# Authenticator · vs Authenticator App ◦

The clearest difference is update cadence: Authenticator · at every 9 days against Authenticator App ◦'s every 2 months. Authenticator · also leads on ratings volume (26K vs 982) and review sentiment (24% vs 7%). Authenticator App ◦'s advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, rating, ads 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 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator · holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator · has 26K ratings behind it against 982, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 24% of Authenticator ·'s written reviews are positive against 7% of Authenticator App ◦'s.

Authenticator · ships an update every 9 days, Authenticator App ◦ every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator · | Authenticator App ◦ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (26K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id1602061522/reviews)** | [4.4 (982 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id6478947853/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **26K** | 982 |
| Positive reviews | **23.8% of reviews** | 7.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 days** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#32** | — |
| Size | 129 MB | 82 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [SMM service, s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1503472689) | [Apex Innovate Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1726107111) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator ·

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

**Currently charting:** #32 Top Grossing · Utilities, #139 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/id6478947853)

This app enhances your digital security by protecting your online privacy and identity. It offers features like privacy detection for photos, two-factor authentication for accounts, secure storage for personal files, and detection of phishing websites. Safely scan QR codes and barcodes to guard against online threats.

**Highlights:** Privacy detection for photos, Two-factor authentication, Secure password-protected folder, Phishing site detection, Secure QR and barcode scanner

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| DuoProtec Premium 1 Month | $6.99 | per month |
| DuoProtec Premium 1 Year | $39.99 | per year |
| DuoProtec Premium 1 Year | $49.99 | per year |

**What reviewers complain about**

- ⚠️ Misleading app description
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🚫 Not the free Google Authenticator app
- 🔒 Security concerns
- 🤯 Difficult to use/navigate

**Reported bugs**

- Subscription charges without user consent
- Inability to cancel subscription


## 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 4.4 from 982 ratings.

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

Neither Authenticator · nor Authenticator App ◦ shows ads.

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

Authenticator · ships an update every 9 days, and Authenticator App ◦ every 2 months. Most recently, Authenticator · was updated on September 24, 2026 and Authenticator App ◦ on September 15, 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.*