# Authenticator app vs Authly

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator app at 4.6 against Authly's 4.2. Authenticator app also leads on ratings volume (5.7K vs 216). 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 Authly sells 3 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 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator app has 5.7K ratings behind it against 216, 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 65% of Authly's.

Authenticator app ships an update monthly, Authly every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator app | Authly |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (5.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id1625466768/reviews)** | [4.2 (216 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authly/id6476198484/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **5.7K** | 216 |
| Positive reviews | **67.7% of reviews** | 64.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 279 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Maxima Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1153277200) | [Appios Bilisim](https://appshunter.io/developer/1796567865) |

## 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


### Authly

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authly/id6476198484)

This app provides secure 2FA verification codes for over 2,500 websites and services. It offers seamless integration with Apple Watch, a support widget, and robust encryption for your data. Easily link accounts by scanning QR codes and enjoy synchronized access across all your devices.

**Highlights:** 2FA verification codes, QR code account linking, Support for 2,500+ websites, Apple Watch integration, In-app support widget, Encrypted data storage, Cross-device synchronization

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Access, 1 Week | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Access, 1 Month | $12.99 | per month |
| Premium Access, 1 Year | $39.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast code generation for authentication
- 👍 Easy to set up and use
- 🔒 Secure two-factor authentication
- 💡 Widget feature for lock screen access
- 📱 Import/export functionality

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Requires payment for full features
- 🎭 Deceptive app naming (similar to 'Authy')
- ⏳ 10-second wait time on startup without payment
- 🚫 Cannot export without paying
- 😤 Poor customer support

**Reported bugs**

- QR code scanning not working properly
- Account creation hyperlink non-functional
- Clicking wrong account when editing
- Support message box fails to send
- Confirmation emails sent to incorrect addresses

**Requested features**

- Better account name display without truncation
- Improved icon/list view for managing hundreds of accounts
- Clearer setup instructions
- Video tutorial improvements
- Better organization for large account collections


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator app free?

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

### Is Authly free?

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

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

Authenticator app is rated higher. Authenticator app averages 4.6 out of 5 from 5.7K ratings, while Authly averages 4.2 from 216 ratings.

### Do Authenticator app or Authly have ads?

Neither Authenticator app nor Authly shows ads.

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

Authenticator app ships an update monthly, and Authly every 5 weeks. Most recently, Authenticator app was updated on September 22, 2026 and Authly 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.*