# Cloud Authenticator vs Authly

The clearest difference is monetization model: Authly at free with in-app purchases against Cloud Authenticator's subscription. Authly also leads on update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 5 months). Cloud Authenticator's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 65%) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cloud Authenticator sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and Authly sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Cloud Authenticator ships an update every 5 months, Authly every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cloud Authenticator | Authly |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.2 (216 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authly/id6476198484/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **216** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 64.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 90 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [DEVSIG TECHNOLOGIES PRIVATE LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1650077948) | [Appios Bilisim](https://appshunter.io/developer/1796567865) |

## What reviewers say

### Cloud Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cloud-authenticator-mfa-and-2fa/id6443858715)

This app generates two-step verification codes for enhanced online account security. It offers encrypted cloud backups, multi-device synchronization, and offline access to your authentication tokens.

**Highlights:** Generate 2-Step Verification codes, TOTP and HMAC support, Encrypted cloud backups, Multi-device synchronization, Offline token generation, Supports thousands of accounts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Premium | $9.99 | per month |
| Monthly premium | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Yearly premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Ad-Free Experience | $3.99 | one-time |
| Upgrade To Premium | $10.99 | one-time |
| Upgrade To Premium | $12.99 | one-time |
| Upgrade To Premium Gold Badge | $29.99 | one-time |
| Upgrade To Premium Gold Badge | $33.99 | one-time |


### Authly

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authly/id6476198484)

This app provides secure 2FA verification codes for over 2,500 websites and services. It offers seamless integration with Apple Watch, a support widget, and robust encryption for your data. Easily link accounts by scanning QR codes and enjoy synchronized access across all your devices.

**Highlights:** 2FA verification codes, QR code account linking, Support for 2,500+ websites, Apple Watch integration, In-app support widget, Encrypted data storage, Cross-device synchronization

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Access, 1 Week | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Access, 1 Month | $12.99 | per month |
| Premium Access, 1 Year | $39.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast code generation for authentication
- 👍 Easy to set up and use
- 🔒 Secure two-factor authentication
- 💡 Widget feature for lock screen access
- 📱 Import/export functionality

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Requires payment for full features
- 🎭 Deceptive app naming (similar to 'Authy')
- ⏳ 10-second wait time on startup without payment
- 🚫 Cannot export without paying
- 😤 Poor customer support

**Reported bugs**

- QR code scanning not working properly
- Account creation hyperlink non-functional
- Clicking wrong account when editing
- Support message box fails to send
- Confirmation emails sent to incorrect addresses

**Requested features**

- Better account name display without truncation
- Improved icon/list view for managing hundreds of accounts
- Clearer setup instructions
- Video tutorial improvements
- Better organization for large account collections


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cloud Authenticator free?

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

### Is Authly free?

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

### Do Cloud Authenticator or Authly have ads?

Neither Cloud Authenticator nor Authly shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Cloud Authenticator or Authly?

Cloud Authenticator ships an update every 5 months, and Authly every 5 weeks. Most recently, Cloud Authenticator was updated on September 30, 2026 and Authly on September 21, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*