# Authenticator vs 2 factor authentication

The clearest difference is rating: 2 factor authentication at 5.0 against Authenticator's 4.5. 2 factor authentication also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 19) and ads (none vs shown). Authenticator's advantage is ratings volume (135 vs 1). On price there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator sells 17 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. 2 factor authentication asks for nothing beyond the download.

2 factor authentication holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator has 135 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | 2 factor authentication |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-mobile-2fa-mfa/id6450538201/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/2-factor-authentication/id6505051115/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **135** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | — |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 127 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [ZipoApps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1671444635) | [Appnap Technologies Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1553618191) |

## 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 |


### 2 factor authentication

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/2-factor-authentication/id6505051115)

Enhance your online security with a robust two-step verification process. This app generates time-based one-time passwords for account protection and offers features like encrypted backups and private browsing.

**Highlights:** Two-step verification, Time-based one-time passwords (TOTP), Multi-account management, Encrypted backup and sync, Private browsing, Email recovery

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator free?

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

### Is 2 factor authentication free?

2 factor authentication is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Authenticator or 2 factor authentication?

2 factor authentication is rated higher. Authenticator averages 4.5 out of 5 from 135 ratings, while 2 factor authentication averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Authenticator or 2 factor authentication have ads?

Authenticator shows ads; 2 factor authentication does not.

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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.*