# Authenticator app vs The authenticator App

The clearest difference is monetization model: Authenticator app at free with in-app purchases against The authenticator App's subscription. Authenticator app also leads on ratings volume (5.7K vs 67). The authenticator App's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 68%) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.0). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator app sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and The authenticator App sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator app holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator app has 5.7K ratings behind it against 67, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 68% of Authenticator app's written reviews are positive against 100% of The authenticator App's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Authenticator app ships an update monthly, The authenticator App every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator app | The authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (5.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id1625466768/reviews)** | [4.4 (67 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-authenticator-app-2fa/id1641113701/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **5.7K** | 67 |
| Positive reviews | 67.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 279 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Maxima Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1153277200) | [NextPixel apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1584487280) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator app

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id1625466768)

This app provides secure two-factor authentication for over 1000 popular online accounts. It offers quick access via widgets and Apple Watch, and ensures your data is safe with no internet exchange. Easily set up accounts by scanning QR codes or entering secret keys.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication (2FA), Multi-factor authentication (MFA), Supports 1000+ apps, Apple Watch support, Quick widget support, QR code scanning, Encrypted backup

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

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator Premium Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Authenticator App Premium Weekly | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator Premium Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Authenticator App Weekly Premium | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator Premium Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Authenticator Premium Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App Premium Yearly | $59.99 | per year |
| Premium Access 3 Month Trial | $69.99 | per year |
| Authenticator Premium Lifetime | $49.99 | one-time |
| Authenticator Premium Lifetime | $69.99 | one-time |
| Authenticator App Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 🔒 Secure authentication
- 👍 Reliable and works well
- 🚀 Quick and efficient
- 👍 Helpful for account recovery

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 💰 Expensive or hidden fees
- 🤯 Confusing setup and usage
- 🔒 Issues with account access and recovery
- 🔋 Drains device battery

**Reported bugs**

- Codes not working or generating errors
- App crashing or freezing during use
- Accounts being deleted or inaccessible
- Compatibility issues with certain devices or platforms

**Requested features**

- Improved user interface and instructions
- Better compatibility with other apps and services
- Option to export/backup authentication codes
- Ability to easily manage and remove accounts


### The authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-authenticator-app-2fa/id1641113701)

Securely manage all your two-factor authentication codes in one place. Scan QR codes or manually add accounts for easy access, protected by Face ID or password.

**Highlights:** 2FA Code Generation, QR Code Scanning, Centralized Account Management, Face ID Access, Password Lock

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The authy authenticator | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| 2fa 2 factor authentication | $9.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator app free?

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

### Is The authenticator App free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Authenticator app or The authenticator App?

Authenticator app is rated higher. Authenticator app averages 4.6 out of 5 from 5.7K ratings, while The authenticator App averages 4.4 from 67 ratings.

### Do Authenticator app or The authenticator App have ads?

Neither Authenticator app nor The authenticator App shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Authenticator app or The authenticator App?

Authenticator app ships an update monthly, and The authenticator App every 4 weeks. Most recently, Authenticator app was updated on September 22, 2026 and The authenticator App on September 11, 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.*