# Shift2go vs Authenticator

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Shift2go at none against Authenticator's 4. Shift2go also leads on ads (none vs shown). Authenticator's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs fortnightly) and device support (4 vs 2). On price and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. Shift2go asks for nothing beyond the download.

Shift2go ships an update fortnightly, Authenticator weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shift2go | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.3 (406 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id6463820946/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **406** |
| Positive reviews | — | 14.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 61 MB | 18 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [STEP SHARP DIGITAL PTY LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1625250379) | [Ali El Malki](https://appshunter.io/developer/1699908413) |

## What reviewers say

### Shift2go

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shift2go/id6451132282)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### 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 Shift2go free?

Shift2go is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Authenticator free?

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

### Do Shift2go or Authenticator have ads?

Authenticator shows ads; Shift2go does not.

### Which is updated more often, Shift2go or Authenticator?

Shift2go ships an update fortnightly, and Authenticator weekly. Most recently, Shift2go was updated on October 2, 2026 and Authenticator on October 10, 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.*