Microsoft's free MFA app for personal and enterprise authentication.
▲ 25
Visit →
Microsoft Authenticator vs Google Authenticator
Comparing Microsoft Authenticator and Google Authenticator to help you pick the right Multi-Factor Authentication Software for your needs.
Google's free TOTP-based two-factor authentication app.
▲ 20
Visit →
| Feature | Microsoft Authenticator | Google Authenticator |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Platforms | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Editorial rating | ★ 4.1 / 5 | ★ 3.9 / 5 |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |
| Community votes | 25 | 20 |
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
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
Verdict: Microsoft Authenticator vs Google Authenticator
Microsoft Authenticator and Google 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, Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator?
- Microsoft Authenticator and Google 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 Microsoft Authenticator or Google 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 Microsoft Authenticator and Google Authenticator support?
- Microsoft Authenticator is available on iOS, Android. Google Authenticator is available on iOS, Android. Both tools cover a similar range of platforms.
- Can I switch from Microsoft Authenticator to Google Authenticator (or vice versa)?
- Most multi-factor authentication software tools, including Microsoft Authenticator and Google 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 Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator?
- Microsoft Authenticator and Google 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.