# Authenticator App† vs Authenticator

The clearest difference is ads: Authenticator App† at none against Authenticator's shown. On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App† sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per 7 days and Authenticator sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $49.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator App† ships an update fortnightly, Authenticator every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator App† | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (2.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id1672330315/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **2.5K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 20.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 22 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Appqe](https://appshunter.io/developer/1675570121) | [AQUAWOOD PTE. LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1774212005) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator App†

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id1672330315)

Secure your online accounts with a versatile two-factor authentication solution. Manage all your authentication codes in one place, offering enhanced security for websites, services, and crypto wallets. Supports biometric access and offline code generation.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication (2FA), Multi-factor authentication (MFA), Time-based one-time passwords (TOTP), Biometric security (fingerprint, face ID, PIN), Offline code generation, Wide service compatibility

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription Pack | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Subscription | $14.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $49.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and smooth app
- 🔒 Puts confidence in data security
- 👍 Great app overall

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Removed accounts after update
- 🐛 Deleted authentication codes
- 🐛 QR code scanning issues
- 🔒 Lost data and no backup
- 💰 Aggressive subscription upselling

**Reported bugs**

- Accounts removed after update
- Authentication codes deleted
- QR code scanning not working
- Data loss with no backup
- App freezing or crashing

**Requested features**

- Ability to rename token cards
- Option to pin favorites or sort
- Assign categories to entries


### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-2fa-and-passkey/id6736977421)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| year | $49.99 | per year |
| lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator App† free?

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

### Is Authenticator free?

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

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

Authenticator shows ads; Authenticator App† does not.

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

Authenticator App† ships an update fortnightly, and Authenticator every 2 weeks. Most recently, Authenticator App† was updated on September 24, 2026 and Authenticator on September 20, 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.*