# Authenticator App vs Authenticator

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator App at 5.0 against Authenticator's 4.3. Authenticator App also leads on review sentiment (50% vs 15%) and ads (none vs shown). Authenticator's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 10 months) and ratings volume (406 vs 9). On price, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and Authenticator sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator App holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator has 406 ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of Authenticator App's written reviews are positive against 15% of Authenticator's.

Authenticator App ships an update every 10 months, Authenticator weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator App | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-safeauth/id6450025147/reviews)** | [4.3 (406 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id6463820946/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 9 | **406** |
| Positive reviews | **50.0% of reviews** | 14.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 10 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 42 MB | 18 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SafeAuth Services.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1691657534) | [Ali El Malki](https://appshunter.io/developer/1699908413) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-safeauth/id6450025147)

This app provides a secure and user-friendly way to add an extra layer of protection to your online accounts. It generates one-time codes for two-factor authentication and offers cloud backup to prevent data loss. Protect your accounts from hacking and phishing with this efficient solution.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication (2FA) code generation, Cloud backup and sync across devices, User-friendly interface with 2FA guides, Offline code generation, Supports thousands of online services, Protection against hacking and phishing

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Premium | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly Premium | $29.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Membership | $59.99 | one-time |


### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id6463820946)

Enhance your online account security with this two-factor authentication utility. Easily add accounts by scanning QR codes and benefit from bank-grade encryption and biometric unlock for peace of mind. Supports thousands of websites and services.

**Highlights:** Bank-Grade Encryption, Secure 2FA and MFA Tokens, Effortless Setup (QR Scan), Biometric Unlock, Encrypted Backups to iCloud, Cross-Device Sync, TOTP Support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator Pro Weekly | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Subscription Authly | $12.99 | per month |
| Authenticator Pro | $44.99 | per year |
| Authenticator Pro Lifetime | $69.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ❤️ Amazing app
- 👍 Loved it
- 👍 Top
- 👍 Wouah super
- 👍 Congratulations

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😞 Not working
- 😞 Too complicated
- 😞 Horrible
- 😞 Too expensive
- 😞 Scam app

**Reported bugs**

- Not working
- Cannot make app work
- Cannot cancel subscription
- App freezes
- Locked out of everything

**Requested features**

- Show cost first
- Provide free version without payment
- Offer manual key entry
- Provide email support option
- Clearer instructions for setup and configuration


## 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 is rated higher. Authenticator App averages 5.0 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while Authenticator averages 4.3 from 406 ratings.

### 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 every 10 months, and Authenticator weekly. Most recently, Authenticator App was updated on September 26, 2026 and Authenticator on October 4, 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.*