# Authenticator app vs Authenticator App ¹

The clearest difference is monetization model: Authenticator app at free with in-app purchases against Authenticator App ¹'s subscription. Authenticator app also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.6 vs 4.2). Authenticator App ¹'s advantage is update cadence (daily vs monthly). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator app sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Authenticator App ¹ sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 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 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator app has 5.7K ratings behind it against 285, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 68% of Authenticator app's written reviews are positive against 56% of Authenticator App ¹'s.

Authenticator app ships an update monthly, Authenticator App ¹ daily. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator app | Authenticator App ¹ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (5.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id1625466768/reviews)** | [4.2 (285 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id6446274872/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **5.7K** | 285 |
| Positive reviews | **67.7% of reviews** | 56.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Daily** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 279 MB | 128 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Maxima Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1153277200) | [GITU Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1676651389) |

## 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


### Authenticator App ¹

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id6446274872)

This app provides secure login and identity protection through two-factor authentication (2FA) and password management. It generates one-time passwords for various platforms and offers features like a private browser and VPN.

**Highlights:** Generate TOTP 2FA codes, Face ID, Touch ID, or password protection, Secure iCloud sync, Built-in password manager, Strong password generator, Integrated private browser, Apple Watch support, Built-in VPN client

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Plan | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly (VPN) | $4.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Monthly Plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly (VPN) | $14.99 | per year |
| Monthly Plan | $14.99 | per month |
| Yearly Plan | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $29.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| Lifetime License | $59.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator app free?

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

### Is Authenticator App ¹ free?

Authenticator App ¹ is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Authenticator app or Authenticator App ¹?

Authenticator app is rated higher. Authenticator app averages 4.6 out of 5 from 5.7K ratings, while Authenticator App ¹ averages 4.2 from 285 ratings.

### Do Authenticator app or Authenticator App ¹ have ads?

Authenticator App ¹ shows ads; Authenticator app does not.

### Which is updated more often, Authenticator app or Authenticator App ¹?

Authenticator app ships an update monthly, and Authenticator App ¹ daily. Most recently, Authenticator app was updated on September 22, 2026 and Authenticator App ¹ on September 21, 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.*