# Authenticator App vs Authenticator App ²

The clearest difference is monetization model: Authenticator App ² at free with in-app purchases against Authenticator App's subscription. Authenticator App's advantage is ratings volume (49K vs 8) and chart position (#37 vs unranked). On price, rating, update cadence and ads 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 App ² sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Authenticator App against 4.5 for Authenticator App ². That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator App has 49K ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Authenticator App ships an update every 10 days, Authenticator App ² every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator App | Authenticator App ² |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (49K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id1538761576/reviews)** | [4.5 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id6758083667/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **49K** | 8 |
| Positive reviews | 42.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#37** | — |
| Size | 145 MB | 48 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [2Stable](https://appshunter.io/developer/1534145511) | [MTWOM LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1870794503) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator App

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

**Currently charting:** #37 Top Grossing · Productivity, #62 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 ²

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id6758083667)

Secure your online accounts with this user-friendly two-factor authentication solution. Generate verification codes, manage multiple accounts, and store passwords securely. Enjoy a completely ad-free experience designed for speed and simplicity.

**Highlights:** Face ID Smart Lock, Quick Account Search, Flexible Account Management, Offline One-Time Passwords (OTP), Basic Password Manager, 100% Ad-Free Interface

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator App Premium | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Weekly Trial | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator App Premium | $39.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App Premium | $39.99 | per year |
| Premium Yearly Trial | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator App free?

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

### Is Authenticator App ² free?

Authenticator App ² is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Authenticator App or Authenticator App ²?

Authenticator App is rated higher. Authenticator App averages 4.6 out of 5 from 49K ratings, while Authenticator App ² averages 4.5 from 8 ratings.

### Do Authenticator App or Authenticator App ² have ads?

Neither Authenticator App nor Authenticator App ² shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Authenticator App or Authenticator App ²?

Authenticator App ships an update every 10 days, and Authenticator App ² every 2 weeks. Most recently, Authenticator App was updated on September 26, 2026 and Authenticator App ² on September 13, 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.*