# Authenticator app vs Authentication App

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator app at 4.6 against Authentication App's 4.3. Authenticator app also leads on ratings volume (5.7K vs 592). Authentication App's advantage is iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.0). On price, review sentiment, 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 Authentication App sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator app holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator app has 5.7K ratings behind it against 592, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 68% of Authenticator app's written reviews are positive against 74% of Authentication 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, Authentication App every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator app | Authentication App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (5.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id1625466768/reviews)** | [4.3 (592 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authentication-app-mfa-totp/id6443597953/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **5.7K** | 592 |
| Positive reviews | 67.7% of reviews | **74.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 279 MB | 66 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) | [Soufiane Benabid](https://appshunter.io/developer/938808835) |

## 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


### Authentication App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authentication-app-mfa-totp/id6443597953)

Enhance your online account security with this two-factor authentication utility. Easily add accounts by scanning QR codes or entering details manually. Securely back up and sync your data with iCloud Keychain for device loss or upgrades.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication (2FA), QR code scanning for account setup, Manual account detail entry, Secure backup and sync with iCloud Keychain, Password and Face ID lock, Multi-device sync

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authentificator - Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Authentificator - Yearly | $39.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use and user-friendly interface
- 🔒 Reliable authentication functionality
- ⭐ Excellent overall performance
- 😊 Smooth and stress-free experience
- 💯 Best-in-class authenticator app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App doesn't work reliably
- 💰 High pricing relative to competitors
- 😕 Confusing for some users
- ⚠️ Account loss issues reported

**Reported bugs**

- App fails to function properly for some users
- Account data loss or inaccessibility
- Inconsistent performance across devices

**Requested features**

- Better account recovery options
- Improved user onboarding/documentation


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator app free?

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

### Is Authentication App free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Authenticator app or Authentication App?

Authenticator app is rated higher. Authenticator app averages 4.6 out of 5 from 5.7K ratings, while Authentication App averages 4.3 from 592 ratings.

### Do Authenticator app or Authentication App have ads?

Neither Authenticator app nor Authentication App shows ads.

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

Authenticator app ships an update monthly, and Authentication App every 2 months. Most recently, Authenticator app was updated on September 22, 2026 and Authentication App on September 24, 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.*