Comparison

Asterex vs Authenticator

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Asterex

This app securely stores passwords, passkeys, 2FA codes, and sensitive records using strong encryption and a zero-knowledge design. It offers local storage by default with optional cloud sync and provides tools for generating strong passwords and managing digital identities.

Highlights
  • Local-first, privacy-first password manager
  • Stores passwords, passkeys, 2FA codes, notes, and attachments
  • Password and passphrase generator
  • Passkey support and autofill
  • AES-256 encryption and biometric protection
  • Import from multiple popular password managers
  • Optional iCloud and WiFi sync
Features
Read full description

Asterex is a local-first, privacy-first password manager built for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. It protects passwords, passkeys, 2FA codes, secure notes, attachments, and sensitive records with strong encryption and a zero-knowledge design, so only you can unlock your data. Asterex keeps control in your hands: encrypted local storage by default, with optional sync and encrypted backup when you choose. Guided setup helps you create or restore a vault and enable AutoFill. WHAT YOU CAN STORE - Passwords, passkeys, and secure notes - Credit cards, identities, passports, WiFi credentials, API keys, database logins, software licenses, memberships, subscriptions, and more - Attachments, custom fields, nested tags, favorites, and linked items - Organized vaults with custom colors and icons, fast search, filters, and Smart Folders - Location-aware items associated with Apple Maps places - Smart Fill to populate item details from photos, PDFs, and text, plus camera scans on iPhone and iPad, with on-device processing and review before saving PASSWORD, PASSPHRASE, AND USERNAME TOOLS - Password generator with customizable length and character sets - Option to exclude ambiguous characters like 0/O and l/I - Passphrase generator with configurable word count, separators, capitalization, and numeric suffix - Remembered password and passphrase settings - Alias Studio for username and email identity generation - Plus-address aliases, catch-all domain aliases, word-blend usernames, and relay aliases through supported providers PASSKEY AND AUTOFILL EXPERIENCE - Passkey support for WebAuthn/FIDO2 - AutoFill for apps and websites - Safari extension, plus Chrome and Firefox extensions for Mac, with password and 2FA code autofill, search, password generation, and login saving - URI match detection controls for more precise website matching - Built-in TOTP authenticator with QR setup and quick copy - Mac Quick Access and keyboard shortcuts - Siri and Shortcuts support, with optional Spotlight indexing WIDGETS - TOTP widget for fast access to one-time codes - Subscription widget mode for upcoming billing visibility - Security Score widget for at-a-glance vault health SECURITY FEATURES - AES-256 encryption and SQLCipher encrypted local database - Face ID and Touch ID protection - YubiKey and compatible security key support - Travel Mode to hide selected vaults until revealed with your Master Password - Vault Policies for local rules around access, AutoFill, exports, sync, and travel visibility - Auto-lock and privacy screen - Secure clipboard controls, including auto-clear options - Security Dashboard for weak, duplicate, reused, old, and compromised credential detection - 2FA coverage insights and actionable recommendations IMPORT, EXPORT, AND TRANSFER - Import from 1Password, Bitwarden, Proton Pass, KeePass, Strongbox, Chrome, LastPass, Apple Passwords CSV, mSecure, and generic CSV - Preview imports before adding items to your vault - Select or unselect individual items during supported imports - Encrypted export for backup and migration - App-to-app credential transfer support on compatible iOS versions SYNC AND BACKUP OPTIONS - Local-first by default - Optional iCloud Sync - Optional encrypted iCloud backup and restore - Local WiFi Sync with secure pairing and fingerprint verification - Folder Sync and WebDAV support PRIVACY - No tracking, no analytics, no ads - No Asterex-hosted cloud storing your vault - Your master password stays on-device PREMIUM Asterex includes a free tier, with Premium unlocking expanded limits and advanced workflows including advanced protection tools, widgets, vault organization, imports, sync, and backup features. Free trial available. Cancel anytime. Terms of Use: [https://secure.asterex.app/terms](https://secure.asterex.app/terms) Privacy Policy: [https://secure.asterex.app/privacy](https://secure.asterex.app/privacy)

About

Authenticator

This app secures your online accounts with 2FA codes, a password manager, and a secure browser. It offers iCloud sync, Apple Watch support, and Face ID protection for comprehensive account security.

