Comparison

Ghost Auth vs Real Authenticator

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

Head to head
About

Ghost Auth

Securely manage your two-factor authentication codes locally on your device. Encrypts all data with AES-256 and stores it in your OS keychain, ensuring no sensitive information is uploaded to external servers. Offers biometric unlock, PIN protection, and encrypted iCloud synchronization for added convenience and security.

Highlights
  • AES-256 encrypted local storage
  • Biometric and PIN unlock
  • Encrypted iCloud synchronization
  • TOTP code generation for any service
  • QR code scanning and manual entry
  • Import from other authenticator apps
  • Browser extension support
Features
Read full description

Ghost Auth keeps your one-time passwords on your device — encrypted with AES-256, stored in your OS keychain, never uploaded. No servers to trust. No sign-up. Just your codes. Security: - AES-256 encrypted local storage - PIN lock with recovery codes - Biometric unlock - Backup & restore with password protection - Encrypted synchronization with iCloud Features: - TOTP codes for any service (Google, GitHub, Discord, etc.) - QR code scanning and manual entry - Import from Google Authenticator and other apps - Device-to-device sync - Browser extension for Chrome and Firefox - 77 languages Privacy: - No account, no cloud, no tracking - Completely offline - Open-source

About

Real Authenticator

This app provides a secure, human-powered verification system for trusted connections. It allows users to share rotating time-based codes to confirm each other's identities, similar to two-factor authentication but between individuals. Built with privacy in mind, it offers Face ID and passcode protection.

Highlights
  • Human-powered verification codes
  • Secure connections with trusted contacts
  • Time-based rotating codes
  • Privacy-first design
  • Face ID & passcode lock
  • Sign in with Apple
Features
Read full description

Identity Verification with the People You Trust Ever need to verify someone is really who they say they are? Real Authenticator gives you and your trusted connections a shared, rotating verification code - like two-factor authentication, but between real people. How it works: 1. Create a secure connection with someone you trust 2. Share an invite via link or QR code 3. Both of you see matching time-based codes that rotate automatically 4. Use the code to verify each other's identity anytime Built with privacy first: • Sign in with Apple - no email or password required • Face ID & passcode lock for added security • Encrypted, time-based one-time codes (TOTP) Perfect for: • Families verifying calls aren't scams • Teams confirming identity remotely • Anyone who needs a simple, trusted way to say "it's really me" Real Authenticator brings the security of 2FA to your most important relationships. Terms of Use: https://www.realauthenticator.app/terms Subscriptions & Lifetime Plans: • Free for the first 3 connections. • Family Plan - Up to 8 connections ($12.99/mo, $119.99/yr, or $249.99 Lifetime) • Professional Plan - Up to 25 connections ($29.99/mo, 249.99/yr, or $599.99 Lifetime) Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period. Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off in Account Settings after purchase. Lifetime Purchases are a one time purchase for lifetime access

Screenshots

Ghost Auth4 screens
Real Authenticator4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Ghost Auth at none against Real Authenticator's 6. Ghost Auth also leads on iOS requirement (14.0 vs 18.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads 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. Real Authenticator sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per month. Ghost Auth asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Ghost Auth against 5.0 for Real Authenticator. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
Ghost Auth versus Real Authenticator: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGhost AuthReal Authenticator
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings)
Number of ratings11
Update frequencyEvery 3 days—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS14.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB16 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKestrel ASPhillip Boscarino

In-app purchases

None

Ghost Auth

No in-app purchases

6 purchases

Real Authenticator

Subscriptions4
  • Real Authenticator Family Monthly$12.991 Month
  • Real Authenticator Pro Monthly$29.991 Month
  • Real Authenticator Family Annual$119.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Real Authenticator Pro Annual$249.991 Year
One-time2
  • Real Authenticator Family Lifetime$249.99
  • Real Authenticator Pro Lifetime$599.99

Questions

Is Ghost Auth free?
Ghost Auth is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Real Authenticator free?
Real Authenticator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Ghost Auth or Real Authenticator?
Ghost Auth and Real Authenticator are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 1 ratings respectively.
Do Ghost Auth or Real Authenticator have ads?
Neither Ghost Auth nor Real Authenticator shows ads.

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