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Head-to-head · Authenticator Apps

Google Authenticator vs Microsoft Authenticator

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 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
Microsoft Authenticator #4 in Authenticator Apps 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Microsoft

Google Authenticator leads on 1 check, Microsoft Authenticator on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 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
  • Most featuresGoogle Authenticator · 2 of 4

Google Authenticator scores higher on our rubric for authenticator apps: 9.2 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.

On code type, Google Authenticator gives you Totp and hotp where Microsoft Authenticator offers Totp. Google Authenticator offers multi-device sync; Microsoft Authenticator doesn't.

Google Authenticator is the better fit for users wanting a simple, established free option. Microsoft Authenticator is the better fit for microsoft users wanting push and passwordless sign-in.

  • Google Authenticator fits best

    Users wanting a simple, established free option

  • Microsoft Authenticator fits best

    Microsoft users wanting push and passwordless sign-in

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Side by side

Feature Google Authenticator 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Microsoft Authenticator 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 9.0
Ranking #2 in Authenticator Apps #4 in Authenticator Apps
Best for Users wanting a simple, established free option Microsoft users wanting push and passwordless sign-in
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Mobile Mobile
Platforms Android, iOS iOS, Android
Support Email, Docs Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Google Authenticator 2/4 · Microsoft Authenticator 1/4
Push approvals Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Encrypted backup ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Multi-device sync ✓ (best) —
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
  • Push approvals support passwordless and multifactor sign-in
  • Includes passkeys, TOTP codes, QR setup, and biometric verification
  • Free on iOS and Android with backup for supported account data
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
  • Available only on iOS and Android
  • Backup and restore works between devices of the same type
  • HOTP support is not available for Microsoft Entra ID
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 →

Microsoft Authenticator is a free mobile app for signing in to Microsoft personal, work, school, and other accounts. Its core options include passwordless sign-in through approval notifications, multifactor authentication through push…

Read the review →
  1. Google AuthenticatorAuthenticator Apps 9.2Free plan
  2. Microsoft AuthenticatorAuthenticator Apps 9.0Free 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

  • Microsoft Authenticator — where it wins

    • Push approvals support passwordless and multifactor sign-in
    • Includes passkeys, TOTP codes, QR setup, and biometric verification
    • Free on iOS and Android with backup for supported account data

    Where it doesn't

    • Available only on iOS and Android
    • Backup and restore works between devices of the same type
    • HOTP support is not available for Microsoft Entra ID
  • Google Authenticator9.2/10 · Free plan

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

    Visit siteFull verdict →
  • Microsoft Authenticator9.0/10 · Free plan

    A focused free authenticator for Microsoft accounts and compatible third-party services.

    Visit MicrosoftFull 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