# Authenticator App vs TimeKey

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator App at 4.7 against TimeKey's 3.7. Authenticator App also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ads (none vs shown). On price and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. TimeKey sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month. Authenticator App asks for nothing beyond the download.

Authenticator App holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator App has 34K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Authenticator App ships an update every 9 days, TimeKey every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator App | TimeKey |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (34K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-oneauth/id1142928979/reviews)** | [3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timekey/id1506129753/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **34K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 44.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 days** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 220 MB | 55 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Zoho Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/388384807) | [Naoki Chiba](https://appshunter.io/developer/1506129752) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-oneauth/id1142928979)

Secure your online accounts with industry-standard two-factor authentication. Easily add accounts, generate time-based OTPs, and benefit from encrypted backups. Organize and manage your TFA with features like folders, brand logos, and search.

**Highlights:** Add accounts via QR code or manual entry, Time-based OTPs (offline access), Encrypted backup and secure recovery, Sync secrets across devices, Organize accounts with folders, Brand logos for easy identification, Passwordless sign-in options

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Quick and efficient
- 🔒 Very secure
- 👍 Easy to use
- 💡 Has Apple Watch app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable notifications
- 🐛 Confusing user interface
- 🐛 Inconsistent behavior
- 🐛 Difficult to navigate
- 🐛 Locked out of accounts

**Reported bugs**

- Push notifications not working
- Endless authentication loops
- Incompatibility with new devices
- Locking users out of accounts

**Requested features**

- Support for multiple accounts
- Ability to export data to other authenticator apps
- Improved error handling and feedback
- Simpler setup and onboarding process


### TimeKey

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timekey/id1506129753)

This app generates secure Time-based One-Time Passwords (TOTP) for two-factor authentication, protecting your online accounts. It offers local data storage, biometric security, and an intuitive interface for easy account management and quick code access. No internet connection is needed for code generation.

**Highlights:** Generate secure TOTP codes, Import accounts via QR code or manual entry, Organize accounts with categories and favorites, Biometric authentication (Face ID/Touch ID), Passcode protection, Dark mode support, Export QR codes for backup

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium 1 month | $1.49 | per month |
| Premium 1 year | $13.49 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator App free?

Authenticator App is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is TimeKey free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Authenticator App or TimeKey?

Authenticator App is rated higher. Authenticator App averages 4.7 out of 5 from 34K ratings, while TimeKey averages 3.7 from 3 ratings.

### Do Authenticator App or TimeKey have ads?

TimeKey shows ads; Authenticator App does not.

### Which is updated more often, Authenticator App or TimeKey?

Authenticator App ships an update every 9 days, and TimeKey every 6 weeks. Most recently, Authenticator App was updated on October 13, 2026 and TimeKey on September 15, 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.*