Comparison

Google Authenticator vs Real PIN

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

Real PIN

Features
Read full description

Your bank PIN, home access code and everyday logins—all in a wallet close at hand. Real PIN helps you organize sensitive information as easy-to-recognize cards, then view just what you need when you need it. No separate account is required. FIND IT QUICKLY Use favorites, tags and search to find cards by name, field label, ID or URL. Secret values are not included in search. READ IT CLEARLY Counter Mode displays a selected PIN or password in large type. Values stay masked until you tap to reveal them, with an optional automatic hide setting. The confirmation screen stays awake. Always be mindful of people who can see your screen. MADE FOR EVERYDAY INFORMATION Store bank and payment card PINs, door and parcel locker codes, Wi-Fi passwords, website logins, email accounts, phone and SIM information, memberships and software details. Add secret and memo fields to suit each card, or generate a password. Japan-specific identity card templates are available when using Japanese. NOT SURE? RECORD THAT TOO Mark a PIN as unknown or keep multiple candidates, then update it once confirmed. Recording candidates does not change an issuer's failed-attempt limit. ENCRYPTED ON YOUR DEVICE Data is encrypted using AES-GCM, with the encryption key managed in Keychain. Opening the app requires Face ID, Touch ID or your device passcode. BACK UP AND RESTORE Export a password-protected encrypted backup for recovery or a new device. Optional encrypted automatic backups to iCloud are also available. Keep your backup password safe. READY FOR iPHONE DUO Layouts adapt to the way you open the device. See cards beside their details in book posture, or the secret above the controls in tabletop posture. Closing the device hides any revealed secrets. ABOUT PREMIUM The standard version supports up to five cards. A seven-day trial lets you try Premium visual features, including card stacks and designs. Unlimited cards require a Premium purchase. Premium is a one-time purchase that unlocks unlimited cards, stack view, and design and color customization. There is no subscription. A small everyday wallet for the details you do not want to forget.

Screenshots

Google Authenticator4 screens
Real PIN4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Google Authenticator at none against Real PIN's 1. Google Authenticator also leads on chart position (#3 vs unranked). Real PIN's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly 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. Real PIN sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Google Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, Real PIN fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 8 level
Google Authenticator versus Real PIN: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGoogle AuthenticatorReal PIN
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (1.2M ratings) — better—
Positive reviews57.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings1.2M — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
Best chart rank#3 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size38 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGoogleTAKASHI KOJIMA

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

Real PIN

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Google Authenticator

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Real PIN

One-time1
  • Real PIN Premium$2.99

Questions

Is Google Authenticator free?
Google Authenticator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Real PIN free?
Real PIN is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Google Authenticator or Real PIN have ads?
Neither Google Authenticator nor Real PIN shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Google Authenticator or Real PIN?
Google Authenticator ships an update every 4 months, and Real PIN fortnightly. Most recently, Google Authenticator was updated on November 4, 2026 and Real PIN on October 31, 2026.

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