# The authenticator App vs Authenticator

The clearest difference is review sentiment: The authenticator App at 100% against Authenticator's 4%. The authenticator App also leads on rating (4.4 vs 3.5) and update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 6 months). Authenticator's advantage is monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription). On price, ratings volume, ads 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 8 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

The authenticator App holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 67 and 190 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of The authenticator App's written reviews are positive against 4% of Authenticator's.

The authenticator App ships an update every 4 weeks, Authenticator every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 6, 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)** | [3.5 (190 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-mfa-and-2fa/id6612031858/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 67 | **190** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 4.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 weeks** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 19 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NextPixel apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1584487280) | [Level Clash Apps S.L.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1590871236) |

## 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-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 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 3.5 from 190 ratings.

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

Neither The authenticator App nor Authenticator shows ads.

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

The authenticator App ships an update every 4 weeks, and Authenticator every 6 months. Most recently, The authenticator App was updated on September 25, 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.*