# Microsoft Authenticator vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Authenticator App at 67% against Microsoft Authenticator's 12%. Microsoft Authenticator's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 15) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 8 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App sells 15 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 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Microsoft Authenticator has 694K ratings behind it against 210, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 12% of Microsoft Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 67% 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 every 8 months. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Microsoft Authenticator | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (694K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microsoft-authenticator/id983156458/reviews)** | [4.3 (210 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2famfaotp/id6480137982/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **694K** | 210 |
| Positive reviews | 11.6% of reviews | **66.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 8 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#6** | — |
| Size | 223 MB | 48 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro** | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Microsoft Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/298856275) | [Authentication Services](https://appshunter.io/developer/1880352966) |

## What reviewers say

### Microsoft Authenticator

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

**Currently charting:** #6 Top Free · Productivity, #23 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-2famfaotp/id6480137982)

This app generates secure two-factor authentication tokens to protect your online accounts. It offers encrypted cloud backups and multi-device synchronization for easy recovery and access. The app works offline and can be secured with a PIN or biometric lock.

**Highlights:** Secure 2FA token generation, Encrypted cloud backups, Multi-device synchronization, Offline functionality, PIN and biometric lock

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (15)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Digital Security Authenticator | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Enhance online security | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Generate one-time passwords | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Smart Authenticator | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| One-Time Password Generator | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Secure Code Generator | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| One-Time Security Code App | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Smart Code Authenticator | $11.99 | per 7 days |
| 2FA App | $14.99 | per month |
| Secure Verification Generator | $19.99 | per month |
| Secure your accounts | $19.99 | per month |
| Account protection Authenticator | $29.99 | per month |
| Secure your accounts | $39.99 | per year |
| Safe Login Code Generator | $49.99 | per year |
| One-Time Password | $59.99 | per year |


## 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 694K ratings, while Authenticator App averages 4.3 from 210 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 2 weeks, and Authenticator App every 8 months. Most recently, Microsoft Authenticator was updated on September 24, 2026 and Authenticator App on September 24, 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.*