# Authenticator vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator App at 4.7 against Authenticator's 3.1. Authenticator App also leads on ratings volume (3.4K vs 21). Authenticator's advantage is review sentiment (83% vs 41%) and in-app purchases (none vs 3). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Authenticator App holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator App has 3.4K 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 41% 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 every 3 weeks. 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) | **[4.7 (3.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-authkey/id6447845767/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 21 | **3.4K** |
| Positive reviews | **82.8% of reviews** | 40.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 18 MB | 49 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Bouqt.com Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/386265332) | [SkyRise Networks](https://appshunter.io/developer/1682862399) |

## 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-authkey/id6447845767)

Enhance your online security with this app, offering a secure and reliable method to protect your accounts. It generates unique codes for two-factor authentication, ensuring your personal information stays safe.

**Highlights:** Account protection with 2FA, Easy setup and management, Backup and sync accounts, Secure code generation

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator Monthly Premium | $8.99 | per month |
| Authenticator Yearly Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator Lifetime Premium | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Seamless functionality
- 🚀 Quick and easy setup
- 🔒 Robust security features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Compatibility issues
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🤯 Confusing user interface
- 🔒 Unreliable authentication

**Reported bugs**

- Unable to scan QR codes
- Accounts not showing up correctly
- Repeated login failures

**Requested features**

- Ability to add/manage multiple accounts
- Improved syncing across devices
- More transparent subscription model


## 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 4.7 from 3.4K 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 every 3 weeks. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on September 29, 2026 and Authenticator App on October 1, 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.*