# Authenticator vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is ads: Authenticator App at none against Authenticator's shown. Authenticator App also leads on chart position (#130 vs unranked). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $49.99 per year and Authenticator App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator ships an update every 2 weeks, Authenticator App fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.0 (123 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id6749863577/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **123** |
| Positive reviews | — | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#130** |
| Size | 36 MB | 104 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [AQUAWOOD PTE. LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1774212005) | [Solid Apps LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/6779157605) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-2fa-and-passkey/id6736977421)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| year | $49.99 | per year |
| lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |


### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id6749863577)

**Currently charting:** #130 Top Free · Utilities (US App Store)

Enhance your online security with time-sensitive codes for account access. This tool prevents unauthorized entry even if passwords are compromised. It's user-friendly, supports multiple accounts, and offers peace of mind for your sensitive information.

**Highlights:** Generates time-sensitive 2FA codes, Protects against unauthorized access, Supports multiple accounts, Easy setup via QR code or secret key, Available on Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac, Home Screen widget for quick access, Face ID protection for codes, iCloud synchronization for backup and restore

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator free?

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

### Is Authenticator App free?

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

### Do Authenticator or Authenticator App have ads?

Authenticator shows ads; Authenticator App does not.

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

Authenticator ships an update every 2 weeks, and Authenticator App fortnightly. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on October 7, 2026 and Authenticator App on October 11, 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.*