# Authenticator vs Authenticator App · 2FA

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator App · 2FA at 4.2 against Authenticator's 3.1. Authenticator App · 2FA also leads on ratings volume (381 vs 21) and device support (5 vs 2). Authenticator's advantage is review sentiment (83% vs 45%) and in-app purchases (none vs 15). On price there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App · 2FA sells 14 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Authenticator App · 2FA holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator App · 2FA has 381 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 45% of Authenticator App · 2FA'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 · 2FA every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator App · 2FA |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.1 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id1361959180/reviews) | **[4.2 (381 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa/id6470149516/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 21 | **381** |
| Positive reviews | **82.8% of reviews** | 44.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 18 MB | 114 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Bouqt.com Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/386265332) | [FirstOrder.AI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1713063266) |

## 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 · 2FA

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa/id6470149516)

This app provides an extra layer of security for your online accounts by generating time-based one-time passwords (TOTP/OTP) for two-factor authentication. It supports numerous services and offers features like encrypted sync, passkey support, and app-level security.

**Highlights:** Generate 2-factor authentication codes, Support for passkeys and passwordless logins, Encrypted sync and backup via iCloud/Google Cloud, App-level security with Face ID/Touch ID, Widgets for home screen access, Organize codes with folders, Import from Google Authenticator

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (14)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator PRO Weekly | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator Monthly Premium | $11.99 | per month |
| Authenticator Monthly Premium | $11.99 | per month |
| Authenticator Monthly Premium | $12.99 | per month |
| Authenticator PRO Monthly | $12.99 | per month |
| Authenticator Annual Premium | $29.99 | per year |
| Authenticator PRO Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Authenticator PRO Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| OTP Authenticator PRO Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| OTP Authenticator PRO Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator PRO Lifetime | $39.99 | one-time |
| Authenticator PRO Lifetime | $59.99 | one-time |
| 2FA Authenticator - Pro | $59.99 | one-time |
| Authenticator PRO Lifetime | $79.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🔒 Strong security and encryption for 2FA codes
- 👍 Easy to use and intuitive interface
- 🚀 Fast and reliable performance
- 💻 Cross-platform synchronization (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)
- ⌚ Widget support and smartwatch integration

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Misleading free-to-paid conversion model
- 🚫 Difficult cancellation process
- ⚠️ Accidental subscription charges
- 🔐 Authentication and login issues
- 📱 Mobile version requires paid subscription

**Reported bugs**

- QR code scanner not functioning properly
- Unable to import keys on mobile without payment
- Sync issues between Mac and iOS devices
- Photo-based QR code reading fails
- App incompatible with CachyOS

**Requested features**

- CachyOS/Arch Linux version support
- Clearer pricing and subscription information upfront
- Manual code entry without QR scanner requirement
- Better cross-platform synchronization documentation
- Improved setup instructions for new devices


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator free?

Authenticator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Authenticator App · 2FA free?

Authenticator App · 2FA is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Authenticator or Authenticator App · 2FA?

Authenticator App · 2FA is rated higher. Authenticator averages 3.1 out of 5 from 21 ratings, while Authenticator App · 2FA averages 4.2 from 381 ratings.

### Do Authenticator or Authenticator App · 2FA have ads?

Authenticator App · 2FA shows ads; Authenticator does not.

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

Authenticator ships an update every 3 days, and Authenticator App · 2FA every 3 weeks. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on September 29, 2026 and Authenticator App · 2FA on September 28, 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.*