# Authenticator vs Authenticator App · 2FA

The clearest difference is monetization model: Authenticator at free with in-app purchases against Authenticator App · 2FA's subscription. Authenticator also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). Authenticator App · 2FA's advantage is ratings volume (381 vs 13) and device support (5 vs 2). On price, rating and in-app purchases 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 · 2FA sells 14 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 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 · 2FA. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator App · 2FA has 381 ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Authenticator ships an update weekly, Authenticator App · 2FA every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator App · 2FA |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-2fa-security/id1642451164/reviews) | [4.2 (381 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa/id6470149516/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 13 | **381** |
| Positive reviews | — | 44.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 69 MB | 114 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Hoa Huynh](https://appshunter.io/developer/1642451166) | [FirstOrder.AI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1713063266) |

## 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 · 2FA

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa/id6470149516)

This app provides an extra layer of security for your online accounts by generating time-based one-time passwords (TOTP/OTP) for two-factor authentication. It supports numerous services and offers features like encrypted sync, passkey support, and app-level security.

**Highlights:** Generate 2-factor authentication codes, Support for passkeys and passwordless logins, Encrypted sync and backup via iCloud/Google Cloud, App-level security with Face ID/Touch ID, Widgets for home screen access, Organize codes with folders, Import from Google Authenticator

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (14)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator PRO Weekly | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator Monthly Premium | $11.99 | per month |
| Authenticator Monthly Premium | $11.99 | per month |
| Authenticator Monthly Premium | $12.99 | per month |
| Authenticator PRO Monthly | $12.99 | per month |
| Authenticator Annual Premium | $29.99 | per year |
| Authenticator PRO Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Authenticator PRO Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| OTP Authenticator PRO Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| OTP Authenticator PRO Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator PRO Lifetime | $39.99 | one-time |
| Authenticator PRO Lifetime | $59.99 | one-time |
| 2FA Authenticator - Pro | $59.99 | one-time |
| Authenticator PRO Lifetime | $79.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🔒 Strong security and encryption for 2FA codes
- 👍 Easy to use and intuitive interface
- 🚀 Fast and reliable performance
- 💻 Cross-platform synchronization (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)
- ⌚ Widget support and smartwatch integration

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Misleading free-to-paid conversion model
- 🚫 Difficult cancellation process
- ⚠️ Accidental subscription charges
- 🔐 Authentication and login issues
- 📱 Mobile version requires paid subscription

**Reported bugs**

- QR code scanner not functioning properly
- Unable to import keys on mobile without payment
- Sync issues between Mac and iOS devices
- Photo-based QR code reading fails
- App incompatible with CachyOS

**Requested features**

- CachyOS/Arch Linux version support
- Clearer pricing and subscription information upfront
- Manual code entry without QR scanner requirement
- Better cross-platform synchronization documentation
- Improved setup instructions for new devices


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator free?

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

### Is Authenticator App · 2FA free?

Authenticator App · 2FA is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Authenticator or Authenticator App · 2FA?

Authenticator and Authenticator App · 2FA are both rated 4.2 out of 5 on the App Store, from 13 and 381 ratings respectively.

### Do Authenticator or Authenticator App · 2FA have ads?

Authenticator App · 2FA shows ads; Authenticator does not.

### Which is updated more often, Authenticator or Authenticator App · 2FA?

Authenticator ships an update weekly, and Authenticator App · 2FA every 3 weeks. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on September 19, 2026 and Authenticator App · 2FA on October 2, 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.*