# The authenticator App vs Authenticator

The authenticator App and Authenticator both sit at 4.4 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of The authenticator App's written reviews are positive against 0% of Authenticator's. The authenticator App also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 33 months). Authenticator's advantage is monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription). On price, rating, ratings volume and in-app purchases 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 6 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 — 4.4 for The authenticator App against 4.3 for Authenticator. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 67 and 31 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 100% of The authenticator App's written reviews are positive against 0% of Authenticator's.

The authenticator App ships an update every 4 weeks, Authenticator every 33 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 19, 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)** | [4.3 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-secure-2fa-app/id6472184300/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **67** | 31 |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 weeks** | Every 33 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 19 MB | 35 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NextPixel apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1584487280) | [Piotr Kalita](https://appshunter.io/developer/1759390978) |

## 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-secure-2fa-app/id6472184300)

This app provides robust two-factor authentication to secure your online accounts. It offers features like account organization, secure password storage, and cross-device synchronization for enhanced digital identity protection.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication (2FA), Account creation via QR code or manual entry, Account organization with folders, Secure password and recovery code storage, Cross-device synchronization and backup, Face ID app lock

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator: Secure 2FA App | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| 2FA Authenticator: MFA, TOTP | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator: Secure 2FA App | $14.99 | per month |
| Authenticator: Secure 2FA App | $15.99 | per month |
| Authenticator: Secure 2FA App | $83.99 | per year |
| Two Factor Verify - Duo Auth | $99.99 | 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?

The authenticator App is rated higher. The authenticator App averages 4.4 out of 5 from 67 ratings, while Authenticator averages 4.3 from 31 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 33 months. Most recently, The authenticator App was updated on September 25, 2026 and Authenticator on September 19, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*