# Google Authenticator vs Authenticator

The clearest difference is rating: Google Authenticator at 4.9 against Authenticator's 3.7. Google Authenticator also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ratings volume (1.2M vs 6). 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 3.7. 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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Google Authenticator | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (1.2M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-authenticator/id388497605/reviews)** | [3.7 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-two-factor-app/id6737652692/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 | — |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#3** | — |
| Size | 39 MB | 56 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) | [KERIM CEMIL OZURUK](https://appshunter.io/developer/1831052803) |

## What reviewers say

### Google Authenticator

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

**Currently charting:** #3 Top Free · Utilities, #109 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/id6737652692)

This app generates time-based one-time passwords (OTP) to secure your online accounts. It offers quick setup via QR code scanning, regular OTP updates, and works offline. Data is encrypted and can be backed up to iCloud for seamless device synchronization.

**Highlights:** Quick MFA token setup via QR code, Regularly updated OTP codes, Offline functionality, Encrypted iCloud backup, Cross-device synchronization, Universal compatibility with authentication practices

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**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 3.7 from 6 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.*