# Authenticator vs Authenticator App ∞

The clearest difference is ads: Authenticator App ∞ at none against Authenticator's shown. Authenticator's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months) and rating (4.3 vs 3.9). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and in-app purchases 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 $9.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 406 and 331 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 15% of Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 23% of Authenticator App ∞'s, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Authenticator ships an update weekly, Authenticator App ∞ every 2 months. Both last shipped on September 21, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator App ∞ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (406 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id6463820946/reviews)** | [3.9 (331 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id6742086933/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **406** | 331 |
| Positive reviews | 14.8% of reviews | **22.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 18 MB | 18 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Ali El Malki](https://appshunter.io/developer/1699908413) | [Rushdata Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1861404410) |

## 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/id6742086933)

This app provides robust security for your online accounts by generating secure two-factor authentication (2FA) codes. It also offers features like risky link detection, private file storage, and seamless device synchronization for comprehensive data protection.

**Highlights:** Secure 2FA code generation, Encrypted code storage, QR code scanning and generation, Risky link detection, Private file and notes storage, Seamless device synchronization, Offline 2FA code generation

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator Weekly Plan | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator Monthly Plan | $14.99 | per month |
| Authenticator Yearly Plan | $29.99 | per year |
| Authenticator Yearly PRO | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator Yearly Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator Lifetime PRO | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Forcing to buy an app to authenticate an account
- 💸 Charged $49.99 for subscription
- 🚫 Scam app
- 🚫 Does not work as expected
- 🚫 Misleading app, not the Microsoft Authenticator

**Reported bugs**

- App does not work with work account
- Repeatedly charged for the app without delivering


## 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 3.9 from 331 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 months. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on September 21, 2026 and Authenticator App ∞ on September 21, 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.*