Comparison

Microsoft Authenticator vs Authenticator °

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Microsoft Authenticator

Securely sign into online accounts with multi-factor authentication, passwordless login, or password autofill. Manage multiple accounts, including non-Microsoft services, and access Microsoft products and services seamlessly.

Highlights
  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
  • Passwordless sign-in
  • Password autofill
  • Support for non-Microsoft accounts
  • Account management for work/school
  • Cert-based authentication
Read full description

Use Microsoft Authenticator for easy, secure sign-ins for all your online accounts using multi-factor authentication, passwordless, or password autofill. You also have additional account management options for your Microsoft personal, work or school accounts. Getting started with multi-factor authentication Multi factor authentication (MFA)provides a second layer of security. When enabled, during login after entering your password, you’ll be asked for an additional way to prove it’s really you. Either approve the notification sent to the Microsoft Authenticator, or enter the one-time password (OTP) generated by the app. The OTP codes have a 30 second timer counting down. This timer is so you never have to use the same time-based one-time password (TOTP) twice and you don’t have to remember the number. The OTP doesn’t require you to be connected to a network, and it won’t drain your battery. You can add multiple accounts to your app, including non-Microsoft accounts like Facebook, Amazon, Dropbox, Google, LinkedIn, GitHub, and more. Getting started with passwordless Use your phone, not your password, to log into your Microsoft account. Just enter your username, then approve the notification sent to your phone. Your fingerprint, face ID, or PIN will provide a second layer of security in this two-step verification process. After you’ve signed in with two factor authentication (2FA), you’ll have access to all your Microsoft products and services, such as Outlook, OneDrive, Office, and more. Getting started with autofill Microsoft Authenticator app can also autofill passwords for you. Sign-in on the Passwords tab inside the Authenticator app with your personal Microsoft account to start syncing passwords, including the passwords saved in Microsoft Edge. Make Microsoft Authenticator the default autofill provider and start autofilling passwords on apps and sites you visit on your mobile. Your passwords are protected with multi-factor authentication in the app. You will need to prove yourself with your fingerprint, face ID, or PIN to access and autofill passwords on your mobile. You can also import passwords from Google Chrome and other password managers. Microsoft personal, work or school accounts Sometimes your work or school might ask you to install the Microsoft Authenticator when accessing certain organization resources. You will need to register your device to your organization through the app and add your work or school account. Microsoft Authenticator supports cert-based authentication by issuing a certificate on your device. This will let your organization know that the sign-in request is coming from a trusted device and help you seamlessly and securely access additional Microsoft apps and services without needing to log into each. Microsoft Authenticator may request the following optional permissions, which require your consent. You can continue to use Microsoft Authenticator without granting these permissions. However, some features may be limited or unavailable. For more information, please see below: - Face ID: To enable app lock and help protect your accounts - Camera: To scan QR codes when adding accounts to Microsoft Authenticator.

About

Authenticator °

This app enhances your online security by generating time-sensitive passwords for two-factor and multi-factor authentication. It offers seamless data synchronization across devices, Apple Watch support, and robust encryption for your sensitive information.

Highlights
  • One-Time Passwords (OTP)
  • Seamless Data Synchronization
  • Apple Watch Support
  • End-to-End Encryption
  • Import/Export Encrypted Backups
  • Auto-Lock & Biometric Authentication
Features
Read full description

Cutting-edge security meets convenience: Authenticator° is the ultimate iOS app designed to make your digital life safer and hassle-free. Now supporting Apple Watch, we safeguard your accounts across Twitter, Reddit, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Amazon, Facebook, Dropbox, and more, providing an unparalleled layer of protection. Key Features: • One-Time Passwords (OTP) – Boost your account security with two-factor or multi-factor authentication, using unique, time-sensitive passwords generated on-demand. • Seamless Data Synchronization – Sync your authentication data across multiple devices effortlessly, ensuring you have access to your accounts whenever you need them. • Apple Watch Support – Your one-time passwords are now a glance away. Enjoy seamless integration with your Apple Watch for quick, convenient authentication. • End-to-End Encryption – Enjoy peace of mind knowing your sensitive information is protected with the highest level of encryption, keeping your data secure from prying eyes. • Import/Export Encrypted Backups – Create private, encrypted backups of your data and effortlessly import or export them to ensure your information is always safe and accessible. • Auto-Lock & Biometric Authentication – Tailor the auto-lock time to your needs and use Touch ID or Face ID for seamless access to your accounts without compromising security. • No Account Required – There's no need to create a separate account for Authenticator°. Simply sign in with your Apple ID for data syncing and iCloud backups or opt for "device only" mode to keep your data exclusively on your device. With Authenticator°, you'll never have to worry about the security of your online accounts again. Take control of your digital life and keep your information safe from hackers and identity thieves with the ultimate authentication app. Download Authenticator° today and experience a new level of online security and convenience. Authenticator° subscription: Authenticator° Premium unlocks features like Data Sync Across Devices, End-to-End Data Encryption, Unlimited Tokens, and Encrypted File Export/Import. Available plan pricing is shown in the app before purchase. Payment will be charged to your App Store account at confirmation of purchase, and subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or turn off auto-renewal in your account settings after purchase. See the instructions here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202039 You can read the terms of use and privacy policy here: https://kapi90.github.io/authenticator_privacy_policy.html End User License Agreement (EULA) of the App Store applies: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Microsoft Authenticator4 screens
Authenticator °4 screens

