# Authenticator App vs Authenticator

The clearest difference is ads: Authenticator App at none against Authenticator's shown. Authenticator App also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). Authenticator's advantage is review sentiment (75% vs 41%) and chart position (#196 vs unranked). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 7 days and Authenticator sells 14 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Authenticator App against 4.7 for Authenticator. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3.4K and 2.5K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 41% of Authenticator App's written reviews are positive against 75% of Authenticator's.

Authenticator App ships an update monthly, Authenticator every 4 weeks. Both last shipped on October 12, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator App | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (3.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-authkey/id6447845767/reviews) | [4.7 (2.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-2fa-app/id6642706929/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **3.4K** | 2.5K |
| Positive reviews | 41.3% of reviews | **74.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Best chart rank | — | **#196** |
| Size | 46 MB | 202 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SkyRise Networks](https://appshunter.io/developer/1682862399) | [Vitalii Kuprenko](https://appshunter.io/developer/1763634127) |

## 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 (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator Weekly Premium | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| 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


### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-2fa-app/id6642706929)

**Currently charting:** #196 Top Grossing · Utilities (US App Store)

Secure your online accounts with two-factor authentication (2FA). Easily generate and store one-time codes by scanning QR codes or entering details manually. Offers data breach monitoring and a basic password manager for free, with premium features available via subscription.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication (2FA) code generation, QR code scanning for setup, Broad service compatibility, Data breach monitoring, Basic password manager, Unlimited 2FA accounts (subscription), Unlimited password manager with autofill (subscription)

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

**In-app purchases (14)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly PRO Access | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly PRO Access | $4.99 | per month |
| Weekly PRO Access | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly PRO Access | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited Access | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly PRO Access | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly PRO Access | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly PRO Access | $11.99 | per 7 days |
| Annual Pro Access | $29.99 | per year |
| Annual Unlimited Access | $39.99 | per year |
| Annual Pro Access | $59.99 | per year |
| Unlimited Access | $59.99 | per year |
| Forever Unlimited Access | $59.99 | one-time |
| Forever Unlimited Access | $69.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Quick setup
- 🔒 Secure authentication
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 👍 Works flawlessly

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Charges users despite cancellation
- 🐛 Incompatible with some services

**Reported bugs**

- Login screen freezes
- Incompatible with older devices
- Unable to access 2FA for some services

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option


## 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.

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

Authenticator App and Authenticator are both rated 4.7 out of 5 on the App Store, from 3.4K and 2.5K ratings respectively.

### 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 monthly, and Authenticator every 4 weeks. Most recently, Authenticator App was updated on October 12, 2026 and Authenticator on October 12, 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.*