# Microsoft Authenticator vs Authhy

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Authhy at 87% against Microsoft Authenticator's 12%. Authhy also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 17.0). Microsoft Authenticator's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 4.2) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authhy sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Microsoft Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Microsoft Authenticator holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Microsoft Authenticator has 694K ratings behind it against 351, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 12% of Microsoft Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 87% of Authhy's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Microsoft Authenticator ships an update every 2 weeks, Authhy every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and August 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Microsoft Authenticator | Authhy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (694K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microsoft-authenticator/id983156458/reviews)** | [4.2 (351 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authhy-authenticator-app/id6470453559/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **694K** | 351 |
| Positive reviews | 11.6% of reviews | **87.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#7** | — |
| Size | 223 MB | 18 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Microsoft Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/298856275) | [婷 兰](https://appshunter.io/developer/1666722179) |

## What reviewers say

### Microsoft Authenticator

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

**Currently charting:** #7 Top Free · Productivity, #46 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


### Authhy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authhy-authenticator-app/id6470453559)

Enhance your online security with this app that generates time-based one-time passwords. Protect your accounts from unauthorized access by enabling two-factor authentication and scanning QR codes. Secure your digital life with robust encryption and convenient backup options.

**Highlights:** Generates one-time tokens, Two-factor authentication, Encrypted vault, Password/biometric unlock, Supports HOTP and TOTP, Automatic iCloud backups, Multiple entry methods

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly premium | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly premium | $49.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🔒 Robust security features
- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 💡 Convenient multi-device sync
- 🚀 Reliable performance
- 🔒 Secure backup and recovery options

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent ads disrupting usage
- 💰 Paid premium version required for ad-free experience

**Reported bugs**

- Ads interfering with account setup
- Occasional crashes or freezes

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Improved free tier with fewer ads


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Microsoft Authenticator free?

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

### Is Authhy free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Microsoft Authenticator or Authhy?

Microsoft Authenticator is rated higher. Microsoft Authenticator averages 4.7 out of 5 from 694K ratings, while Authhy averages 4.2 from 351 ratings.

### Do Microsoft Authenticator or Authhy have ads?

Authhy shows ads; Microsoft Authenticator does not.

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

Microsoft Authenticator ships an update every 2 weeks, and Authhy every 10 days. Most recently, Microsoft Authenticator was updated on September 25, 2026 and Authhy on August 3, 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.*