# Authenticator Duo vs Authenticator

The clearest difference is monetization model: Authenticator at free with in-app purchases against Authenticator Duo's subscription. Authenticator also leads on rating (4.2 vs 3.9). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator Duo sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days and Authenticator sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 6 respectively.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly daily. The most recent releases landed on September 11, 2026 and August 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator Duo | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-duo-two-factor/id6615062059/reviews) | **[4.2 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-otp-security/id6736878953/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **7** | 6 |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Daily | Daily |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 16 MB | 34 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Shawna Margie](https://appshunter.io/developer/1775558385) | [Toni Pessey](https://appshunter.io/developer/1775740925) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator Duo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-duo-two-factor/id6615062059)

This app provides robust two-factor authentication to secure your online accounts. It offers easy setup, management, and backup/sync features using advanced security protocols for peace of mind.

**Highlights:** Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), Easy Setup & Management, Backup & Sync, Advanced Security Protocols, User-Friendly Interface

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Pro + 3 Days Trial | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Pro | $19.99 | per month |
| Annual Pro | $49.99 | per year |


### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-otp-security/id6736878953)

This app enhances account security by generating time-based, one-time passwords for two-factor authentication. It works offline and supports multiple accounts for emails, social media, and banking.

**Highlights:** Time-based one-time password generation, Offline code generation, Supports multiple accounts, Unlimited code generation (subscription), Multi-device sync (subscription), Cloud backup (subscription)

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| authenticatorWeekTrial | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| authenticatorMonth | $19.99 | per month |
| authenticatorYear | $49.99 | per year |
| authenticatorLifeTime | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator Duo free?

Authenticator Duo 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, Authenticator Duo or Authenticator?

Authenticator is rated higher. Authenticator Duo averages 3.9 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while Authenticator averages 4.2 from 6 ratings.

### Do Authenticator Duo or Authenticator have ads?

Neither Authenticator Duo nor Authenticator shows ads.

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

Authenticator Duo ships an update daily, and Authenticator daily. Most recently, Authenticator Duo was updated on September 11, 2026 and Authenticator on August 27, 2026.

---

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