# Duo Authenticator vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator App at 5.0 against Duo Authenticator's 4.2. Authenticator App also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.6). Duo Authenticator's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 10 months). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Duo Authenticator sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days and Authenticator App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator App holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 24 and 9 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 50% and 50% positive.

Duo Authenticator ships an update monthly, Authenticator App every 10 months. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Duo Authenticator | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/duo-authenticator/id1665454984/reviews) | **[5.0 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-safeauth/id6450025147/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **24** | 9 |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 10 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 60 MB | 42 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Petr Polasek](https://appshunter.io/developer/1613323784) | [SafeAuth Services.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1691657534) |

## What reviewers say

### Duo Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/duo-authenticator/id1665454984)

Enhance your online security with this multi-factor authentication app. It provides an extra layer of protection for your accounts by generating time-sensitive codes, even when offline. Secure your sensitive information with ease and peace of mind.

**Highlights:** Quick and easy setup, Wide service compatibility, Time-sensitive security codes, Offline code generation, End-to-end encryption, Security code protection

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium 1 Week | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium 1 Month | $9.99 | per month |
| Premium 1 Year | $29.99 | per year |


### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-safeauth/id6450025147)

This app provides a secure and user-friendly way to add an extra layer of protection to your online accounts. It generates one-time codes for two-factor authentication and offers cloud backup to prevent data loss. Protect your accounts from hacking and phishing with this efficient solution.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication (2FA) code generation, Cloud backup and sync across devices, User-friendly interface with 2FA guides, Offline code generation, Supports thousands of online services, Protection against hacking and phishing

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Premium | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly Premium | $29.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Membership | $59.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Duo Authenticator free?

Duo 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, Duo Authenticator or Authenticator App?

Authenticator App is rated higher. Duo Authenticator averages 4.2 out of 5 from 24 ratings, while Authenticator App averages 5.0 from 9 ratings.

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

Duo Authenticator shows ads; Authenticator App does not.

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

Duo Authenticator ships an update monthly, and Authenticator App every 10 months. Most recently, Duo Authenticator was updated on October 9, 2026 and Authenticator App on September 26, 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.*