# Authenticator vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is ads: Authenticator App at none against Authenticator's shown. Authenticator App also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). Authenticator's advantage is ratings volume (406 vs 86). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days and Authenticator App sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 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 — 4.3 for Authenticator against 4.2 for Authenticator App. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 406 and 86 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 15% of Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 20% of Authenticator App's.

Authenticator ships an update weekly, Authenticator App every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (406 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id6463820946/reviews)** | [4.2 (86 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id6472872177/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **406** | 86 |
| Positive reviews | 14.8% of reviews | **20.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 9 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 18 MB | 50 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ali El Malki](https://appshunter.io/developer/1699908413) | [Hearttell US Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/508262068) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id6472872177)

Secure your online accounts with two-factor authentication. This app offers passwordless sign-ins, seamless autofill, and encrypted backups. It supports a vast range of services and works across Apple devices, with advanced security features like Face ID and Touch ID.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication (2FA), Multi-factor authentication (MFA), Passwordless sign-ins, Seamless password autofill, Encrypted iCloud backup, Offline OTP generation, Face ID & Touch ID security

**Features:** Apple Watch app, iMessage stickers, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator App 2FA Weekly | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator_App_2FA_MFA_Week | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator App Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Authenticator App 2FA Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Authenticator App 2FA Monthly | $19.99 | per month |
| Authenticator_App_Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App 2FA Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator_App_2FA_Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App One-time | $49.99 | one-time |
| Authenticator_App_2FA_Onetime | $99.99 | one-time |


## 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 is rated higher. Authenticator averages 4.3 out of 5 from 406 ratings, while Authenticator App averages 4.2 from 86 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 weekly, and Authenticator App every 9 days. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on September 26, 2026 and Authenticator App on September 28, 2026.

---

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