# Authenticator vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Authenticator App at 100% against Authenticator's 15%. Authenticator App also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.3) and ads (none vs shown). Authenticator's advantage is ratings volume (406 vs 14). On price, update cadence, 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 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator App holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator has 406 ratings behind it against 14, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 15% of Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 100% of Authenticator App's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (406 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id6463820946/reviews) | **[5.0 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa/id6754335457/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **406** | 14 |
| Positive reviews | 14.8% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Weekly | Weekly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 18 MB | 63 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ali El Malki](https://appshunter.io/developer/1699908413) | [Mobile Ocean](https://appshunter.io/developer/1542573722) |

## 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/id6754335457)

Enhance your online security with a fast, secure, and user-friendly app for generating one-time passwords. Protect your accounts with an extra layer of defense, ensuring quick and safe logins across thousands of platforms. Enjoy features like iCloud backup, biometric security, and offline access.

**Highlights:** Instant setup via QR code or manual entry, Universal compatibility with thousands of platforms, iCloud backup and sync across Apple devices, Biometric security (Face ID/Touch ID), Ad-free and offline access, TOTP & HOTP support, End-to-end encrypted multi-device sync

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Pro for MoAuth Authenticator | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Pro for MoAuth Authenticator | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly Pro for MoAuth Authenticator | $24.99 | per year |
| Yearly Pro for MoAuth Authenticator | $49.99 | per year |


## 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 5.0 from 14 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 weekly. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on October 8, 2026 and Authenticator App on October 9, 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.*