# Authenticator vs Authenticator™ App

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Authenticator at 68% against Authenticator™ App's 16%. Authenticator also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 15.0). Authenticator™ App's advantage is rating (4.1 vs 3.7) and update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator™ App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 7 days. Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Authenticator™ App holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 407 and 445 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 68% of Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 16% 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 every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator™ App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (407 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id766157276/reviews) | **[4.1 (445 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id6449135969/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 407 | **445** |
| Positive reviews | **67.6% of reviews** | 16.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 16 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Matt Rubin](https://appshunter.io/developer/766157279) | [BOHEM Bilisim LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1667352723) |

## 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/id6449135969)

This app generates secure, time-based one-time passwords for two-factor authentication. It supports automatic setup via QR code and works offline, synchronizing across Apple devices with iCloud backup and encryption.

**Highlights:** Automatic QR code setup, Offline code generation, iCloud Backup & Encryption, Synchronization across Apple Devices, Supports 2,500+ websites and services, Quick and easy 2FA verification

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium Subscription | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Premim Subscription | $14.99 | per month |
| Yearly Premim Subscription | $49.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy setup process
- 🔒 Extra layer of security
- 🌐 Wide range of services supported
- ☁️ Offline code generation
- ✨ Clean, user-friendly interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- ❌ App doesn't launch
- ❌ Multifactor authentication issues
- ❌ Cannot cancel subscription
- ❌ Codes not recognized
- ❌ Forced premium membership

**Reported bugs**

- App does not launch
- Multifactor authentication dysfunctional
- Codes not recognized
- Data deleted after update
- Accounts deleted after iPhone update

**Requested features**

- Option to remove ads/upgrade popups
- Clearer explanation of setup and usage


## 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 407 ratings, while Authenticator™ App averages 4.1 from 445 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 every 4 weeks. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on September 22, 2026 and Authenticator™ App on September 26, 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.*