# 2FA Authenticator (2FAS) vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is review sentiment: 2FA Authenticator (2FAS) at 78% against Authenticator App's 38%. 2FA Authenticator (2FAS) also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 5) and ads (none vs shown). Authenticator App's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs monthly) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.6). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. 2FA Authenticator (2FAS) asks for nothing beyond the download.

2FA Authenticator (2FAS) holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: 2FA Authenticator (2FAS) has 35K ratings behind it against 547, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 78% of 2FA Authenticator (2FAS)'s written reviews are positive against 38% of Authenticator App's.

2FA Authenticator (2FAS) ships an update monthly, Authenticator App every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | 2FA Authenticator (2FAS) | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (35K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/2fa-authenticator-2fas/id1217793794/reviews)** | [4.4 (547 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa/id1665498541/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **35K** | 547 |
| Positive reviews | **77.6% of reviews** | 38.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 80 MB | 231 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Two Factor Authentication Service Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1217793793) | [Fire Technologies Hong Kong Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1871390749) |

## What reviewers say

### 2FA Authenticator (2FAS)

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/2fa-authenticator-2fas/id1217793794)

Securely log in to your online accounts with two-factor authentication. This app protects your personal data and passwords from cyber threats with a simple, private, and open-source solution. It offers easy token restoration, app protection, and offline functionality.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication, Token backup and restore, App protection with passcode/biometrics, Open-source and transparent, Offline functionality, Cross-device sync, One-tap authentication with browser extensions

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Efficient and fast
- 🔒 Secure and private
- 👍 Simple and intuitive UI
- 💡 Customizable icons and folders
- 🔒 iCloud backup and sync

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional bugs and crashes
- 🔒 Lack of password/PIN protection
- 🕰 No Apple Watch app
- 🐛 Issues with push notifications
- 🕰 Missing desktop/web app

**Reported bugs**

- Tokens disappearing after device changes
- Push notification failures
- Incompatibility with older devices

**Requested features**

- Alphanumeric passcode option
- Custom icon uploads
- Apple Watch app
- Desktop/web app
- Improved support and communication


### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa/id1665498541)

This app generates secure two-factor authentication codes for your online accounts. It adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access and offers cloud backup for your authentication keys. Easily add accounts by scanning QR codes or manual entry.

**Highlights:** Secure accounts with 2FA, Generate time-based one-time passwords (TOTP), Encrypted cloud backup and sync, Offline code generation, Add accounts via QR code or manual entry, Cross-device synchronization (Premium)

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Full Version 3D TRIAL | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Full Version | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Full Version | $24.99 | per month |
| Annual Subscription With Trial | $49.99 | per year |
| Annual Subscription | $59.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🔒 Strong security and protection features
- ✅ Effective 2FA functionality
- 👍 Simple and straightforward to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Deceptive pricing model - advertised as free but charges subscription
- 💳 Aggressive upselling of premium/pro version
- ⚠️ Lack of transparency about costs
- 📞 Poor customer support and unresponsive developers
- 🔐 Suspicious data harvesting and privacy concerns

**Reported bugs**

- App stops working after initial setup period
- Users locked out of accounts
- Repeated unauthorized subscription charges
- App fails to function despite payment

**Requested features**

- Clear pricing disclosure upfront
- Better customer support channels
- Option to use app without premium subscription


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 2FA Authenticator (2FAS) free?

2FA Authenticator (2FAS) is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Authenticator App free?

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

### Which has better reviews, 2FA Authenticator (2FAS) or Authenticator App?

2FA Authenticator (2FAS) is rated higher. 2FA Authenticator (2FAS) averages 4.7 out of 5 from 35K ratings, while Authenticator App averages 4.4 from 547 ratings.

### Do 2FA Authenticator (2FAS) or Authenticator App have ads?

Authenticator App shows ads; 2FA Authenticator (2FAS) does not.

### Which is updated more often, 2FA Authenticator (2FAS) or Authenticator App?

2FA Authenticator (2FAS) ships an update monthly, and Authenticator App every 9 days. Most recently, 2FA Authenticator (2FAS) was updated on September 24, 2026 and Authenticator App on September 17, 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.*