# Authenticator app vs Cloud Authenticator

The clearest difference is monetization model: Authenticator app at free with in-app purchases against Cloud Authenticator's subscription. Authenticator app also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 5 months). Cloud Authenticator's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 68%) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator app sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Cloud Authenticator sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator app ships an update monthly, Cloud Authenticator every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator app | Cloud Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (5.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id1625466768/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **5.7K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 67.8% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 279 MB | 90 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Maxima Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1153277200) | [DEVSIG TECHNOLOGIES PRIVATE LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1650077948) |

## 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


### Cloud Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cloud-authenticator-mfa-and-2fa/id6443858715)

This app generates two-step verification codes for enhanced online account security. It offers encrypted cloud backups, multi-device synchronization, and offline access to your authentication tokens.

**Highlights:** Generate 2-Step Verification codes, TOTP and HMAC support, Encrypted cloud backups, Multi-device synchronization, Offline token generation, Supports thousands of accounts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Premium | $9.99 | per month |
| Monthly premium | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Yearly premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Ad-Free Experience | $3.99 | one-time |
| Upgrade To Premium | $10.99 | one-time |
| Upgrade To Premium | $12.99 | one-time |
| Upgrade To Premium Gold Badge | $29.99 | one-time |
| Upgrade To Premium Gold Badge | $33.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator app free?

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

### Is Cloud Authenticator free?

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

### Do Authenticator app or Cloud Authenticator have ads?

Neither Authenticator app nor Cloud Authenticator shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Authenticator app or Cloud Authenticator?

Authenticator app ships an update monthly, and Cloud Authenticator every 5 months. Most recently, Authenticator app was updated on October 1, 2026 and Cloud Authenticator on September 30, 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.*