# Authenticator app vs 2FA Authenticator

The clearest difference is update cadence: 2FA Authenticator at daily against Authenticator app's monthly. Authenticator app's advantage is ratings volume (5.7K vs 31). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator app sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and 2FA Authenticator sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Authenticator app against 4.7 for 2FA Authenticator. 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.

Authenticator app ships an update monthly, 2FA Authenticator daily. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and July 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator app | 2FA Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (5.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id1625466768/reviews) | **[4.7 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/2fa-authenticator-mfa-verify/id6504246373/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **5.7K** | 31 |
| Positive reviews | 67.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 279 MB | 45 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Maxima Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1153277200) | [Jullien Pay](https://appshunter.io/developer/1763632608) |

## 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


### 2FA Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/2fa-authenticator-mfa-verify/id6504246373)

This app provides enhanced security for your online accounts by generating temporary, time-based codes. It offers one-tap authentication, secure cloud backup, and flexible account management for a safer digital experience.

**Highlights:** One-Tap Authentication, Multi-Factor Security, Time-Based One-Time Passwords (TOTP), Secure Backup & Recovery, Flexible Account Management, Cross-Platform Compatibility, Proactive Security Measures

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly premium | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly premium | $19.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator app free?

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

### Is 2FA Authenticator free?

2FA Authenticator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Authenticator app or 2FA Authenticator?

2FA Authenticator is rated higher. Authenticator app averages 4.6 out of 5 from 5.7K ratings, while 2FA Authenticator averages 4.7 from 31 ratings.

### Do Authenticator app or 2FA Authenticator have ads?

Neither Authenticator app nor 2FA Authenticator shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Authenticator app or 2FA Authenticator?

Authenticator app ships an update monthly, and 2FA Authenticator daily. Most recently, Authenticator app was updated on September 22, 2026 and 2FA Authenticator on July 17, 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.*