# Authenticator App vs Authenticator

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator at 3.9 against Authenticator App's 3.0. Authenticator also leads on ratings volume (13 vs 2). Authenticator App's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs every 8 days). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days and Authenticator sells 3 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, 3.9 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator has 13 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Authenticator App ships an update every 2 days, Authenticator every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on September 7, 2026 and September 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator App | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-code/id6755022300/reviews) | **[3.9 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-shield-app/id6756226303/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **13** |
| Positive reviews | — | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 days** | Every 8 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 131 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **17.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [VNSolution AI Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1860803057) | [NOOX MEDIA LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1836916041) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-code/id6755022300)

Secure your online accounts with two-factor authentication (2FA) by generating time-based one-time passwords (TOTP). This app adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access to your email, social networks, and other services. It also includes advanced tools like a password manager and secure notes for comprehensive data protection.

**Highlights:** Generate TOTP authentication codes, Add accounts via QR code or manual entry, Transfer authenticator data, Encrypted iCloud backup and restore, Built-in password manager, Secure notes and encrypted vault, App lock with PIN or biometrics

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

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator App - Secure 2FA Pro | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator App - Secure 2FA Pro | $2.99 | per month |
| Authenticator App - Secure 2FA Pro | $4.89 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator App - Secure 2FA Pro | $4.99 | per month |
| Authenticator App - Secure 2FA Pro | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator App - Secure 2FA Pro | $20.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App - Secure 2FA Pro | $29.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App - Secure 2FA Pro | $39.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App - Secure 2FA Pro | $149.99 | per year |
| Premium Monthly | $1.99 | one-time |
| Authenticator App - Secure 2FA Pro | $9.99 | one-time |


### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-shield-app/id6756226303)

This app generates secure, time-based one-time passwords for your online accounts. It features a privacy-focused design with local storage and optional biometric protection. Easily set up accounts by scanning QR codes or manually entering details.

**Highlights:** Time-based one-time passwords (TOTP), Secure local storage with iOS Keychain, QR code scanner for setup, Optional Face ID / Touch ID lock, No ads or tracking, Offline functionality

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly subscription noTrial | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly Subscription | $59.99 | 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 3.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Authenticator averages 3.9 from 13 ratings.

### 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 every 2 days, and Authenticator every 8 days. Most recently, Authenticator App was updated on September 7, 2026 and Authenticator on September 3, 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.*
