Comparison

Google Authenticator vs 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

Authenticator

Securely store and generate two-factor authentication codes for your online accounts directly on your device. Features encrypted backups, cross-device sync, and quick access widgets. Supports thousands of services and offers offline code generation.

Highlights
  • Secure and private data storage
  • Encrypted backups to iCloud
  • Cross-device sync including Apple Watch
  • Home Screen widget for quick access
  • Offline code generation
  • Import accounts from other authenticators
  • Support for thousands of major services
Features
Read full description

Authenticator allows you to securely store and generate two-factor authentication codes for all your online accounts, directly on your device. Key Features: 1. Secure and Private. All data within Authenticator is encrypted at all times, even when backed up to iCloud, ensuring that only you have access to your information. 2. Encrypted Backups. Easily create a secure, encrypted backup in Authenticator, safeguarding your data if you lose your device or switch to a new one. 3. Cross-Device Sync. Authenticator automatically syncs your accounts across all Apple devices, including your Apple Watch. 4. Quick Access Widget. Use the Authenticator widget for fast access to your 2FA codes right from your Home Screen. 5. Apple Watch and Touch ID Unlock. Unlock the app instantly using Apple Watch or Touch ID for quicker access. 6. Menu Bar Integration. Keep Authenticator accessible directly from your Menu Bar. 7. Offline Code Generation. Even when offline, Authenticator generates secure codes, allowing you to authenticate safely even in airplane mode. 8. Easy Multi-Account Import. You can seamlessly import accounts from Google Authenticator, Password Managers, or Files. 9. Designed for Apple Devices. Enjoy a fully native experience on all Apple devices with features like Data Sync, Gestures, Widgets, and Dark Mode. 10. Support for Major Services. Authenticator supports major platforms like Facebook, Coinbase, Amazon, Gmail, Instagram, Roblox, and thousands more, including 8-digit tokens. Subscription Information. Payment is charged to your iTunes Account upon purchase confirmation. Subscriptions renew automatically unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours before the current period ends. You can manage your subscriptions and disable auto-renewal through your App Store account settings, up to 24 hours before the next payment is due. — Terms of Use (EULA) https://www.levelclashapps.com/TermsOfUse.html — Privacy Policy: https://www.levelclashapps.com/PrivacyPolicy.html

Screenshots

Google Authenticator4 screens
Authenticator4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Google Authenticator at 58% against Authenticator's 4%. Google Authenticator also leads on rating (4.9 vs 3.5) and in-app purchases (none vs 8). On price, update cadence, 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 sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 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 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Google Authenticator has 1.2M ratings behind it against 190, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 58% of Google Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 4% of Authenticator's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, Authenticator every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
Google Authenticator versus Authenticator: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGoogle AuthenticatorAuthenticator
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (1.2M ratings) — better3.5 (190 ratings)
Positive reviews58.4% of reviews — better4.3% of reviews
Number of ratings1.2M — better190
Update frequencyEvery 4 months — betterEvery 6 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#3 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS16.016.0
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB52 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGoogleLevel Clash Apps S.L.

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

All ratings190 ratings
Positive61.6%
Neutral2.6%
Negative35.8%
Written reviews23 reviews
Positive4.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative95.7%

User reviews

Google Authenticator

From 1.2M App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 User-friendly
  • 🔒 Secure authentication
  • 🚀 Simple and fast
  • 🔒 Reliable security
  • 👍 Easy to use

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Randomly deleted all codes
  • 🐛 Unreliable, lost access to accounts
  • 🐛 Timing issues, codes didn't work
  • 🐛 Accounts duplicated then deleted
  • 🐛 Wiped all accounts after update

Authenticator

From 190 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Easy and simple to use
  • 👍 Keep your codes near

Room to improve

  • 🤥 Misleading app name (mimics Authy)
  • 💸 Unexpected subscription charges
  • ❌ App is not free as advertised
  • 🚫 Forced payment pop-ups
  • 🗑️ Erased connected apps after update

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

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • App won't open after payment
  • Connected apps erased by update
  • Lost access to important accounts due to app deletion
  • App declines correct entries
  • Funds inaccessible

In-app purchases

None

Google Authenticator

No in-app purchases

8 purchases

Authenticator

Subscriptions8
  • Weekly Plan3 Days trial$5.997 Days
  • Weekly Plan3 Days trial$6.997 Days
  • Weekly3 Days trial$6.997 Days
Show 5 more
  • Weekly Plan3 Days trial$7.997 Days
  • Weekly Plan3 Days trial$8.997 Days
  • Premium Subscription3 Days trial$19.991 Month
  • Monthly$19.991 Month
  • yearly subscription$79.991 Year

Questions

Is Google Authenticator free?
Google Authenticator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Authenticator free?
Authenticator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Google Authenticator or Authenticator?
Google Authenticator is rated higher. Google Authenticator averages 4.9 out of 5 from 1.2M ratings, while Authenticator averages 3.5 from 190 ratings.
Do Google Authenticator or Authenticator have ads?
Neither Google Authenticator nor Authenticator shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Google Authenticator or Authenticator?
Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, and Authenticator every 6 months. Most recently, Google Authenticator was updated on September 24, 2026 and Authenticator on September 6, 2026.

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