# 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 iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). Authenticator App's advantage is update cadence (daily vs weekly) and ratings volume (286 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 10 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 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 286 ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Authenticator ships an update weekly, Authenticator App daily. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 30, 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 (286 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-safepass/id6446274872/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 13 | **286** |
| Positive reviews | — | 56.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Daily** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 69 MB | 137 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Hoa Huynh](https://appshunter.io/developer/1642451166) | [GITU Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1676651389) |

## 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-safepass/id6446274872)

This app provides secure login and identity protection through two-factor authentication (2FA) and password management. It generates one-time passwords for various platforms and offers features like a private browser and VPN.

**Highlights:** Generate TOTP 2FA codes, Face ID, Touch ID, or password protection, Secure iCloud sync, Built-in password manager, Strong password generator, Integrated private browser, Apple Watch support, Built-in VPN client

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Plan | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly (VPN) | $4.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Monthly Plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly (VPN) | $14.99 | per year |
| Monthly Plan | $14.99 | per month |
| Yearly Plan | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $29.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| Lifetime License | $59.99 | one-time |


## 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 286 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 daily. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on September 19, 2026 and Authenticator App on September 30, 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.*