# Microsoft Authenticator vs Authenticator App

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.

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 3, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Microsoft Authenticator | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (703K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microsoft-authenticator/id983156458/reviews)** | [4.1 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-auth/id6468913538/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **703K** | 9 |
| Positive reviews | 11.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#8** | — |
| Size | 226 MB | 40 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Microsoft Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/298856275) | [金梅 刘](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896371027) |

## What reviewers say

### Microsoft Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microsoft-authenticator/id983156458)

**Currently charting:** #8 Top Free · Productivity, #60 Top Free (US App Store)

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

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


### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-auth/id6468913538)

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.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication, Duplicate photo and video cleanup, Large file deletion, Calendar and contact management, Smart recognition for similar media, Batch deletion of media

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Annual Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Annual Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Premium | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Microsoft Authenticator free?

Microsoft Authenticator 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, Microsoft Authenticator or Authenticator App?

Microsoft Authenticator is rated higher. Microsoft Authenticator averages 4.7 out of 5 from 703K ratings, while Authenticator App averages 4.1 from 9 ratings.

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

Neither Microsoft Authenticator nor Authenticator App shows ads.

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

Microsoft Authenticator ships an update every 3 weeks, and Authenticator App monthly. Most recently, Microsoft Authenticator was updated on October 3, 2026 and Authenticator App on September 17, 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.*