# Duo Authenticator vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is ads: Authenticator App at none against Duo Authenticator's shown. Authenticator App also leads on rating (4.5 vs 4.2) and ratings volume (658 vs 24). On price, review sentiment, in-app purchases and monetization model 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 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator App holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator App has 658 ratings behind it against 24, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 50% and 50% positive.

Duo Authenticator ships an update monthly, Authenticator App fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 10, 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) | **[4.5 (658 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-and-mfa/id6450535322/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 24 | **658** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 60 MB | 202 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Petr Polasek](https://appshunter.io/developer/1613323784) | [Netron](https://appshunter.io/developer/1692513455) |

## 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-2fa-and-mfa/id6450535322)

Enhance your online security with multi-factor and two-factor authentication. This app generates unique verification codes to protect sensitive accounts and data from unauthorized access, offering peace of mind for your digital life.

**Highlights:** Generate unique verification codes, Encrypted data and iCloud backups, Sync 2FA tokens across Apple devices, Apple Watch support, Customizable icons, PIN lock and auto-lock, Biometric authentication (Face ID/Touch ID)

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Secure Yourself - Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Offer Access | $7.99 | per month |
| Secure Yourself - Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Secure Yourself - 6 Months | $24.99 | per 6 months |
| Secure Yourself - Mac Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Secure Yourself - Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Claim Offer - Free | Free | one-time |
| Lifetime - Offer | Free | one-time |
| Secure Yourself - Mac Lifetime | $59.99 | one-time |
| Secure Yourself - Lifetime | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Efficient and reliable
- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 🔒 Secure authentication

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and bugs
- 💰 Misleading pricing and subscriptions
- 🔒 Concerns about data privacy

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to add new accounts after update
- Immediate logout after login
- App crashing after updates

**Requested features**

- Compatibility with older devices
- Support for more authentication providers
- Horizontal iPad support


## 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 4.5 from 658 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 fortnightly. Most recently, Duo Authenticator was updated on October 9, 2026 and Authenticator App on October 10, 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.*