# Authenticator vs Authenticator App · 2FA

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Authenticator at 100% against Authenticator App · 2FA's 45%. Authenticator also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and rating (4.5 vs 4.2). Authenticator App · 2FA's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 5 months) and device support (5 vs 1). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator sells 17 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days and Authenticator App · 2FA sells 14 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 135 and 379 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 45% of Authenticator App · 2FA's.

Authenticator ships an update every 5 months, Authenticator App · 2FA every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 4, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator App · 2FA |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-mobile-2fa-mfa/id6450538201/reviews)** | [4.2 (379 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa/id6470149516/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 135 | **379** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 45.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 127 MB | 114 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [ZipoApps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1671444635) | [FirstOrder.AI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1713063266) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-mobile-2fa-mfa/id6450538201)

Enhance your online security with this app that generates time-based one-time passwords for two-factor authentication. It securely stores all your accounts in one place and works offline, offering peace of mind against cyber threats.

**Highlights:** Generates secure TOTP codes, Stores all accounts in one app, Works offline, Secure cloud backup and sync, Biometric and PIN protection, Auto-fill and copy to clipboard

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

**In-app purchases (17)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited access | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| 2FA Authenticator App: Secure | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| 2FA Authenticator App: Secure | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $9.99 | per year |
| Authenticate ID: Authorization | $19.99 | per month |
| Unlimited access | $19.99 | per month |
| Unlimited access | $29.99 | per month |
| Unlimited access | $39.99 | per year |
| Unlimited access | $49.99 | per year |


### Authenticator App · 2FA

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa/id6470149516)

This app provides an extra layer of security for your online accounts by generating time-based one-time passwords (TOTP/OTP) for two-factor authentication. It supports numerous services and offers features like encrypted sync, passkey support, and app-level security.

**Highlights:** Generate 2-factor authentication codes, Support for passkeys and passwordless logins, Encrypted sync and backup via iCloud/Google Cloud, App-level security with Face ID/Touch ID, Widgets for home screen access, Organize codes with folders, Import from Google Authenticator

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (14)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator PRO Weekly | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator Monthly Premium | $11.99 | per month |
| Authenticator Monthly Premium | $11.99 | per month |
| Authenticator Monthly Premium | $12.99 | per month |
| Authenticator PRO Monthly | $12.99 | per month |
| Authenticator Annual Premium | $29.99 | per year |
| Authenticator PRO Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Authenticator PRO Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| OTP Authenticator PRO Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| OTP Authenticator PRO Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator PRO Lifetime | $39.99 | one-time |
| Authenticator PRO Lifetime | $59.99 | one-time |
| 2FA Authenticator - Pro | $59.99 | one-time |
| Authenticator PRO Lifetime | $79.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🔒 Strong security and encryption for 2FA codes
- 👍 Easy to use and intuitive interface
- 🚀 Fast and reliable performance
- 💻 Cross-platform synchronization (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)
- ⌚ Widget support and smartwatch integration

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Misleading free-to-paid conversion model
- 🚫 Difficult cancellation process
- ⚠️ Accidental subscription charges
- 🔐 Authentication and login issues
- 📱 Mobile version requires paid subscription

**Reported bugs**

- QR code scanner not functioning properly
- Unable to import keys on mobile without payment
- Sync issues between Mac and iOS devices
- Photo-based QR code reading fails
- App incompatible with CachyOS

**Requested features**

- CachyOS/Arch Linux version support
- Clearer pricing and subscription information upfront
- Manual code entry without QR scanner requirement
- Better cross-platform synchronization documentation
- Improved setup instructions for new devices


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator free?

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

### Is Authenticator App · 2FA free?

Authenticator App · 2FA is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Authenticator or Authenticator App · 2FA?

Authenticator is rated higher. Authenticator averages 4.5 out of 5 from 135 ratings, while Authenticator App · 2FA averages 4.2 from 379 ratings.

### Do Authenticator or Authenticator App · 2FA have ads?

Both Authenticator and Authenticator App · 2FA show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Authenticator or Authenticator App · 2FA?

Authenticator ships an update every 5 months, and Authenticator App · 2FA every 3 weeks. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on September 4, 2026 and Authenticator App · 2FA on September 24, 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.*