# Authenticator vs Authenticator app

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator app at 4.6 against Authenticator's 3.1. Authenticator app also leads on ratings volume (5.7K vs 21) and device support (4 vs 2). Authenticator's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 11) and update cadence (every 3 days vs monthly). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator app sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Authenticator app holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator app has 5.7K ratings behind it against 21, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 83% of Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 68% of Authenticator app's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Authenticator ships an update every 3 days, Authenticator app monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator app |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.1 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id1361959180/reviews) | **[4.6 (5.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id1625466768/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 21 | **5.7K** |
| Positive reviews | **82.8% of reviews** | 67.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Monthly |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 18 MB | 279 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bouqt.com Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/386265332) | [Maxima Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1153277200) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id1361959180)

This app generates time-based and counter-based one-time passwords for multi-factor authentication. It enhances account security by providing an extra layer of verification for services like Google and Bouqt apps. Data is stored securely on your device's keychain.

**Highlights:** Multi-factor authentication code generation, Supports time-based and counter-based OTPs, Offline functionality (no internet required), Secure keychain storage, Code grouping for organization, Simple and readable UI

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Authenticator app

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id1625466768)

This app provides secure two-factor authentication for over 1000 popular online accounts. It offers quick access via widgets and Apple Watch, and ensures your data is safe with no internet exchange. Easily set up accounts by scanning QR codes or entering secret keys.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication (2FA), Multi-factor authentication (MFA), Supports 1000+ apps, Apple Watch support, Quick widget support, QR code scanning, Encrypted backup

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

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator Premium Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Authenticator App Premium Weekly | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator Premium Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Authenticator App Weekly Premium | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator Premium Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Authenticator Premium Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App Premium Yearly | $59.99 | per year |
| Premium Access 3 Month Trial | $69.99 | per year |
| Authenticator Premium Lifetime | $49.99 | one-time |
| Authenticator Premium Lifetime | $69.99 | one-time |
| Authenticator App Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 🔒 Secure authentication
- 👍 Reliable and works well
- 🚀 Quick and efficient
- 👍 Helpful for account recovery

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 💰 Expensive or hidden fees
- 🤯 Confusing setup and usage
- 🔒 Issues with account access and recovery
- 🔋 Drains device battery

**Reported bugs**

- Codes not working or generating errors
- App crashing or freezing during use
- Accounts being deleted or inaccessible
- Compatibility issues with certain devices or platforms

**Requested features**

- Improved user interface and instructions
- Better compatibility with other apps and services
- Option to export/backup authentication codes
- Ability to easily manage and remove accounts


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator free?

Authenticator 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, Authenticator or Authenticator app?

Authenticator app is rated higher. Authenticator averages 3.1 out of 5 from 21 ratings, while Authenticator app averages 4.6 from 5.7K ratings.

### Do Authenticator or Authenticator app have ads?

Neither Authenticator nor Authenticator app shows ads.

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

Authenticator ships an update every 3 days, and Authenticator app monthly. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on September 29, 2026 and Authenticator app on October 1, 2026.

---

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