# Authenticator App vs Authenticator

The clearest difference is ads: Authenticator App at none against Authenticator's shown. Authenticator App also leads on ratings volume (184 vs 6) and chart position (#209 vs unranked). Authenticator's advantage is rating (4.3 vs 4.0) and update cadence (every 4 days vs fortnightly). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days and Authenticator sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator App has 184 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Authenticator App ships an update fortnightly, Authenticator every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator App | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (184 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id6749863577/reviews) | **[4.3 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-2fa-mfa-otp/id6808388945/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **184** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#209** | — |
| Size | 136 MB | 43 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Solid Apps LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/6779157605) | [Lumetro LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1802229122) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator App

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

**Currently charting:** #209 Top Free · Utilities (US App Store)

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 |


### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-2fa-mfa-otp/id6808388945)

Secure your online accounts with two-factor authentication generated directly on your device. Easily set up TOTP codes by scanning QR codes, which refresh every 30 seconds and function offline. Supports a vast range of popular services and offers encrypted backup and sync.

**Highlights:** Time-based one-time passwords (TOTP), Offline code generation, QR code setup, Encrypted backup and sync, Import from other authenticators, App Lock with biometrics, Password manager with autofill, Data breach monitoring

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator Premium | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator Premium | $39.99 | per year |


## 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 4.0 out of 5 from 184 ratings, while Authenticator averages 4.3 from 6 ratings.

### Do Authenticator App or Authenticator have ads?

Authenticator shows ads; Authenticator App does not.

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

Authenticator App ships an update fortnightly, and Authenticator every 4 days. Most recently, Authenticator App was updated on October 25, 2026 and Authenticator 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.*