# Authenticator vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is ads: Authenticator App at none against Authenticator's shown. Authenticator App also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 5 months) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume 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 sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for Authenticator against 4.6 for Authenticator App. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 135 and 144 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 100% of Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 96% of Authenticator App's.

Authenticator ships an update every 5 months, Authenticator App fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 4, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-mobile-2fa-mfa/id6450538201/reviews) | **[4.6 (144 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fas-auth/id6739326877/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 135 | **144** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 95.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 127 MB | 40 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ZipoApps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1671444635) | [Vipul Prajapati](https://appshunter.io/developer/1737800971) |

## 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

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fas-auth/id6739326877)

This app provides secure two-factor authentication (2FA) for all your online accounts. It generates time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) quickly and offers features like biometric security and cross-device sync. It's a reliable alternative for protecting your digital life.

**Highlights:** Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), Fast code generation, Cross-device backup and sync, Biometric security (Face ID/Touch ID), QR code scanning, Offline functionality

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator Premium Shield | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator 2FA MFA (1 Week) | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Two Factor Authentication, 2FA | $8.99 | per month |
| Authentication Premium (1Year) | $29.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth Backup with iCloud
- 🔒 Privacy-focused and well-built
- 🔒 Biometric lock adds peace of mind
- 🔒 Secured Auth Ever!
- 🔒 Fast & Secured 2FA

**What reviewers complain about**

- None

**Reported bugs**

- None

**Requested features**

- None


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator free?

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

### Is Authenticator App free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Authenticator or Authenticator App?

Authenticator App is rated higher. Authenticator averages 4.5 out of 5 from 135 ratings, while Authenticator App averages 4.6 from 144 ratings.

### Do Authenticator or Authenticator App have ads?

Authenticator shows ads; Authenticator App does not.

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

Authenticator ships an update every 5 months, and Authenticator App fortnightly. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on September 4, 2026 and Authenticator App 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.*