# Authenticator App vs TextABuddy

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: TextABuddy at none against Authenticator App's 3. Authenticator App's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. TextABuddy asks for nothing beyond the download.

Authenticator App ships an update every 3 weeks, TextABuddy every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator App | TextABuddy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (3.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-authkey/id6447845767/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **3.4K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 40.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 49 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SkyRise Networks](https://appshunter.io/developer/1682862399) | [Anees Hanslo](https://appshunter.io/developer/1866134621) |

## 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


### TextABuddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/textabuddy/id6757429621)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator App free?

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

### Is TextABuddy free?

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

### Do Authenticator App or TextABuddy have ads?

Neither Authenticator App nor TextABuddy shows ads.

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

Authenticator App ships an update every 3 weeks, and TextABuddy every 3 months. Most recently, Authenticator App was updated on September 29, 2026 and TextABuddy on September 17, 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.*