# TimeKey vs Authenticator app

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator app at 4.6 against TimeKey's 3.7. Authenticator app also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (5.7K vs 3). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. TimeKey sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month 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.

Authenticator app holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator app has 5.7K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

TimeKey ships an update every 6 weeks, Authenticator app monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | TimeKey | Authenticator app |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timekey/id1506129753/reviews) | **[4.6 (5.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id1625466768/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **5.7K** |
| Positive reviews | — | 67.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 55 MB | 279 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Naoki Chiba](https://appshunter.io/developer/1506129752) | [Maxima Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1153277200) |

## What reviewers say

### TimeKey

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timekey/id1506129753)

This app generates secure Time-based One-Time Passwords (TOTP) for two-factor authentication, protecting your online accounts. It offers local data storage, biometric security, and an intuitive interface for easy account management and quick code access. No internet connection is needed for code generation.

**Highlights:** Generate secure TOTP codes, Import accounts via QR code or manual entry, Organize accounts with categories and favorites, Biometric authentication (Face ID/Touch ID), Passcode protection, Dark mode support, Export QR codes for backup

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium 1 month | $1.49 | per month |
| Premium 1 year | $13.49 | per year |


### 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 TimeKey free?

TimeKey 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, TimeKey or Authenticator app?

Authenticator app is rated higher. TimeKey averages 3.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Authenticator app averages 4.6 from 5.7K ratings.

### Do TimeKey or Authenticator app have ads?

TimeKey shows ads; Authenticator app does not.

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

TimeKey ships an update every 6 weeks, and Authenticator app monthly. Most recently, TimeKey was updated on September 15, 2026 and Authenticator app on September 28, 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.*