# Authenticator App⋅ vs Authenticator*

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator* at 4.8 against Authenticator App⋅'s 3.5. Authenticator* also leads on ads (none vs shown). Authenticator App⋅'s advantage is ratings volume (153 vs 10). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App⋅ sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and Authenticator* sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator* holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator App⋅ has 153 ratings behind it against 10, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Authenticator App⋅ ships an update every 3 weeks, Authenticator* fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 3, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator App⋅ | Authenticator* |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (153 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id6742173130/reviews) | **[4.8 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id6748315527/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **153** | 10 |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 72 MB | 73 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ByteSpeed](https://appshunter.io/developer/1724157365) | [Arctec](https://appshunter.io/developer/1571513981) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator App⋅

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id6742173130)

Securely manage all your passwords in an encrypted vault and enhance account protection with dual-encrypted two-factor authentication codes. Generate strong passwords, sync across devices, and set up accounts quickly with QR codes.

**Highlights:** Encrypted password storage, Smart password generator, Dual-encrypted 2FA, Fast QR code setup, Secure iCloud backup and sync, Import/export QR codes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly VIP - 3 Days Free | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly VIP Subscription | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly VIP Subscription | $14.99 | per month |
| Yearly VIP Subscription | $39.99 | per year |
| Yearly VIP - 3 Days Free | $49.99 | per year |
| Lifetime VIP | $49.99 | one-time |


### Authenticator*

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id6748315527)

This app generates secure two-factor authentication codes for your online accounts. It offers end-to-end encryption, biometric locking, and seamless iCloud backup. Access codes instantly via widgets or Apple Watch, even offline.

**Highlights:** Secure 2FA/MFA code generation, End-to-end encryption, Face ID & PIN lock, iCloud sync & backup, Apple Watch & Home Screen widgets, Offline code generation, Unlimited account support

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly PRO | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly PRO | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly PRO | $29.99 | per year |
| Lifetime PRO Access | $39.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator App⋅ free?

Authenticator App⋅ 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 App⋅ or Authenticator*?

Authenticator* is rated higher. Authenticator App⋅ averages 3.5 out of 5 from 153 ratings, while Authenticator* averages 4.8 from 10 ratings.

### Do Authenticator App⋅ or Authenticator* have ads?

Authenticator App⋅ shows ads; Authenticator* does not.

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

Authenticator App⋅ ships an update every 3 weeks, and Authenticator* fortnightly. Most recently, Authenticator App⋅ was updated on September 3, 2026 and Authenticator* on September 18, 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.*