# Authenticator vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator App at 4.2 against Authenticator's 3.1. Authenticator App also leads on ratings volume (286 vs 21) and update cadence (daily vs every 3 days). Authenticator's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 11) and ads (none vs shown). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Authenticator App holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator App has 286 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 56% 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 daily. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.1 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id1361959180/reviews) | **[4.2 (286 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-safepass/id6446274872/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 21 | **286** |
| Positive reviews | **82.8% of reviews** | 56.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 days | **Daily** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 18 MB | 137 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Bouqt.com Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/386265332) | [GITU Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1676651389) |

## 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-safepass/id6446274872)

This app provides secure login and identity protection through two-factor authentication (2FA) and password management. It generates one-time passwords for various platforms and offers features like a private browser and VPN.

**Highlights:** Generate TOTP 2FA codes, Face ID, Touch ID, or password protection, Secure iCloud sync, Built-in password manager, Strong password generator, Integrated private browser, Apple Watch support, Built-in VPN client

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Plan | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly (VPN) | $4.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Monthly Plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly (VPN) | $14.99 | per year |
| Monthly Plan | $14.99 | per month |
| Yearly Plan | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $29.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| Lifetime License | $59.99 | one-time |


## 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 4.2 from 286 ratings.

### Do Authenticator or Authenticator App have ads?

Authenticator App shows ads; Authenticator does not.

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

Authenticator ships an update every 3 days, and Authenticator App daily. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on September 29, 2026 and Authenticator App on September 30, 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.*