Verdict

The call

Microsoft Authenticator and Authenticator ° both sit at 4.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 77% of Authenticator °'s written reviews are positive against 12% of Microsoft Authenticator's. Authenticator ° also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). Microsoft Authenticator's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 14) and ratings volume (694K vs 594). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Authenticator ° sells 14 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Microsoft Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Microsoft Authenticator against 4.8 for Authenticator °. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Microsoft Authenticator has 694K ratings behind it against 594, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 12% of Microsoft Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 77% of Authenticator °'s.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and August 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
Microsoft Authenticator versus Authenticator °: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMicrosoft AuthenticatorAuthenticator °
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (694K ratings)4.8 (594 ratings) — better
Positive reviews11.6% of reviews76.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings694K — better594
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 2 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFreemium
Best chart rank#6 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Vision ProiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS17.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size223 MB55 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMicrosoft CorporationBence Kaposzta

Customer experience

Microsoft Authenticator

All ratings693,830 ratings
Positive93.0%
Neutral1.6%
Negative5.4%
Written reviews4,123 reviews
Positive11.6%
Neutral4.2%
Negative84.2%

Authenticator °

All ratings594 ratings
Positive94.4%
Neutral3.0%
Negative2.5%
Written reviews103 reviews
Positive76.7%
Neutral7.8%
Negative15.5%

User reviews

Microsoft Authenticator

From 694K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Seamless authentication
  • 🔒 Secure login process
  • 👍 Convenient passwordless sign-in
  • 🚀 Smooth app performance

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Broken Apple Watch functionality
  • 🐛 Backup and restore issues
  • 🐛 Confusing login flow
  • 🐛 Accounts disappearing after phone change

Authenticator °

From 594 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Easy to install and use
  • 🔒 Secure password management
  • 🚀 Efficient and fast
  • 👍 Great user interface
  • 🔒 Robust security features

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional crashes or bugs
  • 🔒 Concerns about cloud storage security
  • 🤔 Forced 5-star review before use
  • 🤔 Unclear or confusing onboarding process

Bugs and requests

Microsoft Authenticator

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Authenticator app getting locked and requiring Touch ID
  • Notification failures and authentication issues
  • Accounts not syncing properly between devices

Requested features

4 requests
  • Add search and sorting for accounts
  • Improve Apple Watch integration
  • Provide better backup and restore options
  • Streamline login process

Authenticator °

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • List of saved sites/accounts disappearing
  • Trouble logging in or resetting password
  • Incompatibility with older devices

Requested features

4 requests
  • Allow renaming of accounts
  • Add pop-up notifications like other authenticators
  • Improve sync with desktop/laptop
  • Provide more theme/customization options

In-app purchases

None

Microsoft Authenticator

No in-app purchases

14 purchases

Authenticator °

Subscriptions11
  • Monthly7 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Monthly$9.991 Month
  • Monthly3 Days trial$9.991 Month
Show 8 more
  • 3 Month$12.993 Months
  • 1 Year, 50% off$19.991 Year
  • 1 Year Discounted$22.991 Year
  • 1 Year, 30% off$27.991 Year
  • 1 Year with initial offer1 Month trial$34.991 Year
  • Annual subscription7 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • 1 Year$39.991 Year
  • 1 Year3 Days trial$39.991 Year
One-time3
  • Free Lifetime subscriptionFree
  • Lifetime, intro offer$0.29
  • Lifetime$59.99

Questions

Is Microsoft Authenticator free?
Microsoft 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, Microsoft Authenticator or Authenticator °?
Authenticator ° is rated higher. Microsoft Authenticator averages 4.7 out of 5 from 694K ratings, while Authenticator ° averages 4.8 from 594 ratings.
Do Microsoft Authenticator or Authenticator ° have ads?
Neither Microsoft Authenticator nor Authenticator ° shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Microsoft Authenticator or Authenticator °?
Microsoft Authenticator ships an update every 2 weeks, and Authenticator ° every 2 weeks. Most recently, Microsoft Authenticator was updated on September 24, 2026 and Authenticator ° on August 10, 2026.

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