Google Authenticator vs Authenticator
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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
Authenticator
This app generates time-based one-time passwords (OTP) to enhance the security of your online accounts. It offers quick setup via QR code scanning and works offline once configured. Data is encrypted and can be backed up to iCloud for seamless device synchronization.
- Quick setup with QR code scanning
- Regularly updated OTPs
- Offline functionality
- iCloud backup and encryption
- Cross-device synchronization
- Universal compatibility with authentication practices
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Our app is a robust two-factor authentication (2FA) solution that generates time-based one-time passwords (OTP) to enhance the security of your online accounts. Compatible with services, providing additional security when logging in. Key Features: 1. Quick Setup for Secure MFA Tokens - Simply scan a QR code to create your secure MFA token in seconds. Enter the unique OTP generated by our app on the website to verify your online identity effortlessly. 2. Regularly Updated OTP - The 6-digit code updates, ensuring you never reuse the same TOTP and don't need to remember changing numbers. The app works without a network or cellular connection once configured. 3. Easy and User-Friendly - No account setup is required. Just scan the 2FA QR-Code, and the app is ready to use. 4. iCloud Backup & Encryption - Your data is encrypted, including when stored in iCloud. This ensures only you can access your information. Secure backups allow for easy data restoration if you lose your device. 5. Synchronization Across All Devices - Switch between devices seamlessly and access your codes in real-time on all devices connected to your iCloud. 6. Universal Compatibility - Our app supports all types of authentication practices, including MFA, RSA SecurID, TOTP, 2-step verification, and more. The app offers an auto-renewable subscription to grant you unlimited access to all functionalities. Subscription Details - Payment will be charged to your iTunes account upon confirmation of purchase. - Subscriptions automatically renew 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 end of the current period. Manage your subscription and turn off auto-renewal in your Account Settings. Secure your online presence with our app, offering easy setup, reliable protection, and seamless device synchronization. Download now and protect your accounts with ease. - Privacy Policy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qXnvVVU0fzBivNb9JJb7y9t_4rFdIuGXw9KUPOnKbHQ/edit - Terms of Use: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LHiK9jShvC-pKlg7McJdEUb0esmdJgo8GeQBAIqg14U/edit
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Google Authenticator at 4.9 against Authenticator's 3.8. Google Authenticator also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ratings volume (1.2M vs 6). Authenticator's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 4 months). On price, ads, 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
Both are free to download. Authenticator sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Google Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.
Google Authenticator holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Google Authenticator has 1.2M ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two.
Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, Authenticator monthly. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.
| Parameter | Google Authenticator | Authenticator |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.9 (1.2M ratings) — better | 3.8 (6 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 58.4% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 1.2M — better | 6 |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | #3 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 39 MB | 17 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Mats Vink | |
Customer experience
Google Authenticator
Authenticator
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
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Google Authenticator
No in-app purchases
Authenticator
- Weekly Premium3 Days trial$6.997 Days
- Monthly Premium$19.991 Month
- Annual Premium$49.991 Year
Questions
Is Google Authenticator free?
Is Authenticator free?
Which has better reviews, Google Authenticator or Authenticator?
Do Google Authenticator or Authenticator have ads?
Which is updated more often, Google Authenticator or Authenticator?
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