# VPN vs Authenticator

The clearest difference is monetization model: VPN at free with in-app purchases against Authenticator's subscription. VPN also leads on ratings volume (18K vs 137). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. VPN sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and Authenticator sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for VPN against 4.7 for Authenticator. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: VPN has 18K ratings behind it against 137, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 91% of VPN's written reviews are positive against 88% of Authenticator's.

VPN ships an update fortnightly, Authenticator monthly. Both last shipped on September 27, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | VPN | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (18K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vpn-best-vpn-proxy-master-pt/id1113245013/reviews)** | [4.7 (137 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-otp-2fa-and-code/id6475266111/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **18K** | 137 |
| Positive reviews | **91.3% of reviews** | 88.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Monthly |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 26 MB | 68 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MC MOBILE NETWORK SECURITY TECHNOLOGY CO.,LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1436268983) | [YILDIZCO YAZILIM IC VE DIS TICARET LIMITED SIRKETI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1664266199) |

## What reviewers say

### VPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vpn-best-vpn-proxy-master-pt/id1113245013)

This application offers a free virtual private network service to enhance online privacy and security. It provides unlimited bandwidth and data, with a simple one-tap connection to protect your browsing on public Wi-Fi and insecure networks.

**Highlights:** Unlimited time, data, and bandwidth, No registration or login required, No logs saved, One-tap connect, Enhances online privacy, Protects on public Wi-Fi

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Month Premium Member | $9.99 | per month |
| Remove AD | $119.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and reliable connection
- 🔒 Secure and private
- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- 🌐 Works in China

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional disconnections
- ⏱️ Slow speeds at times
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 💸 Forced to watch ads

**Reported bugs**

- Disconnects when screen is locked
- Compatibility issues with older devices
- Randomly joins wrong server locations

**Requested features**

- More server locations
- Advanced settings and customization
- Faster speeds and more stability
- No ads or paid subscription option


### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-otp-2fa-and-code/id6475266111)

Enhance your online security with this powerful 2FA authenticator. It generates secure one-time passwords for two-factor and multi-factor authentication across numerous platforms. Protect your accounts effortlessly with an intuitive interface and offline functionality.

**Highlights:** Generate 2FA codes (TOTP), Support for OTP and MFA, Instant QR code scanner, Works completely offline, Encrypted backup & restore, Multiple account support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Subscription | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Subscription | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Access | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Special Offer | $12.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator App | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VPN free?

VPN is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Authenticator free?

Authenticator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, VPN or Authenticator?

VPN is rated higher. VPN averages 4.8 out of 5 from 18K ratings, while Authenticator averages 4.7 from 137 ratings.

### Do VPN or Authenticator have ads?

Both VPN and Authenticator show ads.

### Which is updated more often, VPN or Authenticator?

VPN ships an update fortnightly, and Authenticator monthly. Most recently, VPN was updated on September 27, 2026 and Authenticator on September 27, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*