# Authenticator vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is ads: Authenticator App at none against Authenticator's shown. Authenticator App also leads on review sentiment (29% vs 15%). Authenticator's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 2 weeks) and ratings volume (406 vs 86). On price, rating, in-app purchases and monetization model 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 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.19 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 4.4 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 29% of Authenticator App's.

Authenticator ships an update weekly, Authenticator App every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and June 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (406 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id6463820946/reviews) | **[4.4 (86 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-otp/id6480513197/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **406** | 86 |
| Positive reviews | 14.8% of reviews | **28.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 18 MB | 106 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ali El Malki](https://appshunter.io/developer/1699908413) | [Tatsat Brahmbhatt](https://appshunter.io/developer/1692901637) |

## 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-otp/id6480513197)

Secure your online accounts with this 2FA OTP manager. It offers easy account setup via QR code scanning or manual entry, and enhances security with biometric authentication. All one-time passwords are stored locally on your device for increased protection.

**Highlights:** 2FA OTP management, QR code scanning for account setup, Manual code entry, Biometric unlock (fingerprint/face recognition), Local storage of OTPs, Supports numerous platforms

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $4.19 | per 7 days |
| Weekly | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly | $29.49 | per year |
| Yearly | $53.90 | per year |
| Lifetime | $59.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime | $79.99 | 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 App is rated higher. Authenticator averages 4.3 out of 5 from 406 ratings, while Authenticator App averages 4.4 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 2 weeks. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on September 21, 2026 and Authenticator App on June 1, 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.*