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

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.

Highlights
  • Quick setup with QR code scanning
  • Regularly updated OTPs
  • Offline functionality
  • iCloud backup and encryption
  • Cross-device synchronization
  • Universal compatibility with authentication practices
Features
Read full description

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

Google Authenticator4 screens
Authenticator4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, Authenticator monthly. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

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) — better3.8 (6 ratings)
Positive reviews58.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings1.2M — better6
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterSubscription
Best chart rank#3 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS16.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB17 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGoogleMats Vink

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 ratings6 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral16.7%
Negative16.7%

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

None

Google Authenticator

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Authenticator

Subscriptions3
  • Weekly Premium3 Days trial$6.997 Days
  • Monthly Premium$19.991 Month
  • Annual Premium$49.991 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 3.8 from 6 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 monthly. Most recently, Google Authenticator was updated on September 24, 2026 and Authenticator on September 24, 2026.

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