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

Secure your online accounts with two-factor authentication (2FA). Easily generate and store one-time codes by scanning QR codes or entering details manually. Offers data breach monitoring and a basic password manager for free, with premium features available via subscription.

Highlights
  • Two-factor authentication (2FA) code generation
  • QR code scanning for setup
  • Broad service compatibility
  • Data breach monitoring
  • Basic password manager
  • Unlimited 2FA accounts (subscription)
  • Unlimited password manager with autofill (subscription)
Features
Read full description

Protect your online accounts with two-factor authentication (2FA) using Authenticator, a reliable way to generate and store secure codes. Just scan the QR code or enter the details manually to generate a one-time code and access your favorite service. Why Choose Authenticator? - Quick & Easy Setup: Enable 2FA for your account instantly by scanning a QR code - Broad Compatibility: Works with thousands of popular services, making it easy to connect and streamline your login process. - Sleek Design: Features a modern, user-friendly interface that simplifies managing your 2FA codes. Get started with free essentials, and upgrade for full access. Free features include: - Data Breach Monitoring: Check if your personal data has been compromised in the Dark Web. - Basic Password Manager: Securely store a limited number of your most important passwords. With a subscription, you also get: - Unlimited 2FA Accounts: Secure every social, financial, and work account you own without limits. - Unlimited Password Manager: Store unlimited passwords with autofill capabilities. - Premium Security: Access advanced backup and synchronization features. Subscription Information: Payment will be charged to your iTunes Account upon purchase confirmation. Subscriptions automatically renew unless you turn off auto-renewal at least 24 hours before the current period ends. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage your subscriptions and disable auto-renewal in your Account Settings. When you use a trial subscription, you will be charged the full subscription price for the selected period after it expires. Please cancel your subscription at least 24 hours before the end of the trial period. This app is not connected to, endorsed by, or affiliated with any third-party platforms or services it is compatible with. Privacy Policy: http://pp.myauthenticator.pro/ Terms of Use: http://tou.myauthenticator.pro/ For support or inquiries, please email us at: kuprenkovitalii@gmail.com

Screenshots

Google Authenticator4 screens
Authenticator4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Google Authenticator at none against Authenticator's 15. Google Authenticator also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (1.2M vs 2.5K). Authenticator's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months) and review sentiment (75% vs 58%). 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 sells 14 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 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 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Google Authenticator has 1.2M ratings behind it against 2.5K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 58% of Google Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 75% of Authenticator's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, Authenticator every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 3 level
Google Authenticator versus Authenticator: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGoogle AuthenticatorAuthenticator
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (1.2M ratings) — better4.7 (2.5K ratings)
Positive reviews58.4% of reviews74.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1.2M — better2.5K
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFreemium
Best chart rank#3 — better#184
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, Apple Watch
Requires iOS16.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB202 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGoogleVitalii Kuprenko

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 ratings2,460 ratings
Positive91.6%
Neutral3.3%
Negative5.2%
Written reviews221 reviews
Positive74.7%
Neutral5.0%
Negative20.4%

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 2.5K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Quick setup
  • 🔒 Secure authentication
  • 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
  • 👍 Works flawlessly

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Charges users despite cancellation
  • 🐛 Incompatible with some services

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

3 issues
  • Login screen freezes
  • Incompatible with older devices
  • Unable to access 2FA for some services

Requested features

1 request
  • Dark mode option

In-app purchases

None

Google Authenticator

No in-app purchases

14 purchases

Authenticator

Subscriptions12
  • Weekly PRO Access7 Days trial$3.997 Days
  • Monthly PRO Access3 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Weekly PRO Access3 Days trial$4.997 Days
Show 9 more
  • Weekly PRO Access$6.997 Days
  • Unlimited Access3 Days trial$7.997 Days
  • Weekly PRO Access3 Days trial$9.997 Days
  • Weekly PRO Access$9.997 Days
  • Weekly PRO Access3 Days trial$11.997 Days
  • Annual Pro Access$29.991 Year
  • Annual Unlimited Access$39.991 Year
  • Annual Pro Access$59.991 Year
  • Unlimited Access3 Days trial$59.991 Year
One-time2
  • Forever Unlimited Access$59.99
  • Forever Unlimited Access$69.99

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 4.7 from 2.5K ratings.
Do Google Authenticator or Authenticator have ads?
Authenticator shows ads; Google Authenticator does not.
Which is updated more often, Google Authenticator or Authenticator?
Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, and Authenticator every 3 weeks. Most recently, Google Authenticator was updated on September 24, 2026 and Authenticator on September 23, 2026.
Which is more popular, Google Authenticator or Authenticator?
Google Authenticator currently peaks at #3 in the App Store charts, and Authenticator at #184. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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