# MFA vs Authenticator

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MFA at none against Authenticator's 19. MFA also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 5 months). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator sells 17 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. MFA asks for nothing beyond the download.

MFA ships an update every 3 days, Authenticator every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MFA | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.5 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-mobile-2fa-mfa/id6450538201/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **135** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 1 MB | 127 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Florian Finder](https://appshunter.io/developer/1120974380) | [ZipoApps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1671444635) |

## What reviewers say

### MFA

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mfa/id1598755729)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-mobile-2fa-mfa/id6450538201)

Enhance your online security with this app that generates time-based one-time passwords for two-factor authentication. It securely stores all your accounts in one place and works offline, offering peace of mind against cyber threats.

**Highlights:** Generates secure TOTP codes, Stores all accounts in one app, Works offline, Secure cloud backup and sync, Biometric and PIN protection, Auto-fill and copy to clipboard

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

**In-app purchases (17)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited access | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| 2FA Authenticator App: Secure | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| 2FA Authenticator App: Secure | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $9.99 | per year |
| Authenticate ID: Authorization | $19.99 | per month |
| Unlimited access | $19.99 | per month |
| Unlimited access | $29.99 | per month |
| Unlimited access | $39.99 | per year |
| Unlimited access | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MFA free?

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

### Is Authenticator free?

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

### Do MFA or Authenticator have ads?

Authenticator shows ads; MFA does not.

### Which is updated more often, MFA or Authenticator?

MFA ships an update every 3 days, and Authenticator every 5 months. Most recently, MFA was updated on September 9, 2026 and Authenticator on September 18, 2026.

---

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