manage your 2FA codes, MFA accounts, passwords, and login credentials in one place with a simple and user-friendly authenticator experience. Secure & Private All your data in this authenticator app is encrypted locally and in iCloud, ensuring only you can access it. Our end-to-end encryption protects your authentication codes, TOTP secrets, OTP tokens, and passwords, keeping your accounts secure at all times. Built-in Password Manager Authenticator App is more than just a 2FA authenticator. Store and manage all your passwords with a secure password manager. Keep your login credentials safe, organized, and protected while using your authenticator for daily access. Secure TOTP & Offline Access Generate TOTP codes, OTP verification codes, and 2FA authentication tokens for secure logins across thousands of platforms. Your authenticator app works even without internet access, ensuring uninterrupted MFA authentication anytime. 2FA Encrypted Backup & Sync Automatically back up your 2FA codes, TOTP accounts, and passwords securely to iCloud. Sync your authenticator data across iPhone, iPad, and devices, and restore access anytime. Import From Other Apps Switch easily from Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator: Import via QR code Upload using CSV Add accounts manually Manage all your 2FA, MFA, and TOTP accounts in one secure authenticator app. Export Anytime Export all your authentication codes, TOTP entries, and 2FA accounts via QR code or CSV. Your data stays in your control. Quick Access with Widget Access your OTP codes, authentication tokens, and 2FA codes instantly from your Home Screen using the widget for faster login. Apple Watch Support View your authentication codes, OTP tokens, and TOTP entries directly on your Apple Watch for seamless access. Organize with Folders Create folders to manage your authentication accounts, passwords, and login data easily with drag-and-drop control. App Lock & Security Protect your authenticator app with PIN, Face ID, or Touch ID. Enable auto-lock to secure your 2FA codes, MFA accounts, and passwords. Full Control of Your Accounts Edit, update, or remove your authentication entries, TOTP accounts, and passwords anytime. Manage all your 2FA and MFA accounts in one place. Supports All Major Services Works with Google, Microsoft, Instagram, Facebook, Amazon, PayPal, Dropbox, and more. This authenticator app supports all major platforms for 2FA, MFA, and OTP authentication. Download Authenticator App Today Secure your digital life with a reliable authenticator, 2FA, MFA, TOTP generator, OTP code generator, and password manager. Protect your accounts from unauthorized access. Privacy Policy: https://sites.google.com/a1apps.co/privacypolicy-aiauthenticator/home Terms of Use: https://blog.a1apps.co/terms-of-use-a1-authenticator/

Screenshots

Google Authenticator4 screens
Authenticator App4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Google Authenticator at none against Authenticator App's 12. Google Authenticator also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (1.2M vs 908). Authenticator App's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months). On price, device support and iOS requirement 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 12 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 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Google Authenticator has 1.2M ratings behind it against 908, 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 38% of Authenticator App's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, Authenticator App every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 11, 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) — better4.6 (908 ratings)
Positive reviews58.8% of reviews — better37.9% of reviews
Number of ratings1.2M — better908
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#5 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS16.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB320 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGoogleA1Apps

Customer experience

Google Authenticator

All ratings1,160,889 ratings
Positive96.6%
Neutral1.0%
Negative2.4%
Written reviews1,709 reviews
Positive58.8%
Neutral4.4%
Negative36.8%

Authenticator App

All ratings908 ratings
Positive90.6%
Neutral3.1%
Negative6.3%
Written reviews29 reviews
Positive37.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative62.1%

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

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Google Authenticator

No in-app purchases

12 purchases

Authenticator App

Subscriptions12
  • Pro Weekly7 Days trial$6.997 Days
  • Pro Weekly Plan$6.997 Days
  • Pro Weekly Plan3 Days trial$6.997 Days
Show 9 more
  • Pro Weekly Plan$9.997 Days
  • Pro Weekly Plan3 Days trial$9.997 Days
  • Premium Monthly$9.991 Month
  • Premium Monthly$12.991 Month
  • Pro Yearly$24.991 Year
  • Pro Yearly$49.991 Year
  • Pro Yearly3 Days trial$49.991 Year
  • Pro Yearly$59.991 Year
  • Pro Yearly Plan3 Days trial$59.991 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 4.6 from 908 ratings.
Do Google Authenticator or Authenticator App have ads?
Authenticator App shows ads; Google Authenticator does not.
Which is updated more often, Google Authenticator or Authenticator App?
Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, and Authenticator App every 3 weeks. Most recently, Google Authenticator was updated on October 12, 2026 and Authenticator App on October 11, 2026.

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