# Auth vs Authenticator app

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Auth at 100% against Authenticator app's 68%. Auth also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.6). Authenticator app's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 38 months) and ratings volume (5.8K vs 4). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Auth sells 5 one-off in-app purchases and Authenticator app sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Auth holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator app has 5.8K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Auth's written reviews are positive against 68% of Authenticator app's.

Auth ships an update every 38 months, Authenticator app monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Auth | Authenticator app |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/auth/id1437751869/reviews)** | [4.6 (5.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id1625466768/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 4 | **5.8K** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 67.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 38 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 2 MB | 279 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Oliver Hayman](https://appshunter.io/developer/914520817) | [Maxima Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1153277200) |

## What reviewers say

### Auth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/auth/id1437751869)

This app generates time-based one-time passwords for multi-factor authentication. It supports iCloud sync for seamless access across devices and offers quick code copying. It also recognizes TOTP QR codes for easy setup.

**Highlights:** Time-based one-time password generation, iCloud Sync for multi-device access, Tap to copy authentication codes, TOTP QR code recognition, iOS Dark Theme support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Nice Tip | $0.99 | one-time |
| Kind Tip | $2.99 | one-time |
| Generous Tip | $4.99 | one-time |
| Amazing Tip | $9.99 | one-time |
| Unbelievable Tip | $19.99 | one-time |


### Authenticator app

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id1625466768)

This app provides secure two-factor authentication for over 1000 popular online accounts. It offers quick access via widgets and Apple Watch, and ensures your data is safe with no internet exchange. Easily set up accounts by scanning QR codes or entering secret keys.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication (2FA), Multi-factor authentication (MFA), Supports 1000+ apps, Apple Watch support, Quick widget support, QR code scanning, Encrypted backup

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator Premium Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Authenticator App Premium Weekly | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator Premium Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Authenticator App Weekly Premium | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator Premium Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Authenticator Premium Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App Premium Yearly | $59.99 | per year |
| Premium Access 3 Month Trial | $69.99 | per year |
| Authenticator Premium Lifetime | $49.99 | one-time |
| Authenticator Premium Lifetime | $69.99 | one-time |
| Authenticator App Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 🔒 Secure authentication
- 👍 Reliable and works well
- 🚀 Quick and efficient
- 👍 Helpful for account recovery

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 💰 Expensive or hidden fees
- 🤯 Confusing setup and usage
- 🔒 Issues with account access and recovery
- 🔋 Drains device battery

**Reported bugs**

- Codes not working or generating errors
- App crashing or freezing during use
- Accounts being deleted or inaccessible
- Compatibility issues with certain devices or platforms

**Requested features**

- Improved user interface and instructions
- Better compatibility with other apps and services
- Option to export/backup authentication codes
- Ability to easily manage and remove accounts


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Auth free?

Auth is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Authenticator app free?

Authenticator app is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Auth or Authenticator app?

Auth is rated higher. Auth averages 5.0 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Authenticator app averages 4.6 from 5.8K ratings.

### Do Auth or Authenticator app have ads?

Neither Auth nor Authenticator app shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Auth or Authenticator app?

Auth ships an update every 38 months, and Authenticator app monthly. Most recently, Auth was updated on October 3, 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.*