# Authenticator vs PhoneWay

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PhoneWay at none against Authenticator's 19. PhoneWay also leads on ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator sells 17 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. PhoneWay asks for nothing beyond the download.

Authenticator ships an update every 5 months, PhoneWay every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | PhoneWay |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (137 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-mobile-2fa-mfa/id6450538201/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **137** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 months** | Every 9 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 127 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.2 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ZipoApps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1671444635) | [Tramanco Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1741661706) |

## 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 |


### PhoneWay

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phoneway/id6503274801)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator free?

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

### Is PhoneWay free?

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

### Do Authenticator or PhoneWay have ads?

Authenticator shows ads; PhoneWay does not.

### Which is updated more often, Authenticator or PhoneWay?

Authenticator ships an update every 5 months, and PhoneWay every 9 months. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on October 21, 2026 and PhoneWay on October 30, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*