# Authenticator vs HotKey OTP

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.

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.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | HotKey OTP |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hotkey-otp-2fa-authenticator/id6785986976/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 112 MB | 14 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.5 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [BU Guard GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1858539616) | [Hayk Bareghamyan](https://appshunter.io/developer/6785986978) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-2fa-app/id6760155508)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Access | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Access Year | $44.99 | per year |


### HotKey OTP

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hotkey-otp-2fa-authenticator/id6785986976)

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:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $4.99 | per month |
| Lifetime Unlock | $14.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked 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.

---

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