# Google Authenticator vs Authenticator

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Google Authenticator | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (1.2M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-authenticator/id388497605/reviews)** | [3.8 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-two-factor-app/id6683305035/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.2M** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 58.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#3** | — |
| Size | 39 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) | [Mats Vink](https://appshunter.io/developer/1747327646) |

## What reviewers say

### Google Authenticator

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

**Currently charting:** #3 Top Free · Utilities, #82 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-two-factor-app/id6683305035)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Premium | $19.99 | per month |
| Annual Premium | $49.99 | per year |


## 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 3.8 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*