# Authenticator vs Temp Mail

The clearest difference is rating: Temp Mail at 4.7 against Authenticator's 3.7. Temp Mail also leads on ratings volume (20K vs 407). Authenticator's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Temp Mail sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Temp Mail holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Temp Mail has 20K ratings behind it against 407, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 68% of Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 47% of Temp Mail's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Temp Mail |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (407 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id766157276/reviews) | **[4.7 (20K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/temp-mail-temporary-email/id1214259095/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 407 | **20K** |
| Positive reviews | **67.6% of reviews** | 46.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 16 MB | 37 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 17.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Matt Rubin](https://appshunter.io/developer/766157279) | [Privatix LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1456118236) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id766157276)

This app provides a secure and straightforward way to protect your online accounts. It generates one-time passwords that, when combined with your regular password, significantly enhance your account security. The app operates offline, ensuring your sensitive data remains on your device.

**Highlights:** Generates one-time passwords, QR code setup, Encrypted data storage, Time-based and counter-based OTP support, Offline operation

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Simple and easy to use
- 🔒 Secure, no cloud backup
- 👍 Clean and intuitive UI
- 💡 Open-source and transparent

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Tokens easily deleted by accident
- 🔒 No backup/transfer options for tokens
- 🔒 Locked out when changing devices
- 🐛 Codes not working after app updates

**Reported bugs**

- Blank screen on iOS 26 upgrade
- Codes not working on new devices
- Unable to log in to accounts after token loss

**Requested features**

- Add biometric lock (Touch ID/Face ID)
- Ability to export/backup tokens
- Companion Apple Watch app
- Folder/tag organization for accounts


### Temp Mail

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/temp-mail-temporary-email/id1214259095)

Instantly generate a disposable temporary email address to receive emails and attachments without revealing your real inbox. Keep your personal email secure from spam, phishing, and unwanted mailings. Emails are automatically deleted after a set period.

**Highlights:** Instant disposable email generation, Receive emails and attachments, Hide from spam and phishing, No registration required, Automatic email deletion, Push notifications for new emails

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| One week Premium | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| One month Premium | $7.99 | per month |
| One month Premium with trial | $7.99 | per month |
| Three months Premium | $19.99 | per 3 months |
| Premium for 6 months | $35.99 | per 6 months |
| One year Premium | $58.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Extremely helpful
- 👍 Well-developed app
- 🔒 Secure and private
- 💡 Useful for creating temporary emails

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Excessive ads and paywalls
- 🐛 Bugs and technical issues
- 💰 Overpriced subscription
- 🔒 Privacy concerns

**Reported bugs**

- Unexpected format errors
- Inability to receive verification codes
- Disappearing email addresses
- Login and subscription issues

**Requested features**

- Option to keep email addresses for longer duration
- Ability to use own email domain
- Improved inbox management


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator free?

Authenticator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Temp Mail free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Authenticator or Temp Mail?

Temp Mail is rated higher. Authenticator averages 3.7 out of 5 from 407 ratings, while Temp Mail averages 4.7 from 20K ratings.

### Do Authenticator or Temp Mail have ads?

Temp Mail shows ads; Authenticator does not.

### Which is updated more often, Authenticator or Temp Mail?

Authenticator ships an update every 2 months, and Temp Mail every 2 months. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on September 22, 2026 and Temp Mail on September 28, 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.*