# Authenticator vs Authenticator app (2FAS)

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator app (2FAS) at 5.0 against Authenticator's 3.5. Authenticator app (2FAS) also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 6 months). Authenticator's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (190 vs 2). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days and Authenticator app (2FAS) sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator app (2FAS) holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator has 190 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Authenticator ships an update every 6 months, Authenticator app (2FAS) every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator app (2FAS) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (190 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-mfa-and-2fa/id6612031858/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fas/id6743524724/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **190** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 4.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 52 MB | 22 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Level Clash Apps S.L.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1590871236) | [雅倩 李](https://appshunter.io/developer/1641624313) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Authenticator app (2FAS)

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fas/id6743524724)

This app provides robust two-factor authentication and biometric security for your digital accounts. It offers dynamic code generation, fast account binding via QR scanning, and secure cloud synchronization to prevent data loss. Enjoy a worry-free login experience with enhanced protection against unauthorized access.

**Highlights:** Dynamic two-factor authentication codes, Fast QR code scanning for account binding, Encrypted cloud synchronization, Biometric verification (Face swipe), Offline access to codes, Support for major platforms

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly VIP | $6.99 | per month |
| Yearly VIP | $49.99 | per year |
| Yearly VIP | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator free?

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

### Is Authenticator app (2FAS) free?

Authenticator app (2FAS) is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Authenticator or Authenticator app (2FAS)?

Authenticator app (2FAS) is rated higher. Authenticator averages 3.5 out of 5 from 190 ratings, while Authenticator app (2FAS) averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Authenticator or Authenticator app (2FAS) have ads?

Authenticator app (2FAS) shows ads; Authenticator does not.

### Which is updated more often, Authenticator or Authenticator app (2FAS)?

Authenticator ships an update every 6 months, and Authenticator app (2FAS) every 5 days. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on October 6, 2026 and Authenticator app (2FAS) on September 28, 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.*