# Authenticator vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Authenticator App at 38% against Authenticator's 0%. Authenticator App also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 33 months) and rating (4.6 vs 4.3). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days and Authenticator App sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator App holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator App has 908 ratings behind it against 31, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 38% of Authenticator App's.

Authenticator ships an update every 33 months, Authenticator App every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-secure-2fa-app/id6472184300/reviews) | **[4.6 (908 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id6505110382/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 31 | **908** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **37.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 33 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 35 MB | 320 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Piotr Kalita](https://appshunter.io/developer/1759390978) | [A1Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/6801470556) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-secure-2fa-app/id6472184300)

This app provides robust two-factor authentication to secure your online accounts. It offers features like account organization, secure password storage, and cross-device synchronization for enhanced digital identity protection.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication (2FA), Account creation via QR code or manual entry, Account organization with folders, Secure password and recovery code storage, Cross-device synchronization and backup, Face ID app lock

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator: Secure 2FA App | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| 2FA Authenticator: MFA, TOTP | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator: Secure 2FA App | $14.99 | per month |
| Authenticator: Secure 2FA App | $15.99 | per month |
| Authenticator: Secure 2FA App | $83.99 | per year |
| Two Factor Verify - Duo Auth | $99.99 | per year |


### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id6505110382)

Secure your online accounts with two-factor and multi-factor authentication. Generates time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) and OTP codes for fast, reliable logins. Includes a built-in password manager and encrypted backup for all your credentials.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication (2FA), Multi-factor authentication (MFA), Time-based one-time passwords (TOTP), Built-in password manager, Encrypted backup and sync, Import from other authenticator apps, Offline code generation

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Weekly | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro Weekly Plan | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro Weekly Plan | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro Weekly Plan | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro Weekly Plan | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Premium Monthly | $12.99 | per month |
| Pro Yearly | $24.99 | per year |
| Pro Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Pro Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Pro Yearly | $59.99 | per year |
| Pro Yearly Plan | $59.99 | 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 31 ratings, while Authenticator App averages 4.6 from 908 ratings.

### Do Authenticator or Authenticator App have ads?

Both Authenticator and Authenticator App show ads.

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

Authenticator ships an update every 33 months, and Authenticator App every 3 weeks. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on September 19, 2026 and Authenticator App on September 22, 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.*