# Authenticator vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator App at 4.7 against Authenticator's 3.7. Authenticator App also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (3.4K vs 422). Authenticator's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and review sentiment (68% vs 41%). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Authenticator App holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator App has 3.4K ratings behind it against 422, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 68% of Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 41% of Authenticator App'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 App monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (422 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id766157276/reviews) | **[4.7 (3.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-authkey/id6447845767/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 422 | **3.4K** |
| Positive reviews | **67.7% of reviews** | 41.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 16 MB | 46 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Matt Rubin](https://appshunter.io/developer/766157279) | [SkyRise Networks](https://appshunter.io/developer/1682862399) |

## 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

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-authkey/id6447845767)

Enhance your online security with this app, offering a secure and reliable method to protect your accounts. It generates unique codes for two-factor authentication, ensuring your personal information stays safe.

**Highlights:** Account protection with 2FA, Easy setup and management, Backup and sync accounts, Secure code generation

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator Monthly Premium | $8.99 | per month |
| Authenticator Weekly Premium | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator Yearly Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator Lifetime Premium | $69.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Seamless functionality
- 🚀 Quick and easy setup
- 🔒 Robust security features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Compatibility issues
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🤯 Confusing user interface
- 🔒 Unreliable authentication

**Reported bugs**

- Unable to scan QR codes
- Accounts not showing up correctly
- Repeated login failures

**Requested features**

- Ability to add/manage multiple accounts
- Improved syncing across devices
- More transparent subscription model


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator free?

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

### Is Authenticator App free?

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

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

Authenticator App is rated higher. Authenticator averages 3.7 out of 5 from 422 ratings, while Authenticator App averages 4.7 from 3.4K ratings.

### Do Authenticator or Authenticator App have ads?

Neither Authenticator nor Authenticator App shows ads.

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

Authenticator ships an update every 2 months, and Authenticator App monthly. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on October 29, 2026 and Authenticator App on October 30, 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.*