# Authenticator App vs Authly

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator App at 4.7 against Authly's 4.2. Authenticator App also leads on ratings volume (3.4K vs 216) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.0). Authly's advantage is review sentiment (65% vs 41%). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 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.

Authenticator App holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator App has 3.4K ratings behind it against 216, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 41% of Authenticator App's written reviews are positive against 65% of Authly's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Authenticator App ships an update every 3 weeks, Authly every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator App | Authly |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (3.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-authkey/id6447845767/reviews)** | [4.2 (216 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authly/id6476198484/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **3.4K** | 216 |
| Positive reviews | 40.5% of reviews | **64.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 49 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SkyRise Networks](https://appshunter.io/developer/1682862399) | [Appios Bilisim](https://appshunter.io/developer/1796567865) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-authkey/id6447845767)

Enhance your online security with this app, offering a secure and reliable method to protect your accounts. It generates unique codes for two-factor authentication, ensuring your personal information stays safe.

**Highlights:** Account protection with 2FA, Easy setup and management, Backup and sync accounts, Secure code generation

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator Monthly Premium | $8.99 | per month |
| Authenticator Yearly Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator Lifetime Premium | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Seamless functionality
- 🚀 Quick and easy setup
- 🔒 Robust security features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Compatibility issues
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🤯 Confusing user interface
- 🔒 Unreliable authentication

**Reported bugs**

- Unable to scan QR codes
- Accounts not showing up correctly
- Repeated login failures

**Requested features**

- Ability to add/manage multiple accounts
- Improved syncing across devices
- More transparent subscription model


### 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 Authenticator App free?

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

### Is Authly free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Authenticator App or Authly?

Authenticator App is rated higher. Authenticator App averages 4.7 out of 5 from 3.4K ratings, while Authly averages 4.2 from 216 ratings.

### Do Authenticator App or Authly have ads?

Neither Authenticator App nor Authly shows ads.

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

Authenticator App ships an update every 3 weeks, and Authly every 5 weeks. Most recently, Authenticator App was updated on September 23, 2026 and Authly on September 21, 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.*