# Joystick vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Joystick at none against Authenticator App's 5. Authenticator App's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 3 months) and device support (5 vs 3). On price, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Joystick asks for nothing beyond the download.

Joystick ships an update every 3 months, Authenticator App every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Joystick | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.3 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-authy-2fa/id6444312209/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **4** |
| Positive reviews | — | 60.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 179 MB | 22 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.3 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [VITAVO GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1441252943) | [满 李](https://appshunter.io/developer/1653727587) |

## What reviewers say

### Joystick

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/joystick/id1567264353)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-authy-2fa/id6444312209)

This app securely manages and generates two-factor authentication codes for numerous online services. It offers seamless cross-device syncing via iCloud and a native Apple experience with features like Dark Mode and biometric unlock. Easily import existing accounts and enjoy lifetime access with a one-time payment.

**Highlights:** Secure 2FA code generation, Cross-device iCloud sync, Native Apple experience, Extensive service support, One-click Google Authenticator import, Lifetime membership option

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator Pro - Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Authenticator Pro - Annual | $9.99 | per year |
| Authenticator Pro - Annual | $14.99 | per year |
| Authenticator Pro - Lifetime | $29.99 | one-time |
| Authenticator Pro - Lifetime | $39.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Joystick free?

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

### Is Authenticator App free?

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

### Do Joystick or Authenticator App have ads?

Neither Joystick nor Authenticator App shows ads.

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

Joystick ships an update every 3 months, and Authenticator App every 9 days. Most recently, Joystick was updated on October 2, 2026 and Authenticator App on October 3, 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.*