# Authenticator vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator at 4.5 against Authenticator App's 4.0. Authenticator also leads on iOS requirement (14.0 vs 18.0). Authenticator App's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (123 vs 25). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and Authenticator App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 25 and 123 respectively.

Authenticator ships an update weekly, Authenticator App fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 5, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (25 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-secure-2fa-auth/id6749149708/reviews)** | [4.0 (123 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id6749863577/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 25 | **123** |
| Positive reviews | — | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 73 MB | 104 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Timon Scherzinger](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895022963) | [Solid Apps LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/6779157605) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-secure-2fa-auth/id6749149708)

Securely manage your two-factor authentication tokens and passwords in one place. This app offers offline code generation and a private in-app browser. Free users can manage existing codes and passwords, while premium subscribers gain unlimited creation and secure browsing.

**Highlights:** Organize 2FA tokens and passwords, Offline code generation, Built-in secure browser, Manage existing codes and passwords (free), Unlimited code/password creation (premium), Face ID access

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $17.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $49.99 | per year |


### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id6749863577)

Enhance your online security with time-sensitive codes for account access. This tool prevents unauthorized entry even if passwords are compromised. It's user-friendly, supports multiple accounts, and offers peace of mind for your sensitive information.

**Highlights:** Generates time-sensitive 2FA codes, Protects against unauthorized access, Supports multiple accounts, Easy setup via QR code or secret key, Available on Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac, Home Screen widget for quick access, Face ID protection for codes, iCloud synchronization for backup and restore

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium | $49.99 | per year |


## 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.

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

Authenticator is rated higher. Authenticator averages 4.5 out of 5 from 25 ratings, while Authenticator App averages 4.0 from 123 ratings.

### 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 weekly, and Authenticator App fortnightly. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on September 5, 2026 and Authenticator App on September 19, 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.*