# The authenticator App vs Authenticator

The clearest difference is monetization model: Authenticator at free with in-app purchases against The authenticator App's subscription. The authenticator App's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 5 months). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The authenticator App sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and Authenticator sells 17 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 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 — 4.4 for The authenticator App against 4.5 for Authenticator. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 67 and 135 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

The authenticator App ships an update every 4 weeks, Authenticator every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The authenticator App | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (67 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-authenticator-app-2fa/id1641113701/reviews) | **[4.5 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-mobile-2fa-mfa/id6450538201/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 67 | **135** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 weeks** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 19 MB | 127 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NextPixel apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1584487280) | [ZipoApps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1671444635) |

## What reviewers say

### The authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-authenticator-app-2fa/id1641113701)

Securely manage all your two-factor authentication codes in one place. Scan QR codes or manually add accounts for easy access, protected by Face ID or password.

**Highlights:** 2FA Code Generation, QR Code Scanning, Centralized Account Management, Face ID Access, Password Lock

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The authy authenticator | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| 2fa 2 factor authentication | $9.99 | per month |


### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-mobile-2fa-mfa/id6450538201)

Enhance your online security with this app that generates time-based one-time passwords for two-factor authentication. It securely stores all your accounts in one place and works offline, offering peace of mind against cyber threats.

**Highlights:** Generates secure TOTP codes, Stores all accounts in one app, Works offline, Secure cloud backup and sync, Biometric and PIN protection, Auto-fill and copy to clipboard

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

**In-app purchases (17)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited access | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| 2FA Authenticator App: Secure | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| 2FA Authenticator App: Secure | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $9.99 | per year |
| Authenticate ID: Authorization | $19.99 | per month |
| Unlimited access | $19.99 | per month |
| Unlimited access | $29.99 | per month |
| Unlimited access | $39.99 | per year |
| Unlimited access | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The authenticator App free?

The 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, The authenticator App or Authenticator?

Authenticator is rated higher. The authenticator App averages 4.4 out of 5 from 67 ratings, while Authenticator averages 4.5 from 135 ratings.

### Do The authenticator App or Authenticator have ads?

Authenticator shows ads; The authenticator App does not.

### Which is updated more often, The authenticator App or Authenticator?

The authenticator App ships an update every 4 weeks, and Authenticator every 5 months. Most recently, The authenticator App was updated on September 25, 2026 and Authenticator on October 8, 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.*