# FreeOTP Authenticator vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator App at 4.7 against FreeOTP Authenticator's 3.2. Authenticator App also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs every 6 months) and ratings volume (34K vs 172). FreeOTP Authenticator's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

Authenticator App holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator App has 34K ratings behind it against 172, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 36% of FreeOTP Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 45% of Authenticator App's.

FreeOTP Authenticator ships an update every 6 months, Authenticator App every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FreeOTP Authenticator | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.2 (172 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/freeotp-authenticator/id872559395/reviews) | **[4.7 (34K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-oneauth/id1142928979/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 172 | **34K** |
| Positive reviews | 36.3% of reviews | **44.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 11 MB | 220 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Red Hat](https://appshunter.io/developer/533936015) | [Zoho Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/388384807) |

## What reviewers say

### FreeOTP Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/freeotp-authenticator/id872559395)

Generate one-time passwords for enhanced online account security. This app creates temporary codes that, when used with your regular password, significantly strengthen your login protection. It functions even without an internet connection.

**Highlights:** Generates one-time passwords, Works offline (airplane mode), Supports Google, Facebook, GitHub, etc., Compatible with TOTP/HOTP protocols, Open source software

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Simple and lightweight
- 🔒 Open source and privacy-focused
- 👍 Clean and intuitive interface
- 💡 Customizable icons for accounts

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and bugs after recent updates
- 🔒 Lack of backup/restore functionality
- 💡 Limited customization options
- 👎 Unable to edit or delete accounts

**Reported bugs**

- Camera not working for QR code scanning
- App crashing on launch or when unlocking accounts
- UI issues on larger iOS devices

**Requested features**

- Add ability to manually enter account details
- Implement iCloud/cloud backup sync
- Allow renaming and deleting of accounts
- Provide Apple Watch support


### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-oneauth/id1142928979)

Secure your online accounts with industry-standard two-factor authentication. Easily add accounts, generate time-based OTPs, and benefit from encrypted backups. Organize and manage your TFA with features like folders, brand logos, and search.

**Highlights:** Add accounts via QR code or manual entry, Time-based OTPs (offline access), Encrypted backup and secure recovery, Sync secrets across devices, Organize accounts with folders, Brand logos for easy identification, Passwordless sign-in options

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Quick and efficient
- 🔒 Very secure
- 👍 Easy to use
- 💡 Has Apple Watch app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable notifications
- 🐛 Confusing user interface
- 🐛 Inconsistent behavior
- 🐛 Difficult to navigate
- 🐛 Locked out of accounts

**Reported bugs**

- Push notifications not working
- Endless authentication loops
- Incompatibility with new devices
- Locking users out of accounts

**Requested features**

- Support for multiple accounts
- Ability to export data to other authenticator apps
- Improved error handling and feedback
- Simpler setup and onboarding process


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FreeOTP Authenticator free?

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

### Is Authenticator App free?

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

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

Authenticator App is rated higher. FreeOTP Authenticator averages 3.2 out of 5 from 172 ratings, while Authenticator App averages 4.7 from 34K ratings.

### Do FreeOTP Authenticator or Authenticator App have ads?

Neither FreeOTP Authenticator nor Authenticator App shows ads.

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

FreeOTP Authenticator ships an update every 6 months, and Authenticator App every 9 days. Most recently, FreeOTP Authenticator was updated on October 13, 2026 and Authenticator App on October 16, 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.*
