Alternatives to Google Authenticator
The barebones TOTP standard
Google Authenticator ranks #7 of 10 in Authenticator apps, with an Alt Score of 55. It is proprietary, free and available on iOS and Android. 8 of 9 checklist rows are verified against a public source.
Anyone who wants a free, no-frills app to generate two-factor authentication codes for their online accounts, on either iOS or Android.
Generates time-based one-time passcodes (TOTP) for any service that supports standard 2FA. Accounts can optionally sync to a Google Account so codes are recoverable across devices. It's free, ad-free, and works without an internet connection once accounts are set up.
Add an account by scanning a QR code or entering a setup key shown by the service you're securing, then use the rotating 6-digit code the app displays as the second factor when signing in.
Where Google Authenticator stands out
Verified capabilities most alternatives don't have.
Why people leave Google Authenticator
Dashed reasons are sourced facts; the rest are opinions. Vendors can dispute.
Sign in to add a reason — new reasons go through moderation before appearing.
Ranked alternatives
Ordered by Alt Score. Click any score to see the breakdown.
Feature comparison
How Google Authenticator compares with its alternatives, feature by feature.
| Authenticator apps checklist | Google Authenticator | 2FAS | Stratum | Ente Auth | Aegis Authenticator | Authy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | ||||||
| Starts at | ||||||
| License | ||||||
| Platforms | ||||||
| TOTP | ||||||
| Encrypted backup | ||||||
| Multi-device sync | ||||||
| Browser extension | ||||||
| Apple Watch / Wear OS | ||||||
| Import from other apps | ||||||
| Export allowed | ||||||
| Open source | ||||||
| Push-based approvals |
Every fact and feature listed for Google Authenticator is verified against its own pages. Each alternative is sourced on its own page.
-
License Proprietary verified 2026-07-11
Open source version of Google Authenticator (except the Android app)
https://github.com/google/google-authenticator -
Pricing model Free verified 2026-07-11
Free
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-authenticator/id388497605 -
Platforms iOS, Android verified 2026-07-11
Google Authenticator - Apps on Google Play
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.authenticator2 -
Status active verified 2026-07-11
With Google Authenticator, you can synchronize your verification codes across all your devices, simply by signing in to your Google Account.
https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1066447?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid -
TOTP Yes verified 2026-07-11
Support for time-based and counter-based code generation.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-authenticator/id388497605 -
Encrypted backup Partial verified 2026-07-11
Google encrypts Authenticator codes both in transit and at rest across our products.
https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1066447?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid -
Multi-device sync Yes verified 2026-07-11
Sync your Authenticator codes to your Google Account and across your devices.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-authenticator/id388497605 -
Apple Watch / Wear OS No verified 2026-07-11
Requires iOS 16.0 or later. iPhone Requires iOS 16.0 or later. iPad Requires iPadOS 16.0 or later.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-authenticator/id388497605 -
Import from other apps Yes verified 2026-07-11
In the Authenticator app, tap Menu and then Transfer accounts and then Import accounts.
https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1066447?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid -
Export allowed Yes verified 2026-07-11
In the Authenticator app, tap Menu and then Transfer accounts and then Export accounts.
https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1066447?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid -
Open source No verified 2026-07-11
Open source version of Google Authenticator (except the Android app)
https://github.com/google/google-authenticator -
Push-based approvals No verified 2026-07-11
Google Authenticator adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by adding a second step of verification when you sign in.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-authenticator/id388497605
FAQ
Yes. 2FAS, Stratum and Ente Auth have a free tier or are fully free. Free-tier limits in the comparison table are verified and dated.
2FAS, Stratum and Ente Auth — every license claim links its source.