# Step Two vs Codes Authenticator

The clearest difference is rating: Step Two at 4.5 against Codes Authenticator's 4.2. Step Two also leads on ratings volume (185 vs 18). Codes Authenticator's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months) and review sentiment (100% vs 86%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Step Two sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Codes Authenticator sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Step Two holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Step Two has 185 ratings behind it against 18, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 86% of Step Two's written reviews are positive against 100% of Codes Authenticator's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Step Two ships an update every 2 months, Codes Authenticator every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Step Two | Codes Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (185 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/step-two/id1291130842/reviews)** | [4.2 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codes-authenticator/id1502020651/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **185** | 18 |
| Positive reviews | 86.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 12 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Neil Sardesai](https://appshunter.io/developer/891354771) | [Ameba Labs, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1102091860) |

## What reviewers say

### Step Two

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/step-two/id1291130842)

This app provides a simple and intuitive way to manage your two-step verification codes. It offers a modern design and a Safari extension for quick and secure logins to your online accounts. Codes are automatically backed up and synced across devices via iCloud.

**Highlights:** Intuitive two-step verification management, Modern and user-friendly design, Safari extension for fast logins, iCloud backup and sync, Supports TOTP for any online account

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Seamless iCloud sync
- 👍 Gorgeous, clean design
- 🚀 Instant access and fast performance
- 👍 Excellent Apple ecosystem integration
- 👍 Simple and intuitive to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 iCloud sync issues causing data loss
- 🔒 Lack of passcode/biometric security
- 👎 Expensive one-time upgrade price
- 👎 No option to edit/rename account labels

**Reported bugs**

- Accounts disappearing from the app
- Incompatibility with older Apple Watch models

**Requested features**

- Add passcode/Face ID/Touch ID security
- Implement account folders/categories
- Add widgets for iOS/macOS
- Allow editing of account labels
- Provide export/backup functionality


### Codes Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codes-authenticator/id1502020651)

This app provides a secure and private way to manage two-factor authentication for your online accounts. Easily add accounts via QR code or manual entry, and access codes quickly through widgets or Siri shortcuts. Customize the appearance to suit your preferences.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication, QR code scanning, Manual account entry, Today Widget access, Siri Shortcuts integration, Customizable themes and colors

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small Tip | $1.99 | one-time |
| Medium Tip | $4.99 | one-time |
| Large Tip | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Step Two free?

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

### Is Codes Authenticator free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Step Two or Codes Authenticator?

Step Two is rated higher. Step Two averages 4.5 out of 5 from 185 ratings, while Codes Authenticator averages 4.2 from 18 ratings.

### Do Step Two or Codes Authenticator have ads?

Neither Step Two nor Codes Authenticator shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Step Two or Codes Authenticator?

Step Two ships an update every 2 months, and Codes Authenticator every 2 weeks. Most recently, Step Two was updated on October 7, 2026 and Codes Authenticator on October 2, 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.*
