Logo of Google Authenticator

Google Authenticator

Website LinkedIn Twitter

Last updated on

Ratings

Glassdoor
3.5/5
(2)

Google Authenticator description

Google Authenticator is an app that makes your online accounts more secure. It works by requiring a second verification step when you log in, in addition to your password. This second step involves entering a unique code generated by the app on your phone. This means even if someone gets your password, they still can't access your accounts without that code. You can use Google Authenticator even without internet access, and it supports multiple accounts for convenience.


Who is Google Authenticator best for

Google Authenticator offers free two-factor authentication for enhanced account security. Users appreciate its offline functionality and broad compatibility. However, some find the lack of backup options and short code validity inconvenient. Best for individuals and businesses needing a simple, yet effective security boost.

  • Ideal for small, medium, and enterprise businesses seeking enhanced login security.

  • Particularly valuable for Education, Marketing & Advertising, and Software/IT sectors.


Google Authenticator features

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need
Supported

Google Authenticator supports generating time-sensitive codes for authentication.

Supported

Google Authenticator fully supports two-factor authentication, making it a robust tool for enhancing online account security.

Supported

Google Authenticator supports multi-factor authentication as it requires a time-based one-time password in addition to the user\'s regular credentials.

Supported

Google Authenticator supports HOTP alongside the more commonly used TOTP.

Qualities

We evaluate the sentiment that users express about non-functional aspects of the software

Customer Service

Rather positive
+0.6

Ease of Use

Strongly positive
+0.88

Reliability and Performance

Rather positive
+0.6

Ease of Implementation

Strongly positive
+0.88

Scalability

Strongly negative
-1

Google Authenticator reviews

We've summarised 519 Google Authenticator reviews (Google Authenticator Capterra reviews and Google Authenticator G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.

Pros of Google Authenticator
  • Offline functionality ensures access to codes even without internet.
  • Wide compatibility with many online services and platforms.
  • User-friendly interface makes it easy to use.
  • Cloud sync feature allows for backing up linked accounts.
  • Free and readily available for both Android and iOS.
Cons of Google Authenticator
  • Lack of backup options and difficult setup for new devices.
  • Short 30-second code validity is not always sufficient.
  • App can become slow and laggy with a large number of accounts.
  • No search or sort feature makes finding specific accounts difficult.
  • Lack of a password lock for the app itself.

Google Authenticator pricing

The commentary is based on 9 reviews from Google Authenticator Capterra reviews and Google Authenticator G2 reviews.

Google Authenticator is free to use, making it accessible to everyone. Users appreciate that this robust security tool doesn't add any additional cost to two-factor authentication. It's a widely praised, free solution for enhanced online security.

Users sentiment

Neutral
+0

Google Authenticator alternatives

  • Logo of Cisco Duo
    Cisco Duo
    Better for enterprise security with features like adaptive access policies and device trust. Offers push notifications, biometrics, and passcodes for login, but has limited offline functionality. More expensive, especially for many users.
    Read more
  • Logo of JumpCloud
    JumpCloud
    Better for managing users, devices, and access for mid-sized companies. Offers single sign-on, password management, and remote device management. More comprehensive platform simplifying IT tasks. Is growing faster than Google Authenticator.
    Read more
  • Logo of 2FAS
    2FAS
    Open-source and free Google Authenticator alternative. It has simpler functionality and is growing faster.
    Read more
  • Logo of IT Glue
    IT Glue
    Better for IT documentation and password management for MSPs. More difficult to implement and less scalable. Priced negatively, per user with minimum 5 users.
    Read more
  • Logo of Authentiq
    Authentiq
    Passwordless authentication improves security. Best for small to medium businesses seeking streamlined and secure access for employees. Growing faster.
    Read more
  • Logo of Auth0 by Okta
    Auth0 by Okta
    Better for enterprise-level authentication and single sign-on (SSO). More complex setup and potentially higher cost. Auth0 by Okta is a Google Authenticator competitor and alternative.
    Read more

Google Authenticator FAQ

  • What is Google Authenticator and what does Google Authenticator do?

    Google Authenticator is a mobile app that enhances online security through two-factor authentication. It generates time-based one-time codes needed in addition to your password for login, protecting your accounts even if your password is compromised. It's user-friendly, works offline, and supports multiple accounts.

  • How does Google Authenticator integrate with other tools?

    Google Authenticator integrates with a wide range of online services and platforms that support two-factor authentication (2FA). It generates time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) required for login, adding an extra layer of security.

  • What the main competitors of Google Authenticator?

    Top alternatives to Google Authenticator include Authy, Microsoft Authenticator, LastPass Authenticator, and 2FAS. These competitors offer similar two-factor authentication (2FA) functionality, generating time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) for enhanced account security. Some, like Authy, provide additional features such as cloud backups.

  • Is Google Authenticator legit?

    Yes, Google Authenticator is safe and legit. It enhances online security with two-factor authentication, requiring a unique code from your phone alongside your password. It's free, user-friendly, and widely compatible with various online services.

  • How much does Google Authenticator cost?

    Google Authenticator is free to download and use. There are no hidden costs or in-app purchases associated with the product. It's a worthwhile tool for enhancing online security.

  • Is Google Authenticator customer service good?

    Customer reviews indicate varying experiences with Google Authenticator's customer service. Some users mention positive experiences and fast support, while others describe difficulty recovering accounts after losing access to their devices. There's also mention of unhelpful customer service interactions.


Reviewed by

MK
Michal Kaczor
CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

TT
Tymon Terlikiewicz
CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.