# Authenticator vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is ads: Authenticator App at none against Authenticator's shown. Authenticator App also leads on update cadence (every 6 days vs every 2 weeks) and device support (4 vs 2). On price and in-app purchases 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 4 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator ships an update every 2 weeks, Authenticator App every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-auth-code/id6759444065/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **4** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Size | 36 MB | 28 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [AQUAWOOD PTE. LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1774212005) | [Pro App Company Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/705247168) |

## 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-auth-code/id6759444065)

Enhance your online security by generating secure one-time passwords for social media, email, and crypto wallets. This app offers a fast QR code scanner, biometric security, and works offline. It also includes a robust password manager and strong password generator.

**Highlights:** Time-based One-Time Passwords (TOTP), Lightning-Fast QR Code Scanner, Secure iCloud Backup & Sync (PRO), Universal Platform Compatibility, Biometric Security (Face ID/Touch ID), Offline Token Generation, Robust Password Manager, Strong Password Generator

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |


## 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 every 6 days. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on October 27, 2026 and Authenticator App on October 24, 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.*