# Authenticator vs Phrase Core

The clearest difference is update cadence: Phrase Core at daily against Authenticator's every 9 days. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days and Phrase Core sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator ships an update every 9 days, Phrase Core daily. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Phrase Core |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.9 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-shield-app/id6756226303/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **13** | — |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 21 MB | 45 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NOOX MEDIA LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1836916041) | [Mykhailo Holovatskyi](https://appshunter.io/developer/6792025640) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### Phrase Core

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phrase-core/id6792025518)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Phrase Core Pro | $3.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator free?

Authenticator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Phrase Core free?

Phrase Core is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Authenticator or Phrase Core have ads?

Neither Authenticator nor Phrase Core shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Authenticator or Phrase Core?

Authenticator ships an update every 9 days, and Phrase Core daily. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on October 4, 2026 and Phrase Core on September 20, 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.*