# Authenticator vs Authenticator ·

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Authenticator at 68% against Authenticator ·'s 24%. Authenticator also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 12) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 15.0). Authenticator ·'s advantage is rating (4.6 vs 3.7) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 2 months). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator · sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Authenticator · holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator · has 26K 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 24% of Authenticator ·'s, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Authenticator ships an update every 2 months, Authenticator · every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator · |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (407 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id766157276/reviews) | **[4.6 (26K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id1602061522/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 407 | **26K** |
| Positive reviews | **67.6% of reviews** | 23.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#30** |
| Size | 16 MB | 129 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Matt Rubin](https://appshunter.io/developer/766157279) | [SMM service, s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1503472689) |

## 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


### Authenticator ·

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id1602061522)

**Currently charting:** #30 Top Grossing · Utilities (US App Store)

Securely store and generate two-factor authentication (2FA) tokens for your online accounts. Protect your accounts from hackers with an additional layer of security. Features encrypted backups, cross-device synchronization, and a private browser.

**Highlights:** Secure 2FA token generation, Encrypted iCloud backups, Cross-device synchronization, Import/Export 2FA codes, Password manager with leak protection, Private browser, App PIN lock

**Features:** Safari Extension, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Week Starter | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 Month Promo | $7.99 | per month |
| 1 Week Plan | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 Month Plan - VPN | $12.99 | per month |
| 1 Month Plan | $12.99 | per month |
| 1 Month Special | $12.99 | per month |
| 1 Month Plan - 7 Days | $12.99 | per month |
| 1 Year Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| 1 Year Plan | $59.99 | per year |
| 1 Year Plan - 3 Days | $59.99 | per year |
| 1 Year - 7 Days | $69.99 | per year |
| 1 Year Plan - VPN | $79.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Helpful for 2FA
- 👍 Easy to navigate
- 🚀 Efficient authentication

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent performance
- 💰 Subscription-based model
- 🔒 Concerns about security and privacy
- 🤔 Misleading marketing

**Reported bugs**

- Codes not working as expected
- Accounts disappearing after device change
- Inability to cancel subscription

**Requested features**

- Backup and restore functionality
- Support for more account types
- Clearer instructions for setup and usage


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator free?

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

### Is Authenticator · free?

Authenticator · is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Authenticator or Authenticator ·?

Authenticator · is rated higher. Authenticator averages 3.7 out of 5 from 407 ratings, while Authenticator · averages 4.6 from 26K ratings.

### Do Authenticator or Authenticator · have ads?

Neither Authenticator nor Authenticator · shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Authenticator or Authenticator ·?

Authenticator ships an update every 2 months, and Authenticator · every 9 days. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on September 22, 2026 and Authenticator · 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.*