Comparison

Authenticator vs HotKey OTP

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

Head to head
About

Authenticator

Features
Read full description

This is not a basic two-factor authentication app. It is a full personal security platform — codes, passwords, an encrypted vault, a private browser and autofill — built for people who take account security seriously enough to want everything in one place and nothing left unprotected. Use two-factor authentication on your accounts but manage your codes, passwords and sensitive files across three or four different apps and want everything consolidated under a single layer of encryption and Face ID. Have lost access to accounts before because you changed phones and had no encrypted backup of your 2FA codes — and want Cloud Sync that keeps everything recoverable without compromising what is stored. Type passwords and copy 2FA codes manually every time you log in because your authenticator and your password manager do not talk to each other — and want Auto Fill that handles both in one step WHAT YOU GET INSIDE 2FA Authentication — secure TOTP and HOTP code generation for any account that supports two-factor authentication, codes refreshed every 30 seconds QR Scanner — instant account setup by pointing the camera at any 2FA QR code MFA and OTP Support — full multi-factor and one-time password compatibility across all standard authentication formats Backup Codes — stored recovery codes for every account so a fallback always exists when the primary device is unavailable Password Manager — encrypted credential storage for every login, organized and accessible without switching apps Secure Vault — end-to-end encrypted storage for sensitive files, recovery keys, private notes and anything that does not belong in a standard notes app Private Browser — built-in browser for sessions that should stay separate from your regular browsing history, with vault access directly inside it Auto Fill — automatic code and password entry across apps and websites so nothing needs to be copied or typed manually Cloud Sync — encrypted backup across all your devices so your full setup is recoverable on any new device from the moment you sign in Widgets — home screen and lock screen access to your most-used codes without opening the app Encryption — end-to-end protection applied across every feature, every stored item and every synced file SUBSCRIPTION & ACCESS Important: Subscription required; no free content. Payment upon subscription confirmation. -Subscription management in Account Settings. -Free trial shifts to paid subscription; unused portion forfeited upon upgrade. -Renewals unless disabled 24 hours before the current period ends. -Subscription: Premium Access - 7 days Premium Access Year - 1 year https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D__ycr3EDHVUEbXERJxifE4Sbyfgfl2IJtkC_6f6u7c/edit?usp=sharing https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lOqETe8b4Osox6y-0n5vfxrXWd_8yZA7kxd1_Cda1IQ/edit?usp=sharing

About

HotKey OTP

This app securely generates and stores two-factor authentication codes for your accounts. It supports various import methods, offers offline functionality, and syncs across Apple devices via iCloud Keychain. Privacy is a core focus, with no tracking or ads.

Highlights
  • Generate TOTP and HOTP codes
  • Import from other authenticator apps
  • Steam Guard support
  • Organize accounts with folders and notes
  • Instant code copy with auto-clear
  • Widgets and AutoFill support
  • iCloud Keychain sync
Features
Read full description

HotKey OTP is a fast, private two-factor authentication app. It generates the time-based (TOTP) and counter-based (HOTP) verification codes you need to sign in — stored securely on device and synced across your iPhone, iPad, and Mac with iCloud Keychain. FEATURES • Add accounts by scanning a QR code, pasting an otpauth link, importing a file, or entering a key by hand • Import from Google Authenticator, 2FAS, and Aegis • Steam Guard support — get your 5-character Steam codes • Organize accounts into folders and add private notes • Tap any code to copy it instantly; optional auto-clear keeps your clipboard clean • Home Screen and Lock Screen widgets, plus AutoFill for one-time codes • Face ID / Touch ID lock • iCloud Keychain sync — your accounts appear automatically on all your Apple devices • Works completely offline PRIVATE BY DESIGN • No account or sign-up required • No analytics, no tracking, no ads • Your secrets never leave your devices and Apple's iCloud Keychain Now available in English, Russian, German, French, and Simplified Chinese. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Authenticator4 screens
HotKey OTP4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: HotKey OTP at every 3 days against Authenticator's weekly. HotKey OTP also leads on device support (4 vs 2). On price, ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement 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. Authenticator sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days and HotKey OTP sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Authenticator ships an update weekly, HotKey OTP every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on September 16, 2026 and July 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Authenticator versus HotKey OTP: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAuthenticatorHotKey OTP
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings1 — better
Update frequencyWeeklyEvery 3 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS18.517.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size112 MB14 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBU Guard GmbHHayk Bareghamyan

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Authenticator

Subscriptions2
  • Premium Access3 Days trial$9.997 Days
  • Premium Access Year$44.991 Year
2 purchases

HotKey OTP

Subscriptions1
  • Monthly Subscription$4.991 Month
One-time1
  • Lifetime Unlock$14.99

Questions

Is Authenticator free?
Authenticator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is HotKey OTP free?
HotKey OTP is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Authenticator or HotKey OTP have ads?
Neither Authenticator nor HotKey OTP shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Authenticator or HotKey OTP?
Authenticator ships an update weekly, and HotKey OTP every 3 days. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on September 16, 2026 and HotKey OTP on July 28, 2026.

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