# Microsoft Authenticator vs Authenticator App ‧

The clearest difference is rating: Microsoft Authenticator at 4.7 against Authenticator App ‧'s 2.5. Microsoft Authenticator also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 4) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 5 months). Authenticator App ‧'s advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App ‧ sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $39.99 per year. Microsoft Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Microsoft Authenticator holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Microsoft Authenticator has 694K ratings behind it against 1.1K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 12% of Microsoft Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 0% of Authenticator App ‧'s.

Microsoft Authenticator ships an update every 2 weeks, Authenticator App ‧ every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Microsoft Authenticator | Authenticator App ‧ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (694K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microsoft-authenticator/id983156458/reviews)** | [2.5 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id6502765078/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **694K** | 1.1K |
| Positive reviews | **11.6% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#5** | — |
| Size | 223 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Microsoft Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/298856275) | [Normal Vector](https://appshunter.io/developer/1746700274) |

## What reviewers say

### Microsoft Authenticator

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

**Currently charting:** #5 Top Free · Productivity, #21 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/id6502765078)

Enhance your account security with advanced two-factor authentication. This app provides double encryption, secure iCloud backup, and seamless integration with over 1000 popular services. It offers face recognition for effortless login and robust verification processes to protect your sensitive information.

**Highlights:** Two-step verification, QR code account addition, Encrypted iCloud backup, Compatibility with 1000+ apps, Face recognition login

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Yearly VIP | $39.99 | per year |
| Yearly VIP | $49.99 | per year |
| Yearly 3DaysTrail VIP | $49.99 | per year |
| Lifetime VIP | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🚫 Not the official Microsoft Authenticator app
- 💰 Deceptive pricing and subscription model
- 🤔 Unintuitive and confusing setup
- 🙅‍♀️ Lack of instructions and support
- 🔒 Potential security and privacy concerns

**Reported bugs**

- App not working as expected
- Subscription issues and inability to cancel


## 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 2.5 from 1.1K 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 5 months. Most recently, Microsoft Authenticator was updated on September 24, 2026 and Authenticator App ‧ on September 23, 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.*