# ID.me Authenticator vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ID.me Authenticator at none against Authenticator App's 18. ID.me Authenticator also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). Authenticator App's advantage is review sentiment (43% vs 12%) and update cadence (every 10 days vs every 2 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and chart position there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. ID.me Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Authenticator App holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 100K and 49K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 12% of ID.me Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 43% of Authenticator App's.

ID.me Authenticator ships an update every 2 months, Authenticator App every 10 days. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | ID.me Authenticator | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (100K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idme-authenticator/id1446335066/reviews) | **[4.6 (49K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id1538761576/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **100K** | 49K |
| Positive reviews | 12.3% of reviews | **42.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#39** | #44 |
| Size | 22 MB | 145 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ID.me](https://appshunter.io/developer/1189278595) | [2Stable](https://appshunter.io/developer/1534145511) |

## What reviewers say

### ID.me Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idme-authenticator/id1446335066)

**Currently charting:** #39 Top Free · Productivity (US App Store)

This app provides a free multi-factor authentication solution for your account, adding an extra security layer to prevent unauthorized access. It generates secure verification tokens, including time-based codes and push notifications, to confirm your identity during login.

**Highlights:** Multi-factor authentication (MFA), Time-based one-time passwords (TOTP), Push notification verification, Mobile security keys, Account protection from hackers

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 💡 Comprehensive identity verification
- 👍 Clean and straightforward interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent technical issues
- 🕰️ Slow and unresponsive support
- 🤯 Confusing and frustrating workflow
- 🔒 Privacy and security concerns
- 🙍‍♀️ Poor user experience for non-tech-savvy individuals

**Reported bugs**

- Repeated login failures
- Inability to upload documents successfully
- Inconsistent error messages
- Compatibility issues with certain phone models

**Requested features**

- Improved customer support with live agents
- Simplified identity verification process
- Compatibility with more device types
- Ability to reset passwords and accounts easily


### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id1538761576)

**Currently charting:** #44 Top Grossing · Productivity, #46 Top Free · Productivity (US App Store)

This app provides secure two-factor authentication codes for your online accounts, enhancing security with encryption and backups. It offers seamless synchronization across Apple devices and quick access via widgets, even when offline.

**Highlights:** Secure & Private Encryption, Encrypted Backup, Automatic Synchronization, Quick Access Widget, Offline Code Generation, Multi-Account Import, Native Apple Experience

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, iMessage stickers

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator App | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator App | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator Premium | $9.99 | per month |
| Authenticator App | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator App | $39.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App | $69.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App | $69.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App Premium | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works well
- 🔒 Secure and reliable
- 👍 Easy to use and set up
- 💡 Excellent cross-device sync and backup
- 👍 Convenient desktop app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Compatibility issues with newer devices
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🔒 Limited free version
- 👎 Confusing setup and instructions
- 🐛 Bugs and crashes

**Reported bugs**

- App not launching on M2 MacBook Air
- Widget showing incorrect codes
- Login issues after device changes

**Requested features**

- More widget customization options
- Bulk import/export of accounts
- Password manager integration
- Automatic locking and unlocking options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ID.me Authenticator free?

ID.me 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, ID.me Authenticator or Authenticator App?

Authenticator App is rated higher. ID.me Authenticator averages 4.3 out of 5 from 100K ratings, while Authenticator App averages 4.6 from 49K ratings.

### Do ID.me Authenticator or Authenticator App have ads?

Neither ID.me Authenticator nor Authenticator App shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ID.me Authenticator or Authenticator App?

ID.me Authenticator ships an update every 2 months, and Authenticator App every 10 days. Most recently, ID.me Authenticator was updated on September 24, 2026 and Authenticator App on September 24, 2026.

### Which is more popular, ID.me Authenticator or Authenticator App?

ID.me Authenticator currently peaks at #39 in the App Store charts, and Authenticator App at #44. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*