# MFA vs Authenticator

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

Both are free to download. Authenticator sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. MFA asks for nothing beyond the download.

MFA ships an update every 3 days, Authenticator every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MFA | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-mfa-auth-and-totp/id6756618123/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 1 MB | 38 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Florian Finder](https://appshunter.io/developer/1120974380) | [Ditlev Carlsen](https://appshunter.io/developer/1861832011) |

## 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-mfa-auth-and-totp/id6756618123)

This app generates one-time passwords (OTPs) to add an extra layer of security to your online accounts. It supports time-based OTPs for various popular services and offers quick setup via QR code scanning. Designed for privacy and security, it helps protect your data from unauthorized access.

**Highlights:** Generates secure TOTP codes, Supports major platforms and services, Quick setup with QR code scanning, Offline code generation, Clean and simple interface, Privacy and security focused

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $19.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $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?

Neither MFA nor Authenticator shows ads.

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

MFA ships an update every 3 days, and Authenticator every 5 weeks. Most recently, MFA was updated on October 12, 2026 and Authenticator on October 17, 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.*