# Ghostwriter vs Authenticator

The clearest difference is update cadence: Ghostwriter at every 3 days against Authenticator's every 8 days. Authenticator's advantage is iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Ghostwriter sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and Authenticator sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Ghostwriter ships an update every 3 days, Authenticator every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ghostwriter | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[3.9 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-shield-app/id6756226303/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **13** |
| Positive reviews | — | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 8 days |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 40 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **17.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [App Launchers LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1131289518) | [NOOX MEDIA LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1836916041) |

## What reviewers say

### Ghostwriter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ghostwriter-author-with-ai/id6478638979)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Single Book Credit | $199.99 | one-time |
| 3 Book Credits | $499.99 | one-time |
| 5 Book Credits | $799.99 | one-time |


### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-shield-app/id6756226303)

This app generates secure, time-based one-time passwords for your online accounts. It features a privacy-focused design with local storage and optional biometric protection. Easily set up accounts by scanning QR codes or manually entering details.

**Highlights:** Time-based one-time passwords (TOTP), Secure local storage with iOS Keychain, QR code scanner for setup, Optional Face ID / Touch ID lock, No ads or tracking, Offline functionality

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly subscription noTrial | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly Subscription | $59.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Ghostwriter free?

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

### Is Authenticator free?

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

### Do Ghostwriter or Authenticator have ads?

Neither Ghostwriter nor Authenticator shows ads.

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

Ghostwriter ships an update every 3 days, and Authenticator every 8 days. Most recently, Ghostwriter was updated on September 22, 2026 and Authenticator on September 3, 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.*