# Authenticator vs ESET VPN

The clearest difference is rating: ESET VPN at 4.3 against Authenticator's 3.7. Authenticator's advantage is monetization model (free vs subscription) and review sentiment (68% vs 42%). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ESET VPN holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 407 and 502 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 68% of Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 42% of ESET VPN'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, ESET VPN every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | ESET VPN |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (407 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator/id766157276/reviews) | **[4.3 (502 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/eset-vpn/id6463002278/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 407 | **502** |
| Positive reviews | **67.6% of reviews** | 42.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 16 MB | 55 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Matt Rubin](https://appshunter.io/developer/766157279) | [ESET, spol. s r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/409990169) |

## 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


### ESET VPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/eset-vpn/id6463002278)

Secure your internet connection with this VPN app. It encrypts your online traffic in real-time, assigns you a new IP address, and offers a no-logs policy for anonymity. Access servers in over 70 countries with unlimited bandwidth.

**Highlights:** Secure and encrypted online traffic, Anonymous IP address, No-logs policy, Servers in over 70 countries, Unlimited bandwidth, Multiple connection protocols

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🔒 Easy and secure
- 👍 Very good and excellent vpn
- 👍 Outstanding performance
- 🔒 Peace of mind protection
- 👍 Protected against scammers

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Keeps disconnecting
- 🐛 VPN stopped working
- 🐛 Broke after update
- 🐛 Not working after last update
- 🐛 App fails to open

**Reported bugs**

- IKEv2 protocol not working after update
- App keeps disconnecting
- VPN stopped working after update
- App fails to open on iPad & iPhone
- Prevents access to ordinary websites

**Requested features**

- Fix IKEv2 protocol for iOS
- Improve connection stability
- Address website access issues
- Improve server speed and reliability
- Fix activation code issues for iOS


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator free?

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

### Is ESET VPN free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Authenticator or ESET VPN?

ESET VPN is rated higher. Authenticator averages 3.7 out of 5 from 407 ratings, while ESET VPN averages 4.3 from 502 ratings.

### Do Authenticator or ESET VPN have ads?

Neither Authenticator nor ESET VPN shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Authenticator or ESET VPN?

Authenticator ships an update every 2 months, and ESET VPN every 3 months. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on September 22, 2026 and ESET VPN 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.*