# Authenticator App vs AuthForge

The clearest difference is monetization model: AuthForge at free with in-app purchases against Authenticator App's subscription. AuthForge also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.6). Authenticator App's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (49K vs 2). On price, update cadence 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 AuthForge sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

AuthForge 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, AuthForge every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator App | AuthForge |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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/authforge-2fa-authenticator/id6739356857/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **49K** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 42.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#39** | — |
| Size | 251 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [2Stable](https://appshunter.io/developer/1534145511) | [ZILLIA TECH LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1590208510) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator App

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

**Currently charting:** #39 Top Grossing · Productivity, #79 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


### AuthForge

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authforge-2fa-authenticator/id6739356857)

Generate and store secure one-time codes for two-factor authentication. Easily set up by scanning QR codes or manual entry, it supports thousands of services with a sleek, user-friendly interface. Enjoy cloud backup, biometric security, and an ad-free experience.

**Highlights:** Quick & Easy Setup, Broad Compatibility, HOTP & TOTP Support, Cloud Backup & Sync, Biometric Security, Ad-Free Experience

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Plan | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Annual Plan | $59.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator App free?

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

### Is AuthForge free?

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

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

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

### Do Authenticator App or AuthForge have ads?

AuthForge shows ads; Authenticator App does not.

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

Authenticator App ships an update fortnightly, and AuthForge every 2 weeks. Most recently, Authenticator App was updated on October 9, 2026 and AuthForge on September 30, 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.*