Google's free TOTP-based two-factor authentication app.
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Google Authenticator vs Microsoft Authenticator
Comparing Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator to help you pick the right Multi-Factor Authentication Software for your needs.
Microsoft's free MFA app for personal and enterprise authentication.
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| Feature | Google Authenticator | Microsoft Authenticator |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Platforms | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Editorial rating | ★ 3.9 / 5 | ★ 4.1 / 5 |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |
| Community votes | 20 | 25 |
Google Authenticator Pros & Cons
- Completely free with no limitations
- Works with any TOTP-compatible service
- Simple, focused interface with no unnecessary features
- No account required to use
- No backup — codes are lost if phone is lost or replaced
- No cross-device sync (fixed in recent versions with Google account sync)
- No push notification authentication like Duo or Microsoft Authenticator
Microsoft Authenticator Pros & Cons
- Free with no limitations
- Passwordless sign-in for Microsoft accounts
- Time-based OTP for any compatible service
- Backup and recovery through Microsoft account
- Best experience limited to Microsoft ecosystem
- Cannot manage enterprise users — need Entra ID for that
- Dependent on smartphone for authentication
Verdict: Google Authenticator vs Microsoft Authenticator
Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator both serve the Multi-Factor Authentication Software category well, but suit different priorities. Microsoft Authenticator carries the stronger editorial rating (4.1 / 5), Based on community engagement, Microsoft Authenticator is currently the more widely adopted choice (25 votes), but the better fit ultimately depends on your specific pricing, platform, and feature requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is cheaper, Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator?
- Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator use a similar pricing model (both free), so the cheaper choice depends on which specific plan tier and feature set you need rather than the base pricing model.
- Is Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator rated higher?
- Microsoft Authenticator has the higher editorial rating at 4.1 out of 5, compared to Google Authenticator's 3.9 out of 5. This is Kreemhunt's own staff rating, not a public user aggregate — review the pros and cons below for specifics that matter to your use case.
- Which platforms do Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator support?
- Google Authenticator is available on iOS, Android. Microsoft Authenticator is available on iOS, Android. Both tools cover a similar range of platforms.
- Can I switch from Google Authenticator to Microsoft Authenticator (or vice versa)?
- Most multi-factor authentication software tools, including Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator, support data export in standard formats, making migration possible though rarely fully automatic. Expect to manually verify that custom configurations, integrations, and historical data transfer correctly, and budget time for the team to adjust to workflow differences between the two products.
- Should I choose Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator?
- Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator both serve the Multi-Factor Authentication Software category well, but suit different priorities. Microsoft Authenticator carries the stronger editorial rating (4.1 / 5), Based on community engagement, Microsoft Authenticator is currently the more widely adopted choice (25 votes), but the better fit ultimately depends on your specific pricing, platform, and feature requirements.