# Authenticator App vs Authenticator Duo

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator Duo at 5.0 against Authenticator App's 3.4. Authenticator Duo also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 4 days). Authenticator App's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator Duo sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Authenticator App asks for nothing beyond the download.

Authenticator Duo holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 14 respectively.

Authenticator App ships an update every 4 days, Authenticator Duo every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator App | Authenticator Duo |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.4 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2-factor/id1626628145/reviews) | **[5.0 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-duo-two-factor/id6504300892/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **14** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 days | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Subscription |
| Size | 59 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Darshan Jasoliya](https://appshunter.io/developer/1615567829) | [Quentin Powell](https://appshunter.io/developer/1751779133) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2-factor/id1626628145)

This app generates secure two-factor authentication codes for your online accounts. It offers cloud backup, customization options, and offline token generation. Protect your accounts with an extra layer of security.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication token generation, Cloud backup and restore, Customizable token appearance, Offline token generation, Home screen widget, Support for popular services

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Authenticator Duo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-duo-two-factor/id6504300892)

Secure your online accounts with this app that generates and stores two-factor authentication codes. It offers end-to-end encryption, Face ID/Touch ID access, and encrypted iCloud backups for easy restoration across devices. Operate securely offline and import existing tokens.

**Highlights:** Generate and store 2FA/MFA tokens, Scan QR codes or manually input codes, End-to-end encryption for all codes, Face ID & Touch ID access, Encrypted iCloud backups, Offline operation, Import existing tokens

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly subscription with trial | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly subscription | $6.99 | per 7 days |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator App free?

Authenticator App is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Authenticator Duo free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Authenticator App or Authenticator Duo?

Authenticator Duo is rated higher. Authenticator App averages 3.4 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while Authenticator Duo averages 5.0 from 14 ratings.

### Do Authenticator App or Authenticator Duo have ads?

Neither Authenticator App nor Authenticator Duo shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Authenticator App or Authenticator Duo?

Authenticator App ships an update every 4 days, and Authenticator Duo every 2 days. Most recently, Authenticator App was updated on September 21, 2026 and Authenticator Duo on October 2, 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.*