# TimeKey vs Authenticator App ¹

The clearest difference is monetization model: TimeKey at free with in-app purchases against Authenticator App ¹'s subscription. TimeKey also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). Authenticator App ¹'s advantage is rating (4.2 vs 3.7) and update cadence (daily vs every 6 weeks). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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 ¹ sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator App ¹ holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator App ¹ has 287 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

TimeKey ships an update every 6 weeks, Authenticator App ¹ daily. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | TimeKey | Authenticator App ¹ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timekey/id1506129753/reviews) | **[4.2 (287 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id6446274872/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **287** |
| Positive reviews | — | 56.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Daily** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 55 MB | 140 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Naoki Chiba](https://appshunter.io/developer/1506129752) | [GITU Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1676651389) |

## 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 ¹

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id6446274872)

This app provides secure login and identity protection through two-factor authentication (2FA) and password management. It generates one-time passwords for various platforms and offers features like a private browser and VPN.

**Highlights:** Generate TOTP 2FA codes, Face ID, Touch ID, or password protection, Secure iCloud sync, Built-in password manager, Strong password generator, Integrated private browser, Apple Watch support, Built-in VPN client

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Plan | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly (VPN) | $4.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Monthly Plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly (VPN) | $14.99 | per year |
| Monthly Plan | $14.99 | per month |
| Yearly Plan | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $29.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| Lifetime License | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🔒 Security tool
- 👍 Daily use
- 👍 Very good
- 👍 Thank you
- 👍 Good

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't work
- 🐛 Needs premium version
- 🐛 Not intuitive
- 🐛 Subscription required
- 🐛 Doesn't work for Instagram

**Reported bugs**

- Doesn't work
- Requires premium for functionality
- Doesn't work for Instagram authentication
- Lost access after trial

**Requested features**

- Provide instructions/manual
- Allow star rating without review prompt


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TimeKey free?

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

### Is Authenticator App ¹ free?

Authenticator App ¹ is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, TimeKey or Authenticator App ¹?

Authenticator App ¹ is rated higher. TimeKey averages 3.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Authenticator App ¹ averages 4.2 from 287 ratings.

### Do TimeKey or Authenticator App ¹ have ads?

Both TimeKey and Authenticator App ¹ show ads.

### Which is updated more often, TimeKey or Authenticator App ¹?

TimeKey ships an update every 6 weeks, and Authenticator App ¹ daily. Most recently, TimeKey was updated on September 15, 2026 and Authenticator App ¹ on October 20, 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.*