# Authenticator app vs Authenticator

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Authenticator app at 68% against Authenticator's 0%. Authenticator app also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (monthly vs every 33 months). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model 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 sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 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 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator app has 5.7K ratings behind it against 31, 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 0% of Authenticator's.

Authenticator app ships an update monthly, Authenticator every 33 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator app | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (5.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id1625466768/reviews)** | [4.3 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-secure-2fa-app/id6472184300/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **5.7K** | 31 |
| Positive reviews | **67.7% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 33 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 279 MB | 35 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Maxima Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1153277200) | [Piotr Kalita](https://appshunter.io/developer/1759390978) |

## 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 page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-secure-2fa-app/id6472184300)

This app provides robust two-factor authentication to secure your online accounts. It offers features like account organization, secure password storage, and cross-device synchronization for enhanced digital identity protection.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication (2FA), Account creation via QR code or manual entry, Account organization with folders, Secure password and recovery code storage, Cross-device synchronization and backup, Face ID app lock

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator: Secure 2FA App | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| 2FA Authenticator: MFA, TOTP | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator: Secure 2FA App | $14.99 | per month |
| Authenticator: Secure 2FA App | $15.99 | per month |
| Authenticator: Secure 2FA App | $83.99 | per year |
| Two Factor Verify - Duo Auth | $99.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator app free?

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

### Is Authenticator free?

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

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

Authenticator app is rated higher. Authenticator app averages 4.6 out of 5 from 5.7K ratings, while Authenticator averages 4.3 from 31 ratings.

### Do Authenticator app or Authenticator have ads?

Authenticator shows ads; Authenticator app does not.

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

Authenticator app ships an update monthly, and Authenticator every 33 months. Most recently, Authenticator app was updated on September 25, 2026 and Authenticator on September 19, 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.*