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 enhances account security by generating time-based, one-time passwords for two-factor authentication. It works offline and supports multiple accounts for emails, social media, and banking.

Highlights
  • Time-based one-time password generation
  • Offline code generation
  • Supports multiple accounts
  • Unlimited code generation (subscription)
  • Multi-device sync (subscription)
  • Cloud backup (subscription)
Features
Read full description

Our app is a security tool that enhances account protection by generating time-based, one-time passwords (TOTPs) for two-factor authentication (2FA). It provides an additional layer of security beyond traditional passwords by requiring users to enter a unique code generated by the app when logging into their accounts. The app works offline, and codes typically refresh every 30 seconds, making them harder for hackers to intercept or predict. It supports multiple accounts and is commonly used for securing emails, social media, banking, and more. After purchasing an auto-renewable subscription, you will gain access to all features, such as: - Unlimited Code Generation: Create and manage an unlimited number of one-time authentication codes for all linked accounts. - Multi-device Sync: Sync authentication codes across multiple devices for easier access. - Cloud Backup: Securely back up 2FA data to the cloud, ensuring easy recovery in case of device loss. Subscription Details: - Payment is processed through your iTunes Account upon purchase confirmation. - Subscriptions renew automatically 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, with the renewal cost clearly indicated. - Users can manage their subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal in Account Settings after purchase. - Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited upon subscription purchase, where applicable. Terms of Use: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16Pt_6YpL2QFmWx21B_Rmn7Ssfm74ufq1eKbYjIuRqtQ/edit?usp=sharing Privacy Policy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/163Fh93Hmh6KaqXpk-t-dFH4kbLF-DFbuRdjqmr_CFYw/edit?usp=sharing

Screenshots

Google Authenticator4 screens
Authenticator4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Google Authenticator at 4.9 against Authenticator's 4.2. Google Authenticator also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ratings volume (1.2M vs 6). Authenticator's advantage is update cadence (daily 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 4 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 4.2. 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 daily. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and August 27, 2026 respectively.

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) — better4.2 (6 ratings)
Positive reviews58.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings1.2M — better6
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsDaily — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#3 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS16.0 — better16.6
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB34 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGoogleToni Pessey

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

4 purchases

Authenticator

Subscriptions3
  • authenticatorWeekTrial3 Days trial$6.997 Days
  • authenticatorMonth$19.991 Month
  • authenticatorYear$49.991 Year
One-time1
  • authenticatorLifeTime$49.99

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 4.2 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 daily. Most recently, Google Authenticator was updated on September 24, 2026 and Authenticator on August 27, 2026.

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