# Authenticator vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Authenticator at none against Authenticator App's 3. Authenticator also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (21 vs 2). Authenticator App's advantage is device support (4 vs 2). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads 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.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 3.1 for Authenticator against 3.0 for Authenticator App. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator has 21 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 83% of Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 77% of Authenticator App's.

Authenticator ships an update every 3 days, Authenticator App every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.1 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id1361959180/reviews)** | [3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-otp-and-2fa/id6738784299/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **21** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | **82.8% of reviews** | 76.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 18 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bouqt.com Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/386265332) | [Sky Stack Systems](https://appshunter.io/developer/1837994634) |

## 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-otp-and-2fa/id6738784299)

Secure your online accounts with two-factor authentication and manage all your passwords in one place. Easily scan QR codes to set up codes and integrate with popular services for enhanced digital safety.

**Highlights:** Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), Password Manager, Scan and Import Codes, Seamless Integration, Secure Account Management

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $8.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $24.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Plan | $44.99 | 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 is rated higher. Authenticator averages 3.1 out of 5 from 21 ratings, while Authenticator App averages 3.0 from 2 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 months. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on October 22, 2026 and Authenticator App on October 11, 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.*