# Authenticator App vs Authenticator

The clearest difference is monetization model: Authenticator at free with in-app purchases against Authenticator App's subscription. Authenticator also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.6). Authenticator App's advantage is ratings volume (49K vs 2) and chart position (#51 vs unranked). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days and Authenticator sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator App has 49K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Authenticator App ships an update fortnightly, Authenticator every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator App | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (49K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id1538761576/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-2famfa/id6739278649/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **49K** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 42.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#51** | — |
| Size | 251 MB | 50 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.5 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [2Stable](https://appshunter.io/developer/1534145511) | [园 周](https://appshunter.io/developer/1783490941) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id1538761576)

**Currently charting:** #51 Top Grossing · Productivity, #70 Top Free · Productivity (US App Store)

This app provides secure two-factor authentication codes for your online accounts, enhancing security with encryption and backups. It offers seamless synchronization across Apple devices and quick access via widgets, even when offline.

**Highlights:** Secure & Private Encryption, Encrypted Backup, Automatic Synchronization, Quick Access Widget, Offline Code Generation, Multi-Account Import, Native Apple Experience

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, iMessage stickers

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator App | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator App | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator Premium | $9.99 | per month |
| Authenticator App | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator App | $39.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App | $69.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App | $69.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App Premium | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works well
- 🔒 Secure and reliable
- 👍 Easy to use and set up
- 💡 Excellent cross-device sync and backup
- 👍 Convenient desktop app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Compatibility issues with newer devices
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🔒 Limited free version
- 👎 Confusing setup and instructions
- 🐛 Bugs and crashes

**Reported bugs**

- App not launching on M2 MacBook Air
- Widget showing incorrect codes
- Login issues after device changes

**Requested features**

- More widget customization options
- Bulk import/export of accounts
- Password manager integration
- Automatic locking and unlocking options


### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-2famfa/id6739278649)

Enhance your online security with this user-friendly app that generates time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) for two-factor authentication. Securely manage codes for popular services by scanning QR codes or importing existing data. Offers iCloud sync and biometric protection for easy access across devices.

**Highlights:** Generate secure 2FA codes, Sync accounts with iCloud, Biometric authentication (Face ID/Touch ID), Setup via QR scan or import, Organize tokens with folders, Import/export codes as text file

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Premium | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Premium | $12.99 | per month |
| Annual Premium | $29.99 | per year |
| Yearly Premium | $39.99 | per year |
| Yearly Premium | $39.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Premium | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator App free?

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

### Is Authenticator free?

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

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

Authenticator is rated higher. Authenticator App averages 4.6 out of 5 from 49K ratings, while Authenticator averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Authenticator App or Authenticator have ads?

Neither Authenticator App nor Authenticator shows ads.

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

Authenticator App ships an update fortnightly, and Authenticator every 3 weeks. Most recently, Authenticator App was updated on October 14, 2026 and Authenticator on October 4, 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.*