# Asterex vs Authenticator

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.

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.

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.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | Asterex | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/asterex-password-manager/id6755834317/reviews)** | [4.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-2fa-code-and-otp/id6769224166/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **6** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Weekly | Weekly |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 82 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Yaw Boamah](https://appshunter.io/developer/1852771427) | [志兵 袁](https://appshunter.io/developer/6779040430) |

## What reviewers say

### Asterex

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/asterex-password-manager/id6755834317)

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:** Safari Extension, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Asterex Premium Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Asterex Premium Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Asterex Lifetime Premium | $79.99 | one-time |


### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-2fa-code-and-otp/id6769224166)

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:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly | $17.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $44.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*