# ArcGIS Survey123 vs Optimal Authenticator

The clearest difference is ratings volume: ArcGIS Survey123 at 218 against Optimal Authenticator's 4. ArcGIS Survey123 also leads on review sentiment (12% vs 0%) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). Optimal Authenticator's advantage is rating (3.0 vs 2.7). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Optimal Authenticator holds the better App Store score, 3.0 against 2.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ArcGIS Survey123 has 218 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 12% of ArcGIS Survey123's written reviews are positive against 0% of Optimal Authenticator's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

ArcGIS Survey123 ships an update every 2 months, Optimal Authenticator every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ArcGIS Survey123 | Optimal Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.7 (218 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arcgis-survey123/id993015031/reviews) | **[3.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optimal-authenticator/id1217402923/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **218** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | **12.1% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 221 MB | 80 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ESRI](https://appshunter.io/developer/379687933) | [Optimal IdM](https://appshunter.io/developer/1050742329) |

## What reviewers say

### ArcGIS Survey123

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arcgis-survey123/id993015031)

Capture precise, location-aware data in the field using smart forms, even offline. Seamlessly sync collected information with your ArcGIS platform for real-time analysis and decision-making. Ideal for public feedback, inspections, and documenting field conditions.

**Highlights:** Smart forms for data collection, Offline data capture and syncing, Location-aware data with GPS, Support for various question types, Photo and audio attachments, Data validation and skip logic, Integration with ArcGIS platform

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Offline map viewing capability
- 🌍 Easy translation support
- 📝 Solid core functionality for data collection
- 🎨 Customizable forms when designed well
- 📱 Works well on iPad with proper configuration

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔋 Severe battery drain from continuous location tracking
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and app freezes
- ⏱️ Significant lag and slow performance
- 🔐 Authentication and login issues
- 📸 Photo attachment failures and glitches

**Reported bugs**

- Continuous location services polling even when app is closed
- iPhone 17 photo capture causes complete app crash
- Keyboard hangs during form data entry
- App crashes on login attempts
- Submit checkbox occluded by keyboard

**Requested features**

- Edit sent survey data capability
- Multiple photo selection from library
- Magic keyboard trackpad support for iPad
- Previous answers dropdown for repeated data entry
- Desktop/web-based survey completion


### Optimal Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optimal-authenticator/id1217402923)

This app provides a secure way to verify your identity for accessing other applications. It uses two-factor authentication via push notifications or verification codes, and allows organizations to register trusted devices for sign-in requests.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication, Push notification verification, On-app verification codes, Trusted device registration, Secure identity verification

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ArcGIS Survey123 free?

ArcGIS Survey123 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Optimal Authenticator free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ArcGIS Survey123 or Optimal Authenticator?

Optimal Authenticator is rated higher. ArcGIS Survey123 averages 2.7 out of 5 from 218 ratings, while Optimal Authenticator averages 3.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do ArcGIS Survey123 or Optimal Authenticator have ads?

Neither ArcGIS Survey123 nor Optimal Authenticator shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ArcGIS Survey123 or Optimal Authenticator?

ArcGIS Survey123 ships an update every 2 months, and Optimal Authenticator every 3 months. Most recently, ArcGIS Survey123 was updated on October 24, 2026 and Optimal Authenticator on October 6, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*