Comparison

Authenticator vs Nova

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

A password is one layer of protection. Two-factor authentication is a second. An encrypted vault for your most sensitive data is a third. Most security apps give you one of these. This one gives you all three — in a single place, locked behind Face ID, protected by end-to-end encryption and backed up to the cloud so you never lose access when you change your phone. This is built around three sections that work together to cover every part of your account security. SECTION 1 – AUTHENTICATOR Everything related to two-factor authentication and one-time passwords. Use this section when you want to secure any account that supports 2FA — social media, email, banking, crypto or any platform that offers it. TOTP code generation for any account that supports two-factor authentication — codes refresh automatically every 30 seconds, no internet connection required QR code scanner for fast account setup: point the camera at any 2FA QR code and the account is added in seconds Backup codes storage so you always have a fallback if your primary device is unavailable App Lock with Face ID keeps the authenticator inaccessible to anyone who is not you, even if your phone is unlocked SECTION 2 – PASSWORD MANAGER Focused on storing, organizing and protecting your login credentials. Use this section to replace scattered saved passwords, browser autofill and notes-app workarounds with a single encrypted manager. Store usernames, passwords and login URLs for every account in one encrypted location 2FA Encryption protects every entry so credentials are unreadable without your master authentication Generate strong passwords for new accounts directly inside the app Access your passwords across devices with Cloud Sync — everything stays current and encrypted in transit SECTION 3 – SECURE VAULT This is where you store what cannot be lost or exposed. Use this section for documents, recovery keys, private notes and any sensitive information that does not belong in a standard notes app or cloud folder. End-to-end encrypted storage for files, notes and credentials you want kept completely private App Lock with Face ID applies to the Vault separately, adding a second confirmation layer before anything inside is visible Cloud Sync keeps your Vault backed up and accessible across your devices without compromising the encryption All three sections share the same security foundation — 2FA encryption, Face ID protection and encrypted cloud backup — so every layer of your digital life is covered by the same standard of protection. SUBSCRIPTION & ACCESS Instant Unlock. Instant Unlock Year. Important: Subscription required; no free content. Payment upon subscription confirmation. This app offers an auto-renewable subscription that unlocks full access to all security features, including: Full TOTP Authenticator with QR Scanner, Backup Codes and App Lock Password Manager with 2FA Encryption, Cloud Sync and password generator Secure Vault with end-to-end encryption and Face ID protection You can start with a free trial period. After the trial ends, your subscription will begin and renew automatically unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account upon subscription confirmation. You can manage your subscription and turn off auto-renewal at any time in your Account Settings on the App Store after purchase. For further information, please consult our privacy policy and terms of use: - Privacy Policy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nzSMtDKJ1ssp-kL_TFGJ9l6ckQ6HkIR6LU58O4yHdDo/edit?usp=sharing - Terms of Use: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iqtipBJ1U6RFB8TsDNoysFG8RFck5c7xczZ03u_3F80/edit?usp=sharing

About

Nova

Optimize your iPhone's storage and enhance digital security. This app helps you clear out unnecessary files, manage contacts and calendars, and scan for data breaches to keep your device running smoothly and your information safe.

Highlights
  • Smart photo and video cleaner
  • Data breach scanner
  • Contact organizer
  • Calendar management
  • File compression
Features
Read full description

Make room for new memories without losing the ones that matter. Your photo library fills up fast, and most of that space goes to near-identical shots, old screenshots and long videos you forgot you recorded. Nova Cleaner groups that media together so you can look through it, decide what stays, and delete only what you choose. Review Duplicates And Similar Shots Photos are grouped into sets of duplicates and visually similar images so you can compare them side by side. Preview anything before you act, select the copies you do not need, and keep the frame you actually like. Find The Big Stuff Browse similar videos, screenshots, screen recordings and large video files in their own sections. A storage overview shows estimated sizes by category, so you know where your space is going before you start. Compress Photos And Videos Choose from three compression settings and save the converted media to Photos. Results depend on the source file and the setting you pick, so you stay in control of the balance between size and quality. Tidy Contacts And Calendar Spot duplicate contacts and merge them, fill in incomplete entries, and create or restore a local backup of names, phone numbers and email addresses. A calendar view lets you see scheduled events, add or edit them, and confirm before any event is removed. Private Photo Vault Import copies of selected photos into a local encrypted vault protected by a four-digit PIN, with optional biometric unlock and auto-lock. Your originals stay in Photos, so nothing disappears from your library without your say. Charging Animation Themes Pick a charging animation with a battery display and follow the included Shortcuts setup guide to trigger it when your charger connects. Built Around Review, Not Guesswork Nothing is deleted automatically. Every cleanup step shows you what is selected, how much it represents, and asks for confirmation, so a cleanup session never turns into a surprise. Whether you are clearing space before a trip, organizing years of camera roll, or just tired of scrolling past twelve versions of the same photo, Nova Cleaner gives you a clear place to start. Download Nova Cleaner and take back your storage, one reviewed set at a time. Your subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period, and the cost of the renewal will be identified. You can manage your subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal by going to your Account Settings after purchase. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription, where applicable. https://distritoapps.com/terms https://distritoapps.com/privacy

Screenshots

Authenticator4 screens
Nova4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Nova at every 4 days against Authenticator's every 8 days. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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 Nova sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Authenticator ships an update every 8 days, Nova every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and November 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Authenticator versus Nova: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAuthenticatorNova
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.6 (110 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—80.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—110 — better
Update frequencyEvery 8 daysEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS18.518.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size29 MB88 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperN & W DESIGN LTDADISTRITO SLU

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Authenticator

Subscriptions2
  • Instant Unlock3 Days trial$9.997 Days
  • Instant Unlock Year$54.991 Year
2 purchases

Nova

Subscriptions2
  • Premium week7 Days trial$9.997 Days
  • Premium Year3 Days trial$44.991 Year

Questions

Is Authenticator free?
Authenticator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Nova free?
Nova is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Authenticator or Nova have ads?
Neither Authenticator nor Nova shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Authenticator or Nova?
Authenticator ships an update every 8 days, and Nova every 4 days. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on November 5, 2026 and Nova on November 15, 2026.

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