What is Google Authenticator?
Google Authenticator is a software-based authenticator made by Google that uses a 2-Step Verification (also known as two-factor authentication) thereby adding an extra layer of security to your account. You sign in with something you know (your password) and something you have (a code sent to your phone).
Company Details
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Real user data aggregated to summarize the product performance and customer experience.
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Product scores listed below represent current data. This may be different from data contained in reports and awards, which express data as of their publication date.
91 Likeliness to Recommend
96 Plan to Renew
87 Satisfaction of Cost Relative to Value
Emotional Footprint Overview
Product scores listed below represent current data. This may be different from data contained in reports and awards, which express data as of their publication date.
+95 Net Emotional Footprint
The emotional sentiment held by end users of the software based on their experience with the vendor. Responses are captured on an eight-point scale.
How much do users love Google Authenticator?
Pros
- Reliable
- Trustworthy
- Efficient Service
- Respectful
How to read the Emotional Footprint
The Net Emotional Footprint measures high-level user sentiment towards particular product offerings. It aggregates emotional response ratings for various dimensions of the vendor-client relationship and product effectiveness, creating a powerful indicator of overall user feeling toward the vendor and product.
While purchasing decisions shouldn't be based on emotion, it's valuable to know what kind of emotional response the vendor you're considering elicits from their users.
Footprint
Negative
Neutral
Positive
Feature Ratings
Multi-Device Protection
OTP Authentication
Email Authentication
Authentication Assurance Level (AAL)
Biometrics Authentication
Soft Token Authentication
Role-Based Multi-Factor Authentication
Role and User Management
Browser Push Notifications
Phisher Resistance MFA
Adaptive Authentication (Risk-based)
Vendor Capability Ratings
Ease of Implementation
Business Value Created
Ease of IT Administration
Usability and Intuitiveness
Quality of Features
Breadth of Features
Ease of Data Integration
Ease of Customization
Product Strategy and Rate of Improvement
Availability and Quality of Training
Vendor Support
Google Authenticator Reviews
Obiano A.
- Role: Information Technology
- Industry: Construction
- Involvement: End User of Application
Submitted Apr 2025
Simple, Secure, but Not Seamless
Likeliness to Recommend
What differentiates Google Authenticator from other similar products?
Google Authenticator stands out for its offline functionality, simple setup, and tight integration with Google accounts—no login or internet needed to generate codes.
What is your favorite aspect of this product?
Works offline—no internet needed to get codes. No cloud backup by default, so switching devices can be a hassle.
What do you dislike most about this product?
No cloud sync by default, making device changes risky without manual backup.
What recommendations would you give to someone considering this product?
Back up your codes manually or use a version with cloud sync if switching devices often.
Pros
- Continually Improving Product
- Trustworthy
- Unique Features
- Efficient Service
Cons
- Leverages Incumbent Status
- Less Performance Enhancing
- Less Transparent
Samson O.
- Role: Finance
- Industry: Finance
- Involvement: End User of Application
Submitted Apr 2025
Simple & secure for double authentication
Likeliness to Recommend
What differentiates Google Authenticator from other similar products?
It’s easy to set up, works offline and can be used for securing Google accounts and other services that support TOTP.
What is your favorite aspect of this product?
The fact that it works offline
What do you dislike most about this product?
No dislikes
What recommendations would you give to someone considering this product?
Totally recommend! Mostly because it's easy to set up and navigate
Pros
- Effective Service
- Client Friendly Policies
- Acts with Integrity
- Helps Innovate
SAMUEL A.
- Role: Student Academic
- Industry: Education
- Involvement: End User of Application
Submitted Feb 2025
Amazing product. YOu just have to experience it
Likeliness to Recommend
What differentiates Google Authenticator from other similar products?
Google Authenticator is special because it's free, really easy to use, and works with lots of different apps and websites to keep my accounts super secure! Google Authenticator's open-source architecture, utilizing the Time-Based One-Time Password (TOTP) algorithm, ensures a high level of security, transparency, and compatibility with various applications
What is your favorite aspect of this product?
My favorite aspect is the implementation of the Time-Based One-Time Password (TOTP) algorithm, which provides a highly secure and reliable form of two-factor authentication, effectively protecting against phishing and other cyber threats. I love that Google Authenticator is so easy to set up and use, it just gives me a special code to type in and I know my accounts are extra safe!
What do you dislike most about this product?
I dislike that I have to re-enter the verification codes every time I switch between apps or restart my phone, it can be kinda annoying! As a researcher, I dislike that Google Authenticator lacks a secure backup mechanism for recovery codes, which can lead to account lockout if the authenticator is lost or compromised.
What recommendations would you give to someone considering this product?
I recommend using Google Authenticator for added security. Enable 2-factor authentication on sensitive accounts, keep your device secure, and set up a backup authentication method.
Pros
- Reliable
- Performance Enhancing
- Enables Productivity
- Efficient Service
