# 2FA vs Authenticator

The clearest difference is ads: Authenticator at none against 2FA's shown. Authenticator also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16). 2FA's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.2) and device support (4 vs 2). On price, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. 2FA sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Authenticator sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

2FA holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 41 and 13 respectively.

2FA ships an update every 3 months, Authenticator weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | 2FA | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (41 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/2fa-totp-authenticator-app/id1219919851/reviews)** | [4.2 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-2fa-security/id1642451164/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **41** | 13 |
| Positive reviews | 83.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 59 MB | 69 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Taras Markevych](https://appshunter.io/developer/1219919850) | [Hoa Huynh](https://appshunter.io/developer/1642451166) |

## What reviewers say

### 2FA

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/2fa-totp-authenticator-app/id1219919851)

Enhance your digital security with this app, providing time-based one-time passwords for authentication across various platforms. It offers secure backups, easy migration from other authenticators, and organizational tools. Protect your accounts on finance, crypto, and social media services.

**Highlights:** Time-based one-time passwords (TOTP), Local and iCloud encrypted backups, Import from Google Authenticator, URLs, QR, Organize with folders, Home screen widgets, Offline token generation, Pin code and biometric security

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Month Premium | $3.99 | per month |
| Annual Premium | $19.99 | per year |
| Remove Add | $5.99 | one-time |


### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-2fa-security/id1642451164)

This app provides secure two-factor authentication (2FA) for your online accounts. It generates time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) to protect against unauthorized access, working with thousands of popular services. All data is encrypted for your privacy and security.

**Highlights:** Secure two-factor authentication (2FA), Generates Time-based One-time Passwords (TOTP), Works with thousands of popular online services, Encrypted data for enhanced security, Premium subscription options available

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Premium | $7.99 | per month |
| Lifetime Premium | $14.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 2FA free?

2FA 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, 2FA or Authenticator?

2FA is rated higher. 2FA averages 4.6 out of 5 from 41 ratings, while Authenticator averages 4.2 from 13 ratings.

### Do 2FA or Authenticator have ads?

2FA shows ads; Authenticator does not.

### Which is updated more often, 2FA or Authenticator?

2FA ships an update every 3 months, and Authenticator weekly. Most recently, 2FA was updated on September 15, 2026 and Authenticator on September 19, 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.*