# Authenticator App vs Authenticator ℠

The clearest difference is update cadence: Authenticator ℠ at weekly against Authenticator App's fortnightly. Authenticator ℠ also leads on device support (4 vs 2). Authenticator App's advantage is iOS requirement (14 vs 16.0). On price, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days and Authenticator ℠ sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator App ships an update fortnightly, Authenticator ℠ weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator App | Authenticator ℠ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[3.1 (34 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id6748213186/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **34** |
| Positive reviews | — | 3.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 17 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Forms](https://appshunter.io/developer/1765480567) | [NextGen Software LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1791010516) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-secureguard/id6746441080)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator Weekly Plan | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator Monthly Plan | $19.99 | per month |
| Authenticator Yearly Plan | $39.99 | per year |


### Authenticator ℠

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id6748213186)

This app provides two-factor authentication (2FA) for your online accounts and acts as a secure vault for passwords and credit card information. It offers multiple ways to add accounts, integrates with Microsoft, and uses local encryption for maximum privacy on macOS.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication (2FA), Password management, Encrypted credit card storage, Multiple 2FA account setup methods, One-tap Microsoft account integration, Local encryption for data privacy, PIN frequently used items

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Week | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 Year | $49.99 | per year |
| One-Time Payment | $99.99 | 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.

### Do Authenticator App or Authenticator ℠ have ads?

Neither Authenticator App nor Authenticator ℠ shows ads.

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

Authenticator App ships an update fortnightly, and Authenticator ℠ weekly. Most recently, Authenticator App was updated on September 17, 2026 and Authenticator ℠ on September 29, 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.*