Microsoft Authenticator vs Authenticator App
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Passwordless sign-in
- Password autofill
- Support for non-Microsoft accounts
- Account management for work/school
- Cert-based authentication
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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. 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.
Authenticator App
This app offers two-factor authentication for enhanced online security and also provides tools to optimize your device's storage by cleaning duplicate photos, videos, and large files. It helps manage your calendar and contacts for a clutter-free digital life.
- Two-factor authentication
- Duplicate photo and video cleanup
- Large file deletion
- Calendar and contact management
- Smart recognition for similar media
- Batch deletion of media
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Welcome to the new era of mobile efficiency with "Authenticator App" – your comprehensive solution for device optimization and security! Our application has evolved, introducing an essential Authenticator feature that enhances your online safety while retaining all the powerful storage management tools you've come to rely on. Enjoy a clutter-free phone and fortified digital security, all within one intuitive app. Authenticator: Your Digital Shield Introducing our latest addition, the Authenticator function, designed to secure your online accounts with robust two-factor authentication. This vital feature provides an extra layer of protection, ensuring that only you can access your accounts, even if someone knows your password. One-Click Storage Cleaning and Optimization The heart of "Authenticator App" remains its ability to swiftly clean similar photos, screenshots, and videos with just a single tap. Relish in the simplicity of freeing up valuable phone storage and leave the worries of space constraints in the past. Smart Recognition Technology Our advanced image recognition technology identifies duplicate or similar media files with precision. Effortlessly eliminate these unnecessary items to reclaim your phone's memory without a second thought. Efficient Batch Management Save time with our app's capability to cluster similar images by date, allowing for quick batch deletion. You'll never have to tediously sift through files again! Video and Large File Cleanup Speedily target and remove large video files that hog your storage. Whether it's cherished memories from your travels or miscellaneous clips, "Phone Guard" manages them all seamlessly. Optimized Calendar and Contacts Keep your schedule and connections in perfect order. Our app assists in managing your calendar tasks and cleaning up outdated entries, alongside tidying up your contacts by merging duplicates and removing incomplete details. User-Friendly Experience "Authenticator App" exemplifies simplicity, effectiveness, and a professional touch in every interaction. It's not just an app but a reliable companion for your smartphone, alleviating your storage concerns for good. Flexible Subscription Options: To access our full suite of features, we offer flexible subscription plans, including weekly and yearly options, as well as a one-time payment choice for those seeking long-term benefits. Manage your subscriptions easily within Apple account settings, where they can be adjusted or canceled. For uninterrupted service, subscriptions will renew automatically unless disabled 24 hours before the end of the current period. Auto-renewal can be turned off any time after purchase via account settings. Download "Authenticator App" now and embrace a dual advantage: impeccable device optimization and enhanced personal security! Privacy Policy Link: https://sites.google.com/view/infinity-mobile-apps/privacy-policy Terms of Service Link: https://sites.google.com/view/infinity-mobile-apps/terms-of-service
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Microsoft Authenticator at 4.7 against Authenticator App's 4.1. Microsoft Authenticator also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ratings volume (703K vs 9). Authenticator App's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support 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
Both are free to download. Authenticator App sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Microsoft Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.
Microsoft Authenticator holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Microsoft Authenticator has 703K ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two.
Microsoft Authenticator ships an update every 3 weeks, Authenticator App monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and August 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Microsoft Authenticator | Authenticator App |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (703K ratings) — better | 4.1 (9 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 11.6% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 703K — better | 9 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Monthly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #7 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 226 MB | 40 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Microsoft Corporation | 金梅 刘 |
Customer experience
Microsoft Authenticator
Authenticator App
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 App
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Microsoft Authenticator
No in-app purchases
Authenticator App
- Weekly Premium$5.997 Days
- Annual Premium$49.991 Year
- Annual Premium3 Days trial$49.991 Year
- Lifetime Premium$49.99
Questions
Is Microsoft Authenticator free?
Is Authenticator App free?
Which has better reviews, Microsoft Authenticator or Authenticator App?
Do Microsoft Authenticator or Authenticator App have ads?
Which is updated more often, Microsoft Authenticator or Authenticator App?
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