# SMS Forwarder vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is ads: SMS Forwarder at none against Authenticator App's shown. SMS Forwarder also leads on ratings volume (51 vs 9). Authenticator App's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, rating, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SMS Forwarder sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 7 days and Authenticator App 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 App holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SMS Forwarder has 51 ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two.

SMS Forwarder ships an update every 9 days, Authenticator App fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SMS Forwarder | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (51 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sms-forwarder-re-text/id6746873130/reviews) | **[4.3 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-otp-2fa/id6747989010/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **51** | 9 |
| Positive reviews | 71.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 days** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 100 MB | 34 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17 | **16.6** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dripcode SP Z O O](https://appshunter.io/developer/1686593191) | [Specter Apps Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/6793483364) |

## What reviewers say

### SMS Forwarder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sms-forwarder-re-text/id6746873130)

Automatically forward incoming SMS and text messages to your chosen destinations like email, other phone numbers, or work apps. Set up custom rules and schedules to control what gets sent, ensuring you never miss important alerts, OTPs, or verification codes.

**Highlights:** Automatic SMS forwarding on iOS, Forward to email, phone number, and chat apps, Rules, filters, and schedules, OTP and 2FA code forwarding, On-device processing for privacy, Simple setup

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Week Sub No Trial | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Week Sub - Re:Text | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Month Sub No Trial | $9.99 | per month |
| Month Sub - Re:Texts | $17.99 | per month |
| Year Sub No Trial | $59.99 | per year |
| Year Upgrade Sub - Re:Text | $59.99 | per year |
| Year Promo Sub - Re:Text | $69.99 | per year |
| Year Sub - Re:Text | $69.99 | per year |
| Year Sub - 7 Day Trial | $69.99 | per year |


### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-otp-2fa/id6747989010)

Secure your online accounts with two-factor authentication and manage your passwords in one encrypted app. Generate strong passwords, organize credentials, and sync across devices with optional iCloud backup. Offers offline functionality and biometric access for enhanced privacy.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication token generation, Secure password management, QR code scanning for 2FA setup, Military-grade encryption, Offline functionality, Face ID/Passcode access, iCloud sync

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium | $19.99 | per year |
| Premium | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SMS Forwarder free?

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

### Is Authenticator App free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SMS Forwarder or Authenticator App?

Authenticator App is rated higher. SMS Forwarder averages 4.2 out of 5 from 51 ratings, while Authenticator App averages 4.3 from 9 ratings.

### Do SMS Forwarder or Authenticator App have ads?

Authenticator App shows ads; SMS Forwarder does not.

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

SMS Forwarder ships an update every 9 days, and Authenticator App fortnightly. Most recently, SMS Forwarder was updated on October 30, 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.*