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. 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.
Authenticator App
This app provides secure two-factor authentication (2FA) codes for thousands of online accounts. It also offers a password manager with autofill, encrypted backups, and cross-device sync for enhanced digital security.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) codes
- Password Manager with Autofill
- Encrypted Backups
- Cross-Device Sync
- Offline Access for codes
- Built-In VPN Protection
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Authenticator App by KeyGuard is the ultimate free authenticator app for managing two-factor authentication (2FA) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your iPhone and iPad. Protect your online accounts, including Facebook, Google, Instagram, Microsoft, Roblox, and thousands more, with secure 2FA codes. Whether you're securing emails, social media, or financial accounts, KeyGuard Authenticator App is your trusted solution for reliable and free two-factor authentication. Download today on your iPhone or iPad and take control of your online security! Why Choose KeyGuard? KeyGuard goes beyond basic two-step verification. It’s a comprehensive tool for managing your 2FA codes, passwords, and digital security. Whether you need an authenticator app, password manager with autofill, or a built-in VPN, KeyGuard App delivers unmatched convenience and peace of mind. Key Features: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Protect your accounts with time-based codes (OTP, TOTP). Works seamlessly with Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Instagram, and more. Password Manager with Autofill: Securely store, organize, and autofill your passwords. Generate strong, unique passwords effortlessly. Encrypted Backups: Keep your 2FA codes and passwords safe with end-to-end encrypted iCloud backups. Cross-Device Sync: Access your 2FA codes and passwords across iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices in real time. Offline Access: Generate 2FA codes even without an internet connection, ensuring constant protection. Advanced Security Options: Lock your app with Touch ID, Face ID, or a secure PIN to ensure only you can access your data. Built-In VPN Protection: Secure your internet connection and browse safely with an integrated VPN. Getting Started is Easy: - Log in to the account you want to secure (e.g., Google, Facebook, Amazon). - Go to the account's security settings and enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). - Select the “Authentication App” option. - Scan the QR code using KeyGuard App. - Enter the generated code to confirm setup. - Enable encrypted backups for added peace of mind. Your Data, Fully Protected KeyGuard Authenticator App uses end-to-end encryption to secure your sensitive information, ensuring only you can access it—even when it’s stored in the cloud. With offline access, secure backups, and cross-device sync, staying safe has never been easier. Compatible with Thousands of Services Secure your favorite accounts, including Gmail, Discord, Reddit, Twitch, PlayStation, Binance, Coinbase, Shopify, Salesforce, PayPal, LinkedIn and many more. Download KeyGuard Authenticator App Now! Take control of your online security today. With features like password manager, VPN, and encrypted backups, KeyGuard App is the ultimate tool for protecting your accounts. Subscription Details Upgrade to premium for unlimited tokens, advanced password management, and enhanced VPN protection. Subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage subscriptions in your App Store settings. Support & Contact Need help? Reach out to us anytime at: https://appshub.com.tr/support-authenticator/ Terms of Service: https://appshub.com.tr/terms-of-use-authenticator/ Privacy Policy: https://appshub.com.tr/privacy-policy-authenticator/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Microsoft Authenticator at none against Authenticator App's 22. Microsoft Authenticator also leads on ratings volume (694K vs 1.8K) and rating (4.7 vs 4.5). Authenticator App's advantage is review sentiment (25% vs 12%). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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 21 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Microsoft Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.
Microsoft Authenticator holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Microsoft Authenticator has 694K ratings behind it against 1.8K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 12% of Microsoft Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 25% of Authenticator App'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, Authenticator App monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Microsoft Authenticator | Authenticator App |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (694K ratings) — better | 4.5 (1.8K ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 11.6% of reviews | 25.1% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 694K — better | 1.8K |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks — better | Monthly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #5 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 16.4 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 223 MB | 45 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Microsoft Corporation | Appshub Bilgi Teknolojileri Limited Sirketi |
Customer experience
Microsoft Authenticator
Authenticator App
User reviews
Microsoft Authenticator
From 694K App Store ratingsWhat 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 App
From 1.8K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🔒 100% secure
- 🔒 Ensures safety for financial applications
Room to improve
- 🤯 Not intuitive
- 💰 Expensive with no trial
- 🤖 Constant sales/VPN prompts
- 🚫 Difficult to uninstall
- 🤔 Confusing with too many options
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
Reported bugs
2 issues- Can't read QR codes
- App URLs don't work
Requested features
2 requests- Option to disable annoying prompts
- Improve user-friendliness
In-app purchases
Microsoft Authenticator
No in-app purchases
Authenticator App
- Authenticator App3 Days trial$4.997 Days
- Authenticator App Premium$6.997 Days
- Authenticator App Premium3 Days trial$6.997 Days
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- Authenticator Monthly Plan$6.991 Month
- Two Factor Authentication App$9.991 Month
- Authenticator App Premium3 Days trial$9.997 Days
- Authenticator App Premium$9.997 Days
- Authenticator Yearly Access$12.991 Year
- Authenticator App Premium$14.991 Month
- Authenticator App Premium3 Days trial$19.991 Year
- 2FA Authentication App$19.991 Year
- 2FA Authenticator Premium$24.991 Year
- AuthOne Authenticator Premium$29.991 Year
- Authenticator App Premium3 Days trial$29.991 Year
- Authenticator App Premium$39.991 Year
- Authenticator App Premium3 Days trial$39.991 Year
- Authenticator App Premium2 variants$49.993 Months
- Authenticator App Premium3 Days trial$49.991 Year
- Authenticator App Premium$59.991 Year
- Lifetime Special Offer$19.99
- Authenticator Lifetime Deal$39.99
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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