# Authenticator App vs Authenticator

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator at 5.0 against Authenticator App's 4.5. Authenticator also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 22). Authenticator App's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (1.8K vs 1). On price, monetization model, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App sells 21 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Authenticator holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator App has 1.8K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Authenticator App ships an update monthly, Authenticator every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator App | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-auth-plus/id6473080405/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-2fa-code-backup/id6741478724/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.8K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 25.1% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 45 MB | 69 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Appshub Bilgi Teknolojileri Limited Sirketi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1716289540) | [Bodrya Hardikkummar Vinodbhai](https://appshunter.io/developer/1469774348) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-auth-plus/id6473080405)

This app provides secure two-factor authentication (2FA) codes for thousands of online accounts. It also offers a password manager with autofill, encrypted backups, and cross-device sync for enhanced digital security.

**Highlights:** Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) codes, Password Manager with Autofill, Encrypted Backups, Cross-Device Sync, Offline Access for codes, Built-In VPN Protection

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

**In-app purchases (21)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator App | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator App Premium | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator App Premium | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator Monthly Plan | $6.99 | per month |
| Two Factor Authentication App | $9.99 | per month |
| Authenticator App Premium | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator App Premium | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator Yearly Access | $12.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App Premium | $14.99 | per month |
| Authenticator App Premium | $19.99 | per year |
| 2FA Authentication App | $19.99 | per year |
| 2FA Authenticator Premium | $24.99 | per year |
| AuthOne Authenticator Premium | $29.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App Premium | $29.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App Premium | $39.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App Premium | $39.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App Premium | $49.99 | per 3 months |
| Authenticator App Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App Premium | $59.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Special Offer | $19.99 | one-time |
| Authenticator Lifetime Deal | $39.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🔒 100% secure
- 🔒 Ensures safety for financial applications

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤯 Not intuitive
- 💰 Expensive with no trial
- 🤖 Constant sales/VPN prompts
- 🚫 Difficult to uninstall
- 🤔 Confusing with too many options

**Reported bugs**

- Can't read QR codes
- App URLs don't work

**Requested features**

- Option to disable annoying prompts
- Improve user-friendliness


### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-2fa-code-backup/id6741478724)

Securely generate and manage two-factor authentication codes for all your accounts. Encrypted backups ensure you never lose access, even with a new device. Works offline and syncs across your Apple devices.

**Highlights:** Encrypted iCloud backup and restore, Offline code generation, Face ID and Touch ID protection, One-step migration from other apps, Home Screen widget, Syncs across iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator App free?

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

### Is Authenticator free?

Authenticator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

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

Authenticator is rated higher. Authenticator App averages 4.5 out of 5 from 1.8K ratings, while Authenticator averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Authenticator App or Authenticator have ads?

Authenticator shows ads; Authenticator App does not.

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

Authenticator App ships an update monthly, and Authenticator every 2 months. Most recently, Authenticator App was updated on October 18, 2026 and Authenticator on October 19, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*