# Twilio Authy vs Authenticator

The clearest difference is rating: Twilio Authy at 4.7 against Authenticator's 3.5. Twilio Authy also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 8) and review sentiment (36% vs 4%). On price, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Twilio Authy asks for nothing beyond the download.

Twilio Authy holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Twilio Authy has 53K ratings behind it against 190, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 36% of Twilio Authy's written reviews are positive against 4% of Authenticator's.

Twilio Authy ships an update every 3 weeks, Authenticator every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Twilio Authy | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (53K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/twilio-authy/id494168017/reviews)** | [3.5 (190 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-mfa-and-2fa/id6612031858/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **53K** | 190 |
| Positive reviews | **35.8% of reviews** | 4.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#187** | — |
| Size | 50 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Authy Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/494168021) | [Level Clash Apps S.L.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1590871236) |

## What reviewers say

### Twilio Authy

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

**Currently charting:** #187 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 page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-mfa-and-2fa/id6612031858)

Securely store and generate two-factor authentication codes for your online accounts directly on your device. Features encrypted backups, cross-device sync, and quick access widgets. Supports thousands of services and offers offline code generation.

**Highlights:** Secure and private data storage, Encrypted backups to iCloud, Cross-device sync including Apple Watch, Home Screen widget for quick access, Offline code generation, Import accounts from other authenticators, Support for thousands of major services

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Plan | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Plan | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Plan | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Plan | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Subscription | $19.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $19.99 | per month |
| yearly subscription | $79.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy and simple to use
- 👍 Keep your codes near

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤥 Misleading app name (mimics Authy)
- 💸 Unexpected subscription charges
- ❌ App is not free as advertised
- 🚫 Forced payment pop-ups
- 🗑️ Erased connected apps after update

**Reported bugs**

- App won't open after payment
- Connected apps erased by update
- Lost access to important accounts due to app deletion
- App declines correct entries
- Funds inaccessible


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Twilio Authy free?

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

### Is Authenticator free?

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

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

Twilio Authy is rated higher. Twilio Authy averages 4.7 out of 5 from 53K ratings, while Authenticator averages 3.5 from 190 ratings.

### Do Twilio Authy or Authenticator have ads?

Neither Twilio Authy nor Authenticator shows ads.

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

Twilio Authy ships an update every 3 weeks, and Authenticator every 6 months. Most recently, Twilio Authy was updated on September 25, 2026 and Authenticator on September 6, 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.*
