# Authenticator app vs Authenticator

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Authenticator app at 68% against Authenticator's 4%. Authenticator app also leads on rating (4.6 vs 3.5) and update cadence (monthly vs every 6 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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 8 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 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 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator app has 5.7K ratings behind it against 190, 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 4% of Authenticator's.

Authenticator app ships an update monthly, Authenticator every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 6, 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)** | [3.5 (190 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-mfa-and-2fa/id6612031858/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **5.7K** | 190 |
| Positive reviews | **67.7% of reviews** | 4.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 279 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Maxima Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1153277200) | [Level Clash Apps S.L.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1590871236) |

## 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-mfa-and-2fa/id6612031858)

Securely store and generate two-factor authentication codes for your online accounts directly on your device. Features encrypted backups, cross-device sync, and quick access widgets. Supports thousands of services and offers offline code generation.

**Highlights:** Secure and private data storage, Encrypted backups to iCloud, Cross-device sync including Apple Watch, Home Screen widget for quick access, Offline code generation, Import accounts from other authenticators, Support for thousands of major services

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Plan | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Plan | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Plan | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Plan | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Subscription | $19.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $19.99 | per month |
| yearly subscription | $79.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy and simple to use
- 👍 Keep your codes near

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤥 Misleading app name (mimics Authy)
- 💸 Unexpected subscription charges
- ❌ App is not free as advertised
- 🚫 Forced payment pop-ups
- 🗑️ Erased connected apps after update

**Reported bugs**

- App won't open after payment
- Connected apps erased by update
- Lost access to important accounts due to app deletion
- App declines correct entries
- Funds inaccessible


## 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 3.5 from 190 ratings.

### Do Authenticator app or Authenticator have ads?

Neither Authenticator app nor Authenticator shows ads.

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

Authenticator app ships an update monthly, and Authenticator every 6 months. Most recently, Authenticator app was updated on September 22, 2026 and Authenticator on September 6, 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.*