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Head-to-head · Authenticator Apps

Google Authenticator vs Authy

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Google Authenticator #2 in Authenticator Apps 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 4 features Visit site
Authy #3 in Authenticator Apps 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 4 features Visit Authy

Google Authenticator leads on 0 checks, Authy on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreGoogle Authenticator · 9.2/10
  • Free planboth

Google Authenticator scores higher on our rubric for authenticator apps: 9.2 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

On code type, Google Authenticator gives you Totp and hotp where Authy offers Totp.

Google Authenticator is the better fit for users wanting a simple, established free option. Authy is the better fit for mobile users needing multi-device token sync.

  • Google Authenticator fits best

    Users wanting a simple, established free option

  • Authy fits best

    Mobile users needing multi-device token sync

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Side by side

Feature Google Authenticator 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Authy 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 9.1
Ranking #2 in Authenticator Apps #3 in Authenticator Apps
Best for Users wanting a simple, established free option Mobile users needing multi-device token sync
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Mobile Mobile
Platforms Android, iOS iOS, Android
Support Email, Docs Tickets, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Google Authenticator 2/4 · Authy 2/4
Push approvals Not checked yet Not checked yet
Encrypted backup ✓ ✓
Multi-device sync ✓ ✓
Team administration Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Code type Totp and hotp Totp
Supported platforms Android, iOS iOS, Android
Our review
Pros
  • Generates TOTP and HOTP codes without internet or cellular access
  • Encrypted synchronization across devices with Google Account support
  • QR-code setup and transfers simplify account migration
  • Generates TOTP codes offline, including after accounts are added by QR code
  • Encrypted cloud backup and restore with synchronization across mobile devices
  • PIN, password and biometric protection plus device management controls
Cons
  • Works only with websites and apps that support authenticator codes
  • Requires device authentication to use Privacy Screen protection
  • QR transfers require access to both the source and destination devices
  • Supported product is focused on iOS and Android mobile apps
  • Does not provide push approvals for account sign-ins
  • No team administration features for managed organization use
Our verdict

Google Authenticator is a free mobile app for generating one-time verification codes for websites and apps that support authenticator-based two-step verification. It supports time-based and counter-based codes, works offline, and is…

Read the review →

Authy is a free two-factor authentication app for individuals who need time-based one-time passcodes across supported mobile devices. It adds accounts by scanning QR codes and generates TOTP codes offline, making it suitable for services…

Read the review →
  1. Google AuthenticatorAuthenticator Apps 9.2Free plan
  2. AuthyAuthenticator Apps 9.1Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Google Authenticator — where it wins

    • Generates TOTP and HOTP codes without internet or cellular access
    • Encrypted synchronization across devices with Google Account support
    • QR-code setup and transfers simplify account migration

    Where it doesn't

    • Works only with websites and apps that support authenticator codes
    • Requires device authentication to use Privacy Screen protection
    • QR transfers require access to both the source and destination devices

  • Authy — where it wins

    • Generates TOTP codes offline, including after accounts are added by QR code
    • Encrypted cloud backup and restore with synchronization across mobile devices
    • PIN, password and biometric protection plus device management controls

    Where it doesn't

    • Supported product is focused on iOS and Android mobile apps
    • Does not provide push approvals for account sign-ins
    • No team administration features for managed organization use
  • Google Authenticator9.2/10 · Free plan

    A free, straightforward authenticator with offline codes, sync, and QR transfers.

    Visit siteFull verdict →
  • Authy9.1/10 · Free plan

    A focused free authenticator for mobile users who need synced TOTP tokens.

    Visit AuthyFull verdict →

More comparisons

All authenticator apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update