# Authenticator vs Authenticator ·

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Authenticator at 75% against Authenticator ·'s 24%. Authenticator also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 12) and rating (5.0 vs 4.6). Authenticator ·'s advantage is price (Free vs $0.99) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 2 months). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Authenticator · is free to download; Authenticator costs $0.99 up front. Authenticator · sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Authenticator holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator · has 26K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 75% of Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 24% of Authenticator ·'s.

Authenticator ships an update every 2 months, Authenticator · every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 7, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator · |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-2fa-auth-app/id1511791282/reviews)** | [4.6 (26K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id1602061522/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **26K** |
| Positive reviews | **75.0% of reviews** | 23.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | #195 | **#29** |
| Size | 7 MB | 129 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [兵 张](https://appshunter.io/developer/1492987808) | [SMM service, s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1503472689) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-2fa-auth-app/id1511791282)

**Currently charting:** #195 Top Paid · Utilities (US App Store)

Secure your online accounts with this open-source two-factor authentication app. It supports TOTP and offers multiple convenient setup and export options, all while remaining completely offline and private.

**Highlights:** TOTP algorithm support, QR code scanning for setup, Import accounts from files, Manual account entry, Export account keys, Offline functionality, Open-source

**In-app purchases:** none


### Authenticator ·

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id1602061522)

**Currently charting:** #29 Top Grossing · Utilities, #172 Top Free · Utilities (US App Store)

Securely store and generate two-factor authentication (2FA) tokens for your online accounts. Protect your accounts from hackers with an additional layer of security. Features encrypted backups, cross-device synchronization, and a private browser.

**Highlights:** Secure 2FA token generation, Encrypted iCloud backups, Cross-device synchronization, Import/Export 2FA codes, Password manager with leak protection, Private browser, App PIN lock

**Features:** Safari Extension, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Week Starter | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 Month Promo | $7.99 | per month |
| 1 Week Plan | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 Month Plan - VPN | $12.99 | per month |
| 1 Month Plan | $12.99 | per month |
| 1 Month Special | $12.99 | per month |
| 1 Month Plan - 7 Days | $12.99 | per month |
| 1 Year Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| 1 Year Plan | $59.99 | per year |
| 1 Year Plan - 3 Days | $59.99 | per year |
| 1 Year - 7 Days | $69.99 | per year |
| 1 Year Plan - VPN | $79.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Helpful for 2FA
- 👍 Easy to navigate
- 🚀 Efficient authentication

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent performance
- 💰 Subscription-based model
- 🔒 Concerns about security and privacy
- 🤔 Misleading marketing

**Reported bugs**

- Codes not working as expected
- Accounts disappearing after device change
- Inability to cancel subscription

**Requested features**

- Backup and restore functionality
- Support for more account types
- Clearer instructions for setup and usage


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator free?

Authenticator costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Authenticator · free?

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

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

Authenticator is rated higher. Authenticator averages 5.0 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Authenticator · averages 4.6 from 26K ratings.

### Do Authenticator or Authenticator · have ads?

Neither Authenticator nor Authenticator · shows ads.

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

Authenticator ships an update every 2 months, and Authenticator · every 9 days. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on September 7, 2026 and Authenticator · on September 25, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Authenticator or Authenticator ·?

Authenticator currently peaks at #195 in the App Store charts, and Authenticator · at #29. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*