# Authenticator App vs Authenticator

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Authenticator App at 72% against Authenticator's 15%. Authenticator App also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.3) and ads (none vs shown). Authenticator's advantage is ratings volume (406 vs 32) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Authenticator sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator App holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator has 406 ratings behind it against 32, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 72% of Authenticator App's written reviews are positive against 15% of Authenticator's.

Authenticator App ships an update every 3 weeks, Authenticator weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator App | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-sentinel/id1189922806/reviews)** | [4.3 (406 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id6463820946/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 32 | **406** |
| Positive reviews | **72.4% of reviews** | 14.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 49 MB | 18 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tommaso Carpi](https://appshunter.io/developer/714996025) | [Ali El Malki](https://appshunter.io/developer/1699908413) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-sentinel/id1189922806)

Secure your online accounts with this app that manages all your two-factor authentication (2FA) codes in one place. It offers seamless syncing across devices, organized folders, and encrypted backups for peace of mind. Personalize your experience with custom icons and themes for easy account recognition.

**Highlights:** Manage all 2FA codes in one app, Seamless sync across Apple devices, Encrypted backups for code protection, Organize accounts with folders, Custom icons and themes, iOS & macOS widgets for quick access

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $1.99 | per month |
| Annual Subscription | $9.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Access | $39.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use and set up
- 🚀 Seamless syncing across devices (iOS, macOS)
- 🔒 Secure and dependable 2FA solution
- 💡 Responsive and friendly developer
- 💰 One-time purchase/lifetime option appreciated

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Widgets not working consistently (Mac/iPhone)
- 💰 Paid app, no free tier for some features
- 🐛 Some users experienced issues with syncing
- 🐛 Codes not working for specific services (e.g., Discord, Amazon)
- 🐛 App stuck on loading tokens for some users

**Reported bugs**

- Widgets not working on Mac Desktop and iPhone
- App stuck on loading tokens
- Syncing issues between devices
- Codes not working for specific services (Discord, Amazon)
- Unexpected charges/multiple purchases

**Requested features**

- Ability to reorder/hide folders
- Sort accounts by email address or service
- Show duplicates
- Show date service added
- Backup options (more explicit)


### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id6463820946)

Enhance your online account security with this two-factor authentication utility. Easily add accounts by scanning QR codes and benefit from bank-grade encryption and biometric unlock for peace of mind. Supports thousands of websites and services.

**Highlights:** Bank-Grade Encryption, Secure 2FA and MFA Tokens, Effortless Setup (QR Scan), Biometric Unlock, Encrypted Backups to iCloud, Cross-Device Sync, TOTP Support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator Pro Weekly | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Subscription Authly | $12.99 | per month |
| Authenticator Pro | $44.99 | per year |
| Authenticator Pro Lifetime | $69.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ❤️ Amazing app
- 👍 Loved it
- 👍 Top
- 👍 Wouah super
- 👍 Congratulations

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😞 Not working
- 😞 Too complicated
- 😞 Horrible
- 😞 Too expensive
- 😞 Scam app

**Reported bugs**

- Not working
- Cannot make app work
- Cannot cancel subscription
- App freezes
- Locked out of everything

**Requested features**

- Show cost first
- Provide free version without payment
- Offer manual key entry
- Provide email support option
- Clearer instructions for setup and configuration


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator App free?

Authenticator App 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, Authenticator App or Authenticator?

Authenticator App is rated higher. Authenticator App averages 4.8 out of 5 from 32 ratings, while Authenticator averages 4.3 from 406 ratings.

### Do Authenticator App or Authenticator have ads?

Authenticator shows ads; Authenticator App does not.

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

Authenticator App ships an update every 3 weeks, and Authenticator weekly. Most recently, Authenticator App was updated on September 24, 2026 and Authenticator on September 26, 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.*