# Microsoft Authenticator vs Hearth

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Microsoft Authenticator at none against Hearth's 2. Microsoft Authenticator also leads on chart position (#6 vs unranked). Hearth's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Hearth sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Microsoft Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Microsoft Authenticator ships an update every 3 weeks, Hearth weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 12, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Microsoft Authenticator | Hearth |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (725K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microsoft-authenticator/id983156458/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **725K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 11.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Best chart rank | **#6** | — |
| Size | 230 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Microsoft Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/298856275) | [Fernanda de Paiva Carvalho](https://appshunter.io/developer/6810759928) |

## What reviewers say

### Microsoft Authenticator

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

**Currently charting:** #6 Top Free · Productivity, #30 Top Free (US App Store)

This app provides secure and easy sign-ins for online accounts using multi-factor authentication, passwordless options, and password autofill. It supports managing multiple accounts, including non-Microsoft services, and offers enhanced security for work or school accounts.

**Highlights:** Multi-factor authentication (MFA), Passwordless sign-in, Password autofill, Supports non-Microsoft accounts, Account management for work/school, Two-step verification (2FA)

**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


### Hearth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hearth-household-assistant/id6812502686)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Household, monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Household, yearly | $24.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Microsoft Authenticator free?

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

### Is Hearth free?

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

### Do Microsoft Authenticator or Hearth have ads?

Neither Microsoft Authenticator nor Hearth shows ads.

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

Microsoft Authenticator ships an update every 3 weeks, and Hearth weekly. Most recently, Microsoft Authenticator was updated on November 12, 2026 and Hearth on November 6, 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.*