# Authly vs Authenticator

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Authly at 65% against Authenticator's 4%. Authly also leads on rating (4.2 vs 3.5) and update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 6 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authly sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days and Authenticator sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authly holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 216 and 190 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 65% of Authly's written reviews are positive against 4% of Authenticator's.

Authly ships an update every 5 weeks, Authenticator every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authly | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (216 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authly/id6476198484/reviews)** | [3.5 (190 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-mfa-and-2fa/id6612031858/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **216** | 190 |
| Positive reviews | **64.6% of reviews** | 4.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 10 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Appios Bilisim](https://appshunter.io/developer/1796567865) | [Level Clash Apps S.L.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1590871236) |

## What reviewers say

### Authly

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authly/id6476198484)

This app provides secure 2FA verification codes for over 2,500 websites and services. It offers seamless integration with Apple Watch, a support widget, and robust encryption for your data. Easily link accounts by scanning QR codes and enjoy synchronized access across all your devices.

**Highlights:** 2FA verification codes, QR code account linking, Support for 2,500+ websites, Apple Watch integration, In-app support widget, Encrypted data storage, Cross-device synchronization

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Access, 1 Week | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Access, 1 Month | $12.99 | per month |
| Premium Access, 1 Year | $39.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast code generation for authentication
- 👍 Easy to set up and use
- 🔒 Secure two-factor authentication
- 💡 Widget feature for lock screen access
- 📱 Import/export functionality

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Requires payment for full features
- 🎭 Deceptive app naming (similar to 'Authy')
- ⏳ 10-second wait time on startup without payment
- 🚫 Cannot export without paying
- 😤 Poor customer support

**Reported bugs**

- QR code scanning not working properly
- Account creation hyperlink non-functional
- Clicking wrong account when editing
- Support message box fails to send
- Confirmation emails sent to incorrect addresses

**Requested features**

- Better account name display without truncation
- Improved icon/list view for managing hundreds of accounts
- Clearer setup instructions
- Video tutorial improvements
- Better organization for large account collections


### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-mfa-and-2fa/id6612031858)

Securely store and generate two-factor authentication codes for your online accounts directly on your device. Features encrypted backups, cross-device sync, and quick access widgets. Supports thousands of services and offers offline code generation.

**Highlights:** Secure and private data storage, Encrypted backups to iCloud, Cross-device sync including Apple Watch, Home Screen widget for quick access, Offline code generation, Import accounts from other authenticators, Support for thousands of major services

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Plan | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Plan | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Plan | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Plan | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Subscription | $19.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $19.99 | per month |
| yearly subscription | $79.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy and simple to use
- 👍 Keep your codes near

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤥 Misleading app name (mimics Authy)
- 💸 Unexpected subscription charges
- ❌ App is not free as advertised
- 🚫 Forced payment pop-ups
- 🗑️ Erased connected apps after update

**Reported bugs**

- App won't open after payment
- Connected apps erased by update
- Lost access to important accounts due to app deletion
- App declines correct entries
- Funds inaccessible


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authly free?

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

### Is Authenticator free?

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

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

Authly is rated higher. Authly averages 4.2 out of 5 from 216 ratings, while Authenticator averages 3.5 from 190 ratings.

### Do Authly or Authenticator have ads?

Neither Authly nor Authenticator shows ads.

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

Authly ships an update every 5 weeks, and Authenticator every 6 months. Most recently, Authly was updated on September 21, 2026 and Authenticator on September 6, 2026.

---

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