# u vs Authenticator

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: u at none against Authenticator's 3. u also leads on device support (3 vs 1). Authenticator's advantage is update cadence (every 8 days vs every 9 months). On price, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. u asks for nothing beyond the download.

u ships an update every 9 months, Authenticator every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and September 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | u | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[3.9 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-shield-app/id6756226303/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **13** |
| Positive reviews | — | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Every 8 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 19 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Wing Leading Edge SRL](https://appshunter.io/developer/1645054721) | [NOOX MEDIA LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1836916041) |

## What reviewers say

### u

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/u-drivero/id1645054719)

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-shield-app/id6756226303)

This app generates secure, time-based one-time passwords for your online accounts. It features a privacy-focused design with local storage and optional biometric protection. Easily set up accounts by scanning QR codes or manually entering details.

**Highlights:** Time-based one-time passwords (TOTP), Secure local storage with iOS Keychain, QR code scanner for setup, Optional Face ID / Touch ID lock, No ads or tracking, Offline functionality

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly subscription noTrial | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly Subscription | $59.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is u free?

u is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Authenticator free?

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

### Do u or Authenticator have ads?

Neither u nor Authenticator shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, u or Authenticator?

u ships an update every 9 months, and Authenticator every 8 days. Most recently, u was updated on September 15, 2026 and Authenticator on September 3, 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.*