# Authenticator vs Authenticator App ‘

The clearest difference is monetization model: Authenticator at free with in-app purchases against Authenticator App ‘'s subscription. Authenticator also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (weekly vs every 5 weeks). Authenticator App ‘'s advantage is ratings volume (287 vs 13). On price, rating, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days and Authenticator App ‘ sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 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 — 4.2 for Authenticator against 4.2 for Authenticator App ‘. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator App ‘ has 287 ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Authenticator ships an update weekly, Authenticator App ‘ every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator App ‘ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-2fa-security/id1642451164/reviews) | [4.2 (287 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id6444021802/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 13 | **287** |
| Positive reviews | — | 9.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 69 MB | 73 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Hoa Huynh](https://appshunter.io/developer/1642451166) | [Smart Technology by Flexi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1850398589) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-2fa-security/id1642451164)

This app provides secure two-factor authentication (2FA) for your online accounts. It generates time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) to protect against unauthorized access, working with thousands of popular services. All data is encrypted for your privacy and security.

**Highlights:** Secure two-factor authentication (2FA), Generates Time-based One-time Passwords (TOTP), Works with thousands of popular online services, Encrypted data for enhanced security, Premium subscription options available

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Premium | $7.99 | per month |
| Lifetime Premium | $14.99 | one-time |


### Authenticator App ‘

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id6444021802)

Generate two-factor authentication codes to secure your online accounts. Easily set up by scanning QR codes and sync your tokens across devices. Supports thousands of popular services and includes a secure private browser.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication code generation, QR code setup, Backup and sync for tokens, Support for popular services, Secure private browser, Unlimited PRO features with subscription

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator App - Weekly VIP | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator App - Monthly | $7.99 | per month |
| Authenticator App - Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Authenticator-yearly3DaysTrail | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App - Lifetime | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ⚡ Fast
- 🔥 Excellent

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive
- 🤯 Confusing
- 🐛 Crashes
- 🔒 Paywall
- 🔍 Hard to use

**Reported bugs**

- Login issues
- Scanning QR code problems
- Accounts not syncing

**Requested features**

- Refund option
- Better instructions
- Free version


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator free?

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

### Is Authenticator App ‘ free?

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

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

Authenticator and Authenticator App ‘ are both rated 4.2 out of 5 on the App Store, from 13 and 287 ratings respectively.

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

Authenticator App ‘ shows ads; Authenticator does not.

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

Authenticator ships an update weekly, and Authenticator App ‘ every 5 weeks. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on September 19, 2026 and Authenticator App ‘ on September 25, 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.*