Highlights
  • 2FA authentication with TOTP
  • Password vault with local encryption
  • Strong password generator
  • Built-in secure browser
  • iCloud sync and cloud recovery
  • Apple Watch support
  • Face ID/password protection
Features
Read full description

Authenticator Pro is your all-in-one account security app — two-factor authentication (2FA), a password vault, a password generator, and a private secure browser, all in one place. Whether you're protecting your personal logins, running stores on Amazon and Shopify, or managing dozens of developer and company accounts, Authenticator Pro makes account security simple, reliable, and effortless. CORE FEATURES • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) — your first line of defense Built on the TOTP standard, Authenticator Pro works with every major service: Google, GitHub, Amazon, Shopify, Microsoft, Dropbox, X (Twitter), Discord, PayPal, Stripe, and any platform that supports two-factor or multi-factor authentication (MFA). Just scan the QR code and you're set up in under 30 seconds. Your one-time codes (OTP) refresh every 30 seconds, so even if your password leaks, no one can sign in without the code. • Password Vault — stop using one password everywhere 80 accounts, 80 different passwords — impossible to remember, and you don't have to. Every username and password is encrypted and stored locally on your device, ready to copy with a single tap. No more digging through notes, sticky notes, or chat history — and no more endless "forgot password" resets. • Password Generator — strong passwords in seconds Create high-strength passwords with custom length (5–64 characters) and any mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. The result would take trillions of years to brute-force. Signing up for something new, or forced to rotate a password? Generate, copy, done — in five seconds. • Built-in Secure Browser — your last line against phishing Phishing is one of the most common ways accounts get stolen, and fake login pages are nearly impossible to spot. The built-in secure browser runs in an isolated sandbox that blocks third-party ad tracking and cookie monitoring. Switch on private mode and all history and local data are wiped the moment you leave — no trace left behind. Smart autofill even recognizes login pages and fills in your saved credentials with one tap. • iCloud Sync & Cloud Restore — switch phones with zero stress Losing every code when you get a new phone is a nightmare too many people know. With iCloud sync on, your accounts are automatically encrypted and backed up to your private iCloud. Install the app on your new phone and restore everything in 30 seconds. • Apple Watch — codes on your wrist Phone not handy? Just raise your wrist and read your verification codes right on your Apple Watch. • Face ID / Passcode Lock With app lock enabled, Authenticator Pro asks for Face ID or your passcode every time it opens — so even if someone gets hold of your phone, your accounts stay safe. WHO IT'S FOR • Everyday users — protect your email, social, banking, and shopping accounts • E-commerce sellers — keep your Amazon, Shopify, and eBay store accounts safe, especially before peak season • Developers — manage GitHub, AWS, GitLab, and cloud accounts in one place • Crypto traders — secure your Binance, exchange, and wallet logins • Gamers — protect Steam, Riot, Epic, and other game accounts • Teams — centralize accounts and hand them off seamlessly with iCloud sync Account security isn't something to handle "after something goes wrong." Download Authenticator Pro today, set up in five minutes, and put every account in the vault. Downloading indicates agreement to Apple's Standard EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Asterex4 screens
Authenticator4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is monetization model: Asterex at free against Authenticator's free with in-app purchases. Asterex also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.5) and ratings volume (6 vs 2). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Asterex sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month 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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Asterex holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6 and 2 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Asterex versus Authenticator: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAsterexAuthenticator
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (6 ratings) — better4.5 (2 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings6 — better2
Update frequencyWeeklyWeekly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch
Requires iOS18.617.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size82 MB36 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperYaw Boamah志兵 袁

Customer experience

Asterex

All ratings6 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Authenticator

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Asterex

Subscriptions2
  • Asterex Premium Monthly$2.991 Month
  • Asterex Premium Yearly$29.991 Year
One-time1
  • Asterex Lifetime Premium$79.99
3 purchases

Authenticator

Subscriptions2
  • Weekly3 Days trial$5.997 Days
  • Yearly$17.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime$44.99

Questions

Is Asterex free?
Asterex 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, Asterex or Authenticator?
Asterex is rated higher. Asterex averages 4.8 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while Authenticator averages 4.5 from 2 ratings.
Do Asterex or Authenticator have ads?
Neither Asterex nor Authenticator shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Asterex or Authenticator?
Asterex ships an update weekly, and Authenticator weekly. Most recently, Asterex was updated on October 7, 2026 and Authenticator on October 19, 2026.

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