# Authenticator · vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is ads: Authenticator · at none against Authenticator App's shown. Authenticator · also leads on ratings volume (26K vs 15) and chart position (#37 vs unranked). Authenticator App's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs every 9 days). On price, rating, in-app purchases and monetization model 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 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Authenticator · against 4.6 for Authenticator App. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator · has 26K ratings behind it against 15, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Authenticator · ships an update every 9 days, Authenticator App every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and July 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator · | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (26K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id1602061522/reviews)** | [4.6 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-duoshield/id6467132147/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **26K** | 15 |
| Positive reviews | 23.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#37** | — |
| Size | 129 MB | 25 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SMM service, s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1503472689) | [Stas Miroshko](https://appshunter.io/developer/1705754274) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator ·

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

**Currently charting:** #37 Top Grossing · Utilities, #140 Top Free · 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-duoshield/id6467132147)

Secure your online accounts with this comprehensive two-factor authentication tool. It offers features like account organization, customizable icons, secure backups, and Face ID protection. Unlock advanced features like QR code scanning and manual 2FA entry with premium subscriptions.

**Highlights:** Account creation and storage, Customizable account folders, Personalized account icons, Secure data export, Light/dark theme UI settings, Face ID app lock, Cross-device sync and backup

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Duo Step Mobile Authentication | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| 2FA-MFA OTP-TOTP Authenticator | $39.99 | per year |
| Annual purchase premium access | $49.99 | 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 4.6 from 15 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 every 4 days. Most recently, Authenticator · was updated on September 24, 2026 and Authenticator App on July 6, 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.*