# Authenticator · vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is monetization model: Authenticator · at free with in-app purchases against Authenticator App's subscription. Authenticator · also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.6 vs 4.2). Authenticator App's advantage is review sentiment (56% vs 24%) and update cadence (daily vs every 9 days). On price and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator · sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days and Authenticator App sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator · holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator · has 26K ratings behind it against 286, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 24% of Authenticator ·'s written reviews are positive against 56% of Authenticator App's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Authenticator · ships an update every 9 days, Authenticator App daily. Both last shipped on September 26, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator · | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (26K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id1602061522/reviews)** | [4.2 (286 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-safepass/id6446274872/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **26K** | 286 |
| Positive reviews | 23.8% of reviews | **56.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days | **Daily** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#29** | — |
| Size | 129 MB | 137 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [SMM service, s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1503472689) | [GITU Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1676651389) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator ·

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id1602061522)

**Currently charting:** #29 Top Grossing · Utilities (US App Store)

Securely store and generate two-factor authentication (2FA) tokens for your online accounts. Protect your accounts from hackers with an additional layer of security. Features encrypted backups, cross-device synchronization, and a private browser.

**Highlights:** Secure 2FA token generation, Encrypted iCloud backups, Cross-device synchronization, Import/Export 2FA codes, Password manager with leak protection, Private browser, App PIN lock

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

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Week Starter | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 Month Promo | $7.99 | per month |
| 1 Week Plan | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 Month Plan - VPN | $12.99 | per month |
| 1 Month Plan | $12.99 | per month |
| 1 Month Special | $12.99 | per month |
| 1 Month Plan - 7 Days | $12.99 | per month |
| 1 Year Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| 1 Year Plan | $59.99 | per year |
| 1 Year Plan - 3 Days | $59.99 | per year |
| 1 Year - 7 Days | $69.99 | per year |
| 1 Year Plan - VPN | $79.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Helpful for 2FA
- 👍 Easy to navigate
- 🚀 Efficient authentication

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent performance
- 💰 Subscription-based model
- 🔒 Concerns about security and privacy
- 🤔 Misleading marketing

**Reported bugs**

- Codes not working as expected
- Accounts disappearing after device change
- Inability to cancel subscription

**Requested features**

- Backup and restore functionality
- Support for more account types
- Clearer instructions for setup and usage


### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-safepass/id6446274872)

This app provides secure login and identity protection through two-factor authentication (2FA) and password management. It generates one-time passwords for various platforms and offers features like a private browser and VPN.

**Highlights:** Generate TOTP 2FA codes, Face ID, Touch ID, or password protection, Secure iCloud sync, Built-in password manager, Strong password generator, Integrated private browser, Apple Watch support, Built-in VPN client

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Plan | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly (VPN) | $4.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Monthly Plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly (VPN) | $14.99 | per year |
| Monthly Plan | $14.99 | per month |
| Yearly Plan | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $29.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| Lifetime License | $59.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator · free?

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

### Is Authenticator App free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Authenticator · or Authenticator App?

Authenticator · is rated higher. Authenticator · averages 4.6 out of 5 from 26K ratings, while Authenticator App averages 4.2 from 286 ratings.

### Do Authenticator · or Authenticator App have ads?

Authenticator App shows ads; Authenticator · does not.

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

Authenticator · ships an update every 9 days, and Authenticator App daily. Most recently, Authenticator · was updated on September 26, 2026 and Authenticator App on September 26, 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.*