Comparison

Google Authenticator vs Authenticator ℠ App

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 ℠ App

Secure your online accounts with standards-based two-factor authentication. This app generates time-based one-time passwords directly on your device, offering a reliable second step for sign-ins without relying on SMS codes. Protect personal and work accounts across various platforms.

Highlights
  • Secure TOTP verification codes
  • Fast and easy account setup
  • Full control over 2FA accounts
  • App lock with Face ID, Touch ID, or PIN
  • Built-in password storage
  • Private in-app browser
Features
Read full description

Protect your online accounts with secure, standards-based two-factor authentication. Authenticator App – 2FA MFA generates time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) directly on your iPhone, giving you a reliable second step for sign-ins without depending on SMS codes. Authenticator provides reliable security for both personal and work accounts. From email and social media to crypto platforms and business tools, the app helps keep your login information protected and easy to access. Commonly supported platforms include: Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), LinkedIn, Amazon, Dropbox, PayPal, eBay, Snapchat, Pinterest, Reddit, Yahoo, Shopify, Slack, Zoom, Airbnb, Uber,... Access your authentication codes anytime, even without an internet connection. Codes are generated directly on your device, so weak signals or offline situations won’t block your sign-ins. Key features - Secure TOTP verification codes Generate time-based one-time passwords that add a strong extra layer of protection to your accounts. These codes refresh automatically and work with most online services that support authenticator apps, helping keep your sign-ins secure. - Fast and easy account setup Add new accounts in just a few steps by scanning a QR code or entering a secret key manually. The setup process is simple and clear, so you can start using two-factor authentication right away. - Full control over your 2FA accounts Manage all your authentication entries in one place. You can edit account names, update secret keys, or remove entries anytime when accounts are no longer needed. - App lock with Face ID, Touch ID, or PIN Protect access to your authentication codes with biometric security or an app passcode. You can also enable auto-lock to automatically secure the app when you leave it or switch to another app. - Built-in password storage Store your website and app login details in a dedicated passwords section. Easily create, edit, copy, or delete credentials, giving you convenient access while keeping everything organized. - Private in-app browser Sign in to your accounts using the built-in browser designed for privacy. It does not save browsing history, logs, or cookies, helping reduce traces when accessing sensitive accounts. - Clear settings and simple controls Customize how the app works through clean and easy-to-understand settings. Manage security options and app behavior with full visibility, so you always know what features are active. Subscription Information • Payment will be charged to your iTunes Account upon purchase confirmation. • Subscriptions automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the current period ends. • Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours before the end of the current period. • You can manage or cancel your subscription in your Account Settings. • If a trial is offered, the full subscription price will be charged after the trial ends unless canceled in advance. Privacy Policy: https://begamob.com/policy.html Terms of Use: https://begamob.com/ofs-termofuse.html

Screenshots

Google Authenticator4 screens
Authenticator ℠ App4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Google Authenticator at 4.9 against Authenticator ℠ App's 4.3. Google Authenticator also leads on review sentiment (58% vs 19%) and in-app purchases (none vs 17). Authenticator ℠ App's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 4 months). On price, chart position, 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 ℠ App sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 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 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Google Authenticator has 1.2M ratings behind it against 5.4K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 58% of Google Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 19% of Authenticator ℠ App's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, Authenticator ℠ App every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 4 level
Google Authenticator versus Authenticator ℠ App: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGoogle AuthenticatorAuthenticator ℠ App
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (1.2M ratings) — better4.3 (5.4K ratings)
Positive reviews58.4% of reviews — better18.6% of reviews
Number of ratings1.2M — better5.4K
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#3 — better#8
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS16.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB152 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperGoogleBEGAMOB GLOBAL LIMITED

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 ℠ App

All ratings5,426 ratings
Positive82.5%
Neutral3.3%
Negative14.2%
Written reviews220 reviews
Positive18.6%
Neutral0.5%
Negative80.9%

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 ℠ App

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Google Authenticator

No in-app purchases

13 purchases

Authenticator ℠ App

Subscriptions13
  • Authenticator Weekly Premium$5.997 Days
  • Authenticator Premium – Weekly$5.997 Days
  • Weekly Unlimited Access3 Days trial$6.997 Days
Show 10 more
  • Weekly Full Access3 Days trial$6.997 Days
  • Authenticator Premium Week3 Days trial$6.997 Days
  • Authenticator Pro – Weekly$6.997 Days
  • Authenticator Weekly Premium$7.997 Days
  • Authenticator Weekly Premium2 variants$8.907 Days
  • Authenticator Weekly Premium$8.997 Days
  • Authenticator - Pro Weekly3 Days trial2 variants$9.997 Days
  • Weekly Unlimited Access3 Days trial2 variants$9.997 Days
  • Authenticator - Pro Weekly3 Days trial2 variants$14.907 Days
  • Authenticator Premium Year$49.991 Year

Questions

Is Google Authenticator free?
Google Authenticator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Authenticator ℠ App free?
Authenticator ℠ App is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Google Authenticator or Authenticator ℠ App?
Google Authenticator is rated higher. Google Authenticator averages 4.9 out of 5 from 1.2M ratings, while Authenticator ℠ App averages 4.3 from 5.4K ratings.
Do Google Authenticator or Authenticator ℠ App have ads?
Authenticator ℠ App shows ads; Google Authenticator does not.
Which is updated more often, Google Authenticator or Authenticator ℠ App?
Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, and Authenticator ℠ App every 2 weeks. Most recently, Google Authenticator was updated on September 25, 2026 and Authenticator ℠ App on September 24, 2026.
Which is more popular, Google Authenticator or Authenticator ℠ App?
Google Authenticator currently peaks at #3 in the App Store charts, and Authenticator ℠ App at #8. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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