# Authenticator vs Authenticator app universal

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Authenticator at none against Authenticator app universal's 4. Authenticator app universal's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator app universal sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $19.99 per year. Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Authenticator ships an update every 2 months, Authenticator app universal every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator app universal |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-2fa-code-backup/id6741478724/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 69 MB | 25 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 18.2 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bodrya Hardikkummar Vinodbhai](https://appshunter.io/developer/1469774348) | [HEYOKA BILISIM ANONIM SIRKETI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1827291066) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-2fa-code-backup/id6741478724)

Securely generate and manage two-factor authentication codes for all your accounts. Encrypted backups ensure you never lose access, even with a new device. Works offline and syncs across your Apple devices.

**Highlights:** Encrypted iCloud backup and restore, Offline code generation, Face ID and Touch ID protection, One-step migration from other apps, Home Screen widget, Syncs across iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Authenticator app universal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-universal/id6747387288)

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| yearly 30 | $29.99 | per year |
| Authenticator app | $39.99 | per year |
| lifetime | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator free?

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

### Is Authenticator app universal free?

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

### Do Authenticator or Authenticator app universal have ads?

Authenticator shows ads; Authenticator app universal does not.

### Which is updated more often, Authenticator or Authenticator app universal?

Authenticator ships an update every 2 months, and Authenticator app universal every 6 weeks. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on October 19, 2026 and Authenticator app universal 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.*