# FreeOTP Authenticator vs Authenticator

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator at 4.7 against FreeOTP Authenticator's 3.2. Authenticator also leads on review sentiment (75% vs 37%) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 months). FreeOTP Authenticator's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 15) and ads (none vs shown). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator sells 14 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. FreeOTP Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Authenticator holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator has 2.5K ratings behind it against 173, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 37% of FreeOTP Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 75% of Authenticator's.

FreeOTP Authenticator ships an update every 6 months, Authenticator every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on September 23, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | FreeOTP Authenticator | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.2 (173 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/freeotp-authenticator/id872559395/reviews) | **[4.7 (2.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-2fa-app/id6642706929/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 173 | **2.5K** |
| Positive reviews | 37.0% of reviews | **74.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Best chart rank | — | **#184** |
| Size | 11 MB | 202 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Red Hat](https://appshunter.io/developer/533936015) | [Vitalii Kuprenko](https://appshunter.io/developer/1763634127) |

## 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 page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-2fa-app/id6642706929)

**Currently charting:** #184 Top Grossing · Utilities (US App Store)

Secure your online accounts with two-factor authentication (2FA). Easily generate and store one-time codes by scanning QR codes or entering details manually. Offers data breach monitoring and a basic password manager for free, with premium features available via subscription.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication (2FA) code generation, QR code scanning for setup, Broad service compatibility, Data breach monitoring, Basic password manager, Unlimited 2FA accounts (subscription), Unlimited password manager with autofill (subscription)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (14)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly PRO Access | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly PRO Access | $4.99 | per month |
| Weekly PRO Access | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly PRO Access | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited Access | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly PRO Access | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly PRO Access | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly PRO Access | $11.99 | per 7 days |
| Annual Pro Access | $29.99 | per year |
| Annual Unlimited Access | $39.99 | per year |
| Annual Pro Access | $59.99 | per year |
| Unlimited Access | $59.99 | per year |
| Forever Unlimited Access | $59.99 | one-time |
| Forever Unlimited Access | $69.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Quick setup
- 🔒 Secure authentication
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 👍 Works flawlessly

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Charges users despite cancellation
- 🐛 Incompatible with some services

**Reported bugs**

- Login screen freezes
- Incompatible with older devices
- Unable to access 2FA for some services

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FreeOTP Authenticator free?

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

### Is Authenticator free?

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

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

Authenticator is rated higher. FreeOTP Authenticator averages 3.2 out of 5 from 173 ratings, while Authenticator averages 4.7 from 2.5K ratings.

### Do FreeOTP Authenticator or Authenticator have ads?

Authenticator shows ads; FreeOTP Authenticator does not.

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

FreeOTP Authenticator ships an update every 6 months, and Authenticator every 3 weeks. Most recently, FreeOTP Authenticator was updated on September 23, 2026 and Authenticator on September 23, 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.*