# Authenticator vs Authenticator App ¹

The clearest difference is monetization model: Authenticator at free with in-app purchases against Authenticator App ¹'s subscription. Authenticator also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). Authenticator App ¹'s advantage is update cadence (daily vs weekly) and ratings volume (285 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 ¹ 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 ¹. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator App ¹ has 285 ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Authenticator ships an update weekly, Authenticator App ¹ daily. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator App ¹ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-2fa-security/id1642451164/reviews) | [4.2 (285 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id6446274872/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 13 | **285** |
| 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 | 128 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 ¹

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/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 ¹ free?

Authenticator App ¹ is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Authenticator or Authenticator App ¹?

Authenticator and Authenticator App ¹ are both rated 4.2 out of 5 on the App Store, from 13 and 285 ratings respectively.

### Do Authenticator or Authenticator App ¹ have ads?

Authenticator App ¹ shows ads; Authenticator does not.

### Which is updated more often, Authenticator or Authenticator App ¹?

Authenticator ships an update weekly, and Authenticator App ¹ daily. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on September 19, 2026 and Authenticator App ¹ on September 21, 2026.

---

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