# Twilio Authy vs Authenticator app

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Twilio Authy at none against Authenticator app's 11. Twilio Authy also leads on ratings volume (53K vs 5.7K) and chart position (#178 vs unranked). Authenticator app's advantage is review sentiment (68% vs 36%). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator app sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Twilio Authy asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Twilio Authy against 4.6 for Authenticator app. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Twilio Authy has 53K ratings behind it against 5.7K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 36% of Twilio Authy's written reviews are positive against 68% of Authenticator app's.

Twilio Authy ships an update every 3 weeks, Authenticator app monthly. Both last shipped on September 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Twilio Authy | Authenticator app |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (53K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/twilio-authy/id494168017/reviews)** | [4.6 (5.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id1625466768/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **53K** | 5.7K |
| Positive reviews | 35.8% of reviews | **67.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#178** | — |
| Size | 50 MB | 279 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Authy Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/494168021) | [Maxima Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1153277200) |

## What reviewers say

### Twilio Authy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/twilio-authy/id494168017)

**Currently charting:** #178 Top Free · Utilities (US App Store)

This app provides a secure and convenient way to manage two-factor authentication tokens for your online accounts. It offers features like cloud backups, multi-device synchronization, and offline token generation to enhance account security and prevent lockouts.

**Highlights:** Secure 2-step verification token generation, Encrypted cloud backups, Multi-device synchronization, Offline token generation, Supports thousands of providers, 8-digit token support

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Reliable and secure
- 🔒 Robust backup and sync features
- 👍 Convenient Apple Watch integration
- 🚀 Fast and responsive
- 🔒 Secure cloud backup

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional app freezes and crashes
- 🔍 Limited customization options for account icons
- 🔍 Confusing account management
- 🔍 Slow app load times
- 🔍 Lack of dark mode support

**Reported bugs**

- App freezes when switching between accounts
- Sync issues between devices
- Incorrect code generation on Apple Watch
- Account deletion process not working as expected

**Requested features**

- Ability to sort and categorize accounts
- Customizable account icons
- Dark mode support
- Improved Apple Watch integration with complications
- Faster app load times


### Authenticator app

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id1625466768)

This app provides secure two-factor authentication for over 1000 popular online accounts. It offers quick access via widgets and Apple Watch, and ensures your data is safe with no internet exchange. Easily set up accounts by scanning QR codes or entering secret keys.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication (2FA), Multi-factor authentication (MFA), Supports 1000+ apps, Apple Watch support, Quick widget support, QR code scanning, Encrypted backup

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

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator Premium Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Authenticator App Premium Weekly | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator Premium Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Authenticator App Weekly Premium | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator Premium Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Authenticator Premium Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App Premium Yearly | $59.99 | per year |
| Premium Access 3 Month Trial | $69.99 | per year |
| Authenticator Premium Lifetime | $49.99 | one-time |
| Authenticator Premium Lifetime | $69.99 | one-time |
| Authenticator App Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 🔒 Secure authentication
- 👍 Reliable and works well
- 🚀 Quick and efficient
- 👍 Helpful for account recovery

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 💰 Expensive or hidden fees
- 🤯 Confusing setup and usage
- 🔒 Issues with account access and recovery
- 🔋 Drains device battery

**Reported bugs**

- Codes not working or generating errors
- App crashing or freezing during use
- Accounts being deleted or inaccessible
- Compatibility issues with certain devices or platforms

**Requested features**

- Improved user interface and instructions
- Better compatibility with other apps and services
- Option to export/backup authentication codes
- Ability to easily manage and remove accounts


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Twilio Authy free?

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

### Is Authenticator app free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Twilio Authy or Authenticator app?

Twilio Authy is rated higher. Twilio Authy averages 4.7 out of 5 from 53K ratings, while Authenticator app averages 4.6 from 5.7K ratings.

### Do Twilio Authy or Authenticator app have ads?

Neither Twilio Authy nor Authenticator app shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Twilio Authy or Authenticator app?

Twilio Authy ships an update every 3 weeks, and Authenticator app monthly. Most recently, Twilio Authy was updated on September 25, 2026 and Authenticator app on September 25, 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.*
