# Authenticator vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Authenticator at none against Authenticator App's 2. Authenticator also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 weeks). Authenticator App's advantage is device support (4 vs 2). On price there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Authenticator ships an update every 3 days, Authenticator App every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.1 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id1361959180/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **21** | — |
| Positive reviews | 82.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 18 MB | 61 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bouqt.com Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/386265332) | [4ingens](https://appshunter.io/developer/1661356024) |

## 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-safe-2fa/id6753803401)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Week Plan | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 Year Plan | $49.99 | per year |


## 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.

### 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 every 2 weeks. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on October 22, 2026 and Authenticator App on October 12, 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.*