# Google Authenticator vs Authenticator

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Google Authenticator at none against Authenticator's 4. Google Authenticator also leads on ratings volume (1.2M vs 4) and chart position (#3 vs unranked). On price, rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Google Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for Google Authenticator against 5.0 for Authenticator. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Google Authenticator has 1.2M ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two.

## The numbers

| Metric | Google Authenticator | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (1.2M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-authenticator/id388497605/reviews) | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-otp-security/id6689522423/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.2M** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 58.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | — |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#3** | — |
| Size | 39 MB | 51 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) | [Jay Clauer](https://appshunter.io/developer/1844912065) |

## What reviewers say

### Google Authenticator

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

**Currently charting:** #3 Top Free · Utilities, #97 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-otp-security/id6689522423)

This app provides two-factor authentication (2FA) to secure your online accounts. It allows for quick setup, organization, and backup of your verification codes and passwords across devices. Enhance your digital security with this essential tool.

**Highlights:** Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), Quick account setup and organization, Backup and sync across devices, Add, save, and edit 2FA codes, Add, save, and edit passwords

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| authenticatorWeeklyTrial | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| authenticatorMonth | $19.99 | per month |
| authenticatorYear | $49.99 | per year |
| authenticatorLifetime | $49.99 | one-time |


## 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?

Authenticator is rated higher. Google Authenticator averages 4.9 out of 5 from 1.2M ratings, while Authenticator averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do Google Authenticator or Authenticator have ads?

Neither Google Authenticator nor Authenticator shows ads.

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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.*