# LiveSafe vs Optimal Authenticator

The clearest difference is ratings volume: LiveSafe at 334 against Optimal Authenticator's 4. LiveSafe also leads on review sentiment (23% vs 0%) and update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 3 months). Optimal Authenticator's advantage is rating (3.0 vs 2.8) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Optimal Authenticator holds the better App Store score, 3.0 against 2.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: LiveSafe has 334 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 23% of LiveSafe's written reviews are positive against 0% of Optimal Authenticator's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

LiveSafe ships an update every 6 weeks, Optimal Authenticator every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on August 25, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | LiveSafe | Optimal Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.8 (334 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/livesafe/id653666211/reviews) | **[3.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optimal-authenticator/id1217402923/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **334** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | **22.9% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | **#171** | — |
| Size | 123 MB | 80 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [LiveSafe, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/653666214) | [Optimal IdM](https://appshunter.io/developer/1050742329) |

## What reviewers say

### LiveSafe

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/livesafe/id653666211)

**Currently charting:** #171 Top Free · Utilities (US App Store)

Communicate directly with community safety officials via text, picture, video, and audio. Share your location during emergencies and virtually walk friends home. Access safety resources and a safety map.

**Highlights:** Two-way communication with safety officials, Discreet reporting via text, picture, video, audio, SafeWalk virtual escort, Location sharing during emergencies, Access to safety resources, Safety map

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 SafeWalk feature enables real-time location sharing with trusted contacts
- 👍 Easy anonymous reporting of safety concerns and suspicious activity
- 🔒 Provides direct communication channel with campus/organization security
- 📱 Useful for receiving emergency notifications and alerts
- ⭐ Helpful safety resources and information access

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezing issues
- 🔓 Login and authentication problems persist across multiple versions
- 📧 Unreliable email verification and password reset functionality
- ⏱️ Slow or non-functional communication with security services
- 🔋 Excessive battery drain and data consumption

**Reported bugs**

- Cannot get past login screen with persistent 'oops' errors
- Password reset emails not being received
- Unable to add organization - endless error messages
- App crashes immediately upon opening
- Verification code entry field not appearing after SMS sent

**Requested features**

- Apple Watch compatibility
- Dropdown menu for frequently entered information (names, emails)
- Larger fonts and better contrast on survey results screen
- Recent entries history for quick access
- Ability to set multiple office locations


### Optimal Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optimal-authenticator/id1217402923)

This app provides a secure way to verify your identity for accessing other applications. It uses two-factor authentication via push notifications or verification codes, and allows organizations to register trusted devices for sign-in requests.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication, Push notification verification, On-app verification codes, Trusted device registration, Secure identity verification

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is LiveSafe free?

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

### Is Optimal Authenticator free?

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

### Which has better reviews, LiveSafe or Optimal Authenticator?

Optimal Authenticator is rated higher. LiveSafe averages 2.8 out of 5 from 334 ratings, while Optimal Authenticator averages 3.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do LiveSafe or Optimal Authenticator have ads?

Neither LiveSafe nor Optimal Authenticator shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, LiveSafe or Optimal Authenticator?

LiveSafe ships an update every 6 weeks, and Optimal Authenticator every 3 months. Most recently, LiveSafe was updated on August 25, 2026 and Optimal Authenticator on September 19, 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.*