# Argus vs Authenticator app

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Argus at none against Authenticator app's 11. Argus also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 68%) and update cadence (every 3 days vs monthly). Authenticator app's advantage is ratings volume (5.8K vs 2). On price, rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator app sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Argus asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for Argus against 4.6 for Authenticator app. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator app has 5.8K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 100% of Argus's written reviews are positive against 68% of Authenticator app's.

Argus ships an update every 3 days, Authenticator app monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Argus | Authenticator app |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/argus-totp-authenticator/id1542617858/reviews) | **[4.6 (5.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id1625466768/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **5.8K** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 67.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Monthly |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 3 MB | 279 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [晖 金](https://appshunter.io/developer/1437361520) | [Maxima Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1153277200) |

## What reviewers say

### Argus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/argus-totp-authenticator/id1542617858)

This open-source utility app generates Time-based One-time Passwords (TOTP) for secure authentication. It offers a lightweight, data-protected experience with support for dark mode, iCloud backups, and Apple Watch integration.

**Highlights:** TOTP algorithm support (RFC 6238), Open-source, Lightweight design, Full data protection, Dark mode support, iCloud backup, Apple Watch compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Authenticator app

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id1625466768)

This app provides secure two-factor authentication for over 1000 popular online accounts. It offers quick access via widgets and Apple Watch, and ensures your data is safe with no internet exchange. Easily set up accounts by scanning QR codes or entering secret keys.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication (2FA), Multi-factor authentication (MFA), Supports 1000+ apps, Apple Watch support, Quick widget support, QR code scanning, Encrypted backup

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator Premium Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Authenticator App Premium Weekly | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator Premium Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Authenticator App Weekly Premium | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator Premium Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Authenticator Premium Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App Premium Yearly | $59.99 | per year |
| Premium Access 3 Month Trial | $69.99 | per year |
| Authenticator Premium Lifetime | $49.99 | one-time |
| Authenticator Premium Lifetime | $69.99 | one-time |
| Authenticator App Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 🔒 Secure authentication
- 👍 Reliable and works well
- 🚀 Quick and efficient
- 👍 Helpful for account recovery

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 💰 Expensive or hidden fees
- 🤯 Confusing setup and usage
- 🔒 Issues with account access and recovery
- 🔋 Drains device battery

**Reported bugs**

- Codes not working or generating errors
- App crashing or freezing during use
- Accounts being deleted or inaccessible
- Compatibility issues with certain devices or platforms

**Requested features**

- Improved user interface and instructions
- Better compatibility with other apps and services
- Option to export/backup authentication codes
- Ability to easily manage and remove accounts


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Argus free?

Argus is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Authenticator app free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Argus or Authenticator app?

Authenticator app is rated higher. Argus averages 4.5 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Authenticator app averages 4.6 from 5.8K ratings.

### Do Argus or Authenticator app have ads?

Neither Argus nor Authenticator app shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Argus or Authenticator app?

Argus ships an update every 3 days, and Authenticator app monthly. Most recently, Argus was updated on October 3, 2026 and Authenticator app on October 18, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*