# TimeKey vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator App at 4.7 against TimeKey's 3.7. Authenticator App also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (3.4K 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 4 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator App holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator App has 3.4K 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 October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | TimeKey | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timekey/id1506129753/reviews) | **[4.7 (3.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-authkey/id6447845767/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **3.4K** |
| Positive reviews | — | 41.3% 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 | 46 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Naoki Chiba](https://appshunter.io/developer/1506129752) | [SkyRise Networks](https://appshunter.io/developer/1682862399) |

## 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-authkey/id6447845767)

Enhance your online security with this app, offering a secure and reliable method to protect your accounts. It generates unique codes for two-factor authentication, ensuring your personal information stays safe.

**Highlights:** Account protection with 2FA, Easy setup and management, Backup and sync accounts, Secure code generation

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator Weekly Premium | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator Monthly Premium | $8.99 | per month |
| Authenticator Yearly Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator Lifetime Premium | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Seamless functionality
- 🚀 Quick and easy setup
- 🔒 Robust security features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Compatibility issues
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🤯 Confusing user interface
- 🔒 Unreliable authentication

**Reported bugs**

- Unable to scan QR codes
- Accounts not showing up correctly
- Repeated login failures

**Requested features**

- Ability to add/manage multiple accounts
- Improved syncing across devices
- More transparent subscription model


## 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 4.7 from 3.4K 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 October 12, 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.*