# Google Authenticator vs Authenticator

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.

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.

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.

Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, Authenticator every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Google Authenticator | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (1.2M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-authenticator/id388497605/reviews)** | [3.5 (190 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-mfa-and-2fa/id6612031858/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.2M** | 190 |
| Positive reviews | **58.4% of reviews** | 4.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 months** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#3** | — |
| Size | 39 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) | [Level Clash Apps S.L.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1590871236) |

## What reviewers say

### Google Authenticator

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

**Currently charting:** #3 Top Free · Utilities, #109 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


### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-mfa-and-2fa/id6612031858)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Plan | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Plan | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Plan | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Plan | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Subscription | $19.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $19.99 | per month |
| yearly subscription | $79.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

- 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


## Frequently asked 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 25, 2026 and Authenticator on September 6, 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.*