# Authenticator App vs Countdown

The clearest difference is update cadence: Authenticator App at every 10 days against Countdown's monthly. Authenticator App also leads on chart position (#50 vs unranked) and device support (5 vs 2). On price, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days and Countdown sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator App ships an update every 10 days, Countdown monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator App | Countdown |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (50K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id1538761576/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **50K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 42.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Best chart rank | **#50** | — |
| Size | 144 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [2Stable](https://appshunter.io/developer/1534145511) | [Liam Watts](https://appshunter.io/developer/6799763963) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator App

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

**Currently charting:** #50 Top Grossing · Productivity, #79 Top Free · Productivity (US App Store)

This app provides secure two-factor authentication codes for your online accounts, ensuring enhanced security. It offers encrypted backups, cross-device synchronization, and offline code generation. Organize accounts with groups and access them quickly via widgets.

**Highlights:** Secure & Private Encryption, Encrypted Backup & Recovery, Automatic Cross-Device Sync, Account Organization with Groups, Quick Access Widget, Offline Code Generation, Multi-Platform Account Support

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, iMessage stickers, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator App | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator App | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator App | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator App | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App | $49.99 | 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


### Countdown

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/countdown-event-planner/id6799763961)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited Events | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator App free?

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

### Is Countdown free?

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

### Do Authenticator App or Countdown have ads?

Neither Authenticator App nor Countdown shows ads.

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

Authenticator App ships an update every 10 days, and Countdown monthly. Most recently, Authenticator App was updated on November 3, 2026 and Countdown on October 29, 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.*