# Auth vs Authenticator

The clearest difference is rating: Auth at 5.0 against Authenticator's 4.5. Auth also leads on ads (none vs shown). Authenticator's advantage is update cadence (every 5 months vs every 38 months) and ratings volume (135 vs 4). On price, review sentiment, 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 sells 17 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Auth holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator has 135 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Auth ships an update every 38 months, Authenticator every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Auth | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/auth/id1437751869/reviews)** | [4.5 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-mobile-2fa-mfa/id6450538201/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 4 | **135** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 38 months | **Every 5 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 2 MB | 127 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Oliver Hayman](https://appshunter.io/developer/914520817) | [ZipoApps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1671444635) |

## 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 page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-mobile-2fa-mfa/id6450538201)

Enhance your online security with this app that generates time-based one-time passwords for two-factor authentication. It securely stores all your accounts in one place and works offline, offering peace of mind against cyber threats.

**Highlights:** Generates secure TOTP codes, Stores all accounts in one app, Works offline, Secure cloud backup and sync, Biometric and PIN protection, Auto-fill and copy to clipboard

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

**In-app purchases (17)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited access | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| 2FA Authenticator App: Secure | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| 2FA Authenticator App: Secure | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $9.99 | per year |
| Authenticate ID: Authorization | $19.99 | per month |
| Unlimited access | $19.99 | per month |
| Unlimited access | $29.99 | per month |
| Unlimited access | $39.99 | per year |
| Unlimited access | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Auth free?

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

### Is Authenticator free?

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

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

Auth is rated higher. Auth averages 5.0 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Authenticator averages 4.5 from 135 ratings.

### Do Auth or Authenticator have ads?

Authenticator shows ads; Auth does not.

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

Auth ships an update every 38 months, and Authenticator every 5 months. Most recently, Auth was updated on October 3, 2026 and Authenticator on October 8, 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.*