# Authenticator vs Authenticator App ²

The clearest difference is ads: Authenticator App ² at none against Authenticator's shown. Authenticator App ² also leads on rating (4.5 vs 4.3). Authenticator's advantage is ratings volume (406 vs 8) and update cadence (weekly vs every 2 weeks). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support 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 ² sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator App ² holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator has 406 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Authenticator ships an update weekly, Authenticator App ² every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator App ² |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (406 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id6463820946/reviews) | **[4.5 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id6758083667/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **406** | 8 |
| Positive reviews | 14.8% 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 | 48 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ali El Malki](https://appshunter.io/developer/1699908413) | [MTWOM LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1870794503) |

## 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 ²

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id6758083667)

Secure your online accounts with this user-friendly two-factor authentication solution. Generate verification codes, manage multiple accounts, and store passwords securely. Enjoy a completely ad-free experience designed for speed and simplicity.

**Highlights:** Face ID Smart Lock, Quick Account Search, Flexible Account Management, Offline One-Time Passwords (OTP), Basic Password Manager, 100% Ad-Free Interface

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator App Premium | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Weekly Trial | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator App Premium | $39.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App Premium | $39.99 | per year |
| Premium Yearly Trial | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator free?

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

### Is Authenticator App ² free?

Authenticator App ² is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Authenticator or Authenticator App ²?

Authenticator App ² is rated higher. Authenticator averages 4.3 out of 5 from 406 ratings, while Authenticator App ² averages 4.5 from 8 ratings.

### Do Authenticator or Authenticator App ² have ads?

Authenticator shows ads; Authenticator App ² does not.

### Which is updated more often, Authenticator or Authenticator App ²?

Authenticator ships an update weekly, and Authenticator App ² every 2 weeks. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on September 26, 2026 and Authenticator App ² on September 13, 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.*