# Protectimus SMART vs Authenticator app

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator app at 4.6 against Protectimus SMART's 3.9. Authenticator app also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 7 months) and ratings volume (5.8K vs 18). Protectimus SMART's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 11). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator app sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Protectimus SMART asks for nothing beyond the download.

Authenticator app holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator app has 5.8K ratings behind it against 18, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 57% of Protectimus SMART's written reviews are positive against 68% of Authenticator app's.

Protectimus SMART ships an update every 7 months, Authenticator app monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Protectimus SMART | Authenticator app |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/protectimus-smart/id854508919/reviews) | **[4.6 (5.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id1625466768/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 18 | **5.8K** |
| Positive reviews | 57.1% of reviews | **67.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 51 MB | 279 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Protectimus Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1803390093) | [Maxima Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1153277200) |

## What reviewers say

### Protectimus SMART

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/protectimus-smart/id854508919)

This free two-factor authentication app provides secure access to websites requiring 2FA. It offers encrypted cloud backup, PIN and biometric protection, easy token transfer, and customization options for enhanced account security.

**Highlights:** Encrypted cloud backup, PIN and biometric protection, Token transfer to new devices, Token customization, Folder sorting, Supports OATH algorithms (HOTP, TOTP, OCRA), Data signature function

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Authenticator app

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id1625466768)

This app provides secure two-factor authentication for over 1000 popular online accounts. It offers quick access via widgets and Apple Watch, and ensures your data is safe with no internet exchange. Easily set up accounts by scanning QR codes or entering secret keys.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication (2FA), Multi-factor authentication (MFA), Supports 1000+ apps, Apple Watch support, Quick widget support, QR code scanning, Encrypted backup

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

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator Premium Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Authenticator App Premium Weekly | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator Premium Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Authenticator App Weekly Premium | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator Premium Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Authenticator Premium Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App Premium Yearly | $59.99 | per year |
| Premium Access 3 Month Trial | $69.99 | per year |
| Authenticator Premium Lifetime | $49.99 | one-time |
| Authenticator Premium Lifetime | $69.99 | one-time |
| Authenticator App Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 🔒 Secure authentication
- 👍 Reliable and works well
- 🚀 Quick and efficient
- 👍 Helpful for account recovery

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 💰 Expensive or hidden fees
- 🤯 Confusing setup and usage
- 🔒 Issues with account access and recovery
- 🔋 Drains device battery

**Reported bugs**

- Codes not working or generating errors
- App crashing or freezing during use
- Accounts being deleted or inaccessible
- Compatibility issues with certain devices or platforms

**Requested features**

- Improved user interface and instructions
- Better compatibility with other apps and services
- Option to export/backup authentication codes
- Ability to easily manage and remove accounts


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Protectimus SMART free?

Protectimus SMART 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, Protectimus SMART or Authenticator app?

Authenticator app is rated higher. Protectimus SMART averages 3.9 out of 5 from 18 ratings, while Authenticator app averages 4.6 from 5.8K ratings.

### Do Protectimus SMART or Authenticator app have ads?

Neither Protectimus SMART nor Authenticator app shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Protectimus SMART or Authenticator app?

Protectimus SMART ships an update every 7 months, and Authenticator app monthly. Most recently, Protectimus SMART was updated on October 23, 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.*