# PassKeys vs Authenticator app

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Authenticator app at 68% against PassKeys's 17%. Authenticator app also leads on rating (4.6 vs 3.0) and ratings volume (5.7K vs 2). PassKeys's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 11) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 16.0). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

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

Authenticator app holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator app has 5.7K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 17% of PassKeys's written reviews are positive against 68% of Authenticator app's.

PassKeys ships an update every 3 months, Authenticator app monthly. The most recent releases landed on August 14, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PassKeys | Authenticator app |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/passkeys/id960143117/reviews) | **[4.6 (5.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-mfa/id1625466768/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **5.7K** |
| Positive reviews | 16.7% of reviews | **67.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 4 MB | 279 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [eFUSION Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/332202458) | [Maxima Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1153277200) |

## What reviewers say

### PassKeys

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/passkeys/id960143117)

Securely store and autofill your passwords without typing. Access all your login information directly from your keyboard, simplifying online access. Protects data with industry-leading encryption and offers autolock features for enhanced security.

**Highlights:** Store and autofill passwords, Access from keyboard, Login with few taps, Autolock feature, Import passwords (CSV, KeePass), Manage notes for logins

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**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 PassKeys free?

PassKeys 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, PassKeys or Authenticator app?

Authenticator app is rated higher. PassKeys averages 3.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Authenticator app averages 4.6 from 5.7K ratings.

### Do PassKeys or Authenticator app have ads?

Neither PassKeys nor Authenticator app shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PassKeys or Authenticator app?

PassKeys ships an update every 3 months, and Authenticator app monthly. Most recently, PassKeys was updated on August 14, 2026 and Authenticator app 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.*