# Authenticator vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator App at 4.6 against Authenticator's 3.1. Authenticator App also leads on review sentiment (96% vs 83%) and ratings volume (144 vs 21). Authenticator's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 weeks). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App sells 4 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, 4.6 against 3.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator App has 144 ratings behind it against 21, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 83% of Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 96% of Authenticator App's.

Authenticator ships an update every 3 days, Authenticator App every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 5, 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 (144 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fas-auth/id6739326877/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 21 | **144** |
| Positive reviews | 82.8% of reviews | **95.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 18 MB | 40 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bouqt.com Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/386265332) | [Vipul Prajapati](https://appshunter.io/developer/1737800971) |

## 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-2fas-auth/id6739326877)

This app generates secure two-factor authentication codes for all your online accounts. It offers fast code generation, one-tap backup, and biometric security for enhanced protection. It's a reliable alternative to other popular authenticator apps.

**Highlights:** Two Factor Authentication (2FA), Fast code generation, One-tap backup and sync, Biometric security (Face ID/Touch ID), QR code scanning, Offline functionality

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator Premium Shield | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator 2FA MFA (1 Week) | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Two Factor Authentication, 2FA | $8.99 | per month |
| Authentication Premium (1Year) | $29.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth Backup with iCloud
- 🔒 Privacy-focused and well-built
- 🔒 Biometric lock adds peace of mind
- 🔒 Secured Auth Ever!
- 🔒 Fast & Secured 2FA

**What reviewers complain about**

- None

**Reported bugs**

- None

**Requested features**

- None


## 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 144 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 2 weeks. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on November 2, 2026 and Authenticator App on November 5, 2026.

---

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