# Authenticator vs App for Google Authenticator ®

The clearest difference is monetization model: Authenticator at free with in-app purchases against App for Google Authenticator ®'s subscription. Authenticator also leads on rating (4.3 vs 3.8). App for Google Authenticator ®'s advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days and App for Google Authenticator ® sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 406 and 243 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 15% of Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 18% of App for Google Authenticator ®'s, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Authenticator ships an update weekly, App for Google Authenticator ® every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | App for Google Authenticator ® |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (406 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id6463820946/reviews)** | [3.8 (243 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-for-google-authenticator/id6479869138/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **406** | 243 |
| Positive reviews | 14.8% of reviews | **17.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 18 MB | 18 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ali El Malki](https://appshunter.io/developer/1699908413) | [ROCKET TECHNOLOGY INC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1737330934) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id6463820946)

Enhance your online account security with this two-factor authentication utility. Easily add accounts by scanning QR codes and benefit from bank-grade encryption and biometric unlock for peace of mind. Supports thousands of websites and services.

**Highlights:** Bank-Grade Encryption, Secure 2FA and MFA Tokens, Effortless Setup (QR Scan), Biometric Unlock, Encrypted Backups to iCloud, Cross-Device Sync, TOTP Support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator Pro Weekly | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Subscription Authly | $12.99 | per month |
| Authenticator Pro | $44.99 | per year |
| Authenticator Pro Lifetime | $69.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ❤️ Amazing app
- 👍 Loved it
- 👍 Top
- 👍 Wouah super
- 👍 Congratulations

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😞 Not working
- 😞 Too complicated
- 😞 Horrible
- 😞 Too expensive
- 😞 Scam app

**Reported bugs**

- Not working
- Cannot make app work
- Cannot cancel subscription
- App freezes
- Locked out of everything

**Requested features**

- Show cost first
- Provide free version without payment
- Offer manual key entry
- Provide email support option
- Clearer instructions for setup and configuration


### App for Google Authenticator ®

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-for-google-authenticator/id6479869138)

Secure your online accounts with this app, offering robust verification for Google, Facebook, and more. Features include data import, anti-snooping protection, and multiple account adding methods for streamlined management.

**Highlights:** Google account verification, Import data from Google Authenticator, Supports mainstream accounts (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), Anti-snooping screen saver, Quick account adding via QR code, Multiple adding methods (scan, upload, manual), Top frequently used accounts

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Week Subscription | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Year Subscription | $39.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $69.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Good
- 🔒 Worried Free
- 👍 Satisfied Customer
- 👍 Best free Authenticator
- 👍 Awesome!!!!

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Quite disappointed
- 🐛 Awful
- 🐛 Garbage
- 🐛 Doesn't work
- 🐛 Hidden Fees

**Reported bugs**

- Login screen freezes
- Incompatible with older devices

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Advanced analytics dashboard


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator free?

Authenticator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is App for Google Authenticator ® free?

App for Google Authenticator ® is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Authenticator or App for Google Authenticator ®?

Authenticator is rated higher. Authenticator averages 4.3 out of 5 from 406 ratings, while App for Google Authenticator ® averages 3.8 from 243 ratings.

### Do Authenticator or App for Google Authenticator ® have ads?

Authenticator shows ads; App for Google Authenticator ® does not.

### Which is updated more often, Authenticator or App for Google Authenticator ®?

Authenticator ships an update weekly, and App for Google Authenticator ® every 2 weeks. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on September 21, 2026 and App for Google Authenticator ® on September 24, 2026.

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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.*