# Authenticator vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is price: Authenticator App at Free against Authenticator's $0.99. Authenticator's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 3.0) and in-app purchases (none vs 3). On review sentiment, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Authenticator App is free to download; Authenticator costs $0.99 up front. Authenticator App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Authenticator holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 2 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 75% of Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 77% of Authenticator App's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Authenticator ships an update every 2 months, Authenticator App every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-2fa-auth-app/id1511791282/reviews)** | [3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-otp-and-2fa/id6738784299/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 75.0% of reviews | **76.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 7 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [兵 张](https://appshunter.io/developer/1492987808) | [Sky Stack Systems](https://appshunter.io/developer/1837994634) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator

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

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

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-otp-and-2fa/id6738784299)

Secure your online accounts with two-factor authentication and manage all your passwords in one place. Easily scan QR codes to set up codes and integrate with popular services for enhanced digital safety.

**Highlights:** Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), Password Manager, Scan and Import Codes, Seamless Integration, Secure Account Management

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $8.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $24.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Plan | $44.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator free?

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

### Is Authenticator App free?

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

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

Authenticator is rated higher. Authenticator averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Authenticator App averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Authenticator or Authenticator App have ads?

Neither Authenticator nor Authenticator App shows ads.

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

Authenticator ships an update every 2 months, and Authenticator App every 3 months. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on October 24, 2026 and Authenticator App on October 11, 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.*