# QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is ads: Authenticator App at none against QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone's shown. Authenticator App also leads on review sentiment (41% vs 20%). QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone's advantage is ratings volume (50K vs 3.4K) and chart position (#137 vs unranked). On price, rating, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per 7 days and Authenticator App sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone against 4.7 for Authenticator App. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone has 50K ratings behind it against 3.4K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 20% of QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone's written reviews are positive against 41% of Authenticator App's.

QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone ships an update every 4 weeks, Authenticator App monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (50K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-barcode-scanner-for-iphone/id1322234579/reviews) | **[4.7 (3.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-authkey/id6447845767/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **50K** | 3.4K |
| Positive reviews | 19.9% of reviews | **41.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#137** | — |
| Size | 82 MB | 46 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Smart Tool Studio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1080080426) | [SkyRise Networks](https://appshunter.io/developer/1682862399) |

## What reviewers say

### QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-barcode-scanner-for-iphone/id1322234579)

**Currently charting:** #137 Top Grossing · Utilities (US App Store)

This app quickly scans QR codes and barcodes using your device's camera. It also allows you to create and share custom QR codes, offers a 2FA authenticator, and provides features like batch scanning and scan history retrieval.

**Highlights:** Automatic QR/barcode scanning, QR code creation and sharing, 2FA authenticator, Batch scanning, Scan history with iCloud backup, App lock for security, Customizable QR code colors

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

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| QR Limited Offer - One Week | $2.49 | per 7 days |
| QR Code Premium - One Week | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| One Week No Trial New - QR | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| One Week | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| One Week Premium | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| QR Code Premium - Three Months | $8.99 | per 3 months |
| One Year | $29.99 | per year |
| QR Code Premium - One Year | $39.99 | per year |
| One Year No Trial New - QR | $39.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $39.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime-QR Scanner Purchase | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and easy to use
- 👍 Handy for scanning QR codes
- 💡 Helpful for finding product information

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and issues with scanning
- 💰 Misleading subscription model and unauthorized charges
- 🔍 Lack of transparency around pricing and features

**Reported bugs**

- Camera not working properly
- Subscription issues and inability to cancel
- Compatibility problems with older devices

**Requested features**

- Option to disable ads
- Improved subscription management and cancellation process
- Better customer support and communication


### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-authkey/id6447845767)

Enhance your online security with this app, offering a secure and reliable method to protect your accounts. It generates unique codes for two-factor authentication, ensuring your personal information stays safe.

**Highlights:** Account protection with 2FA, Easy setup and management, Backup and sync accounts, Secure code generation

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator Weekly Premium | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator Monthly Premium | $8.99 | per month |
| Authenticator Yearly Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator Lifetime Premium | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Seamless functionality
- 🚀 Quick and easy setup
- 🔒 Robust security features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Compatibility issues
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🤯 Confusing user interface
- 🔒 Unreliable authentication

**Reported bugs**

- Unable to scan QR codes
- Accounts not showing up correctly
- Repeated login failures

**Requested features**

- Ability to add/manage multiple accounts
- Improved syncing across devices
- More transparent subscription model


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone free?

QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Authenticator App free?

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

### Which has better reviews, QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone or Authenticator App?

Authenticator App is rated higher. QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone averages 4.6 out of 5 from 50K ratings, while Authenticator App averages 4.7 from 3.4K ratings.

### Do QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone or Authenticator App have ads?

QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone shows ads; Authenticator App does not.

### Which is updated more often, QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone or Authenticator App?

QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone ships an update every 4 weeks, and Authenticator App monthly. Most recently, QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone was updated on October 15, 2026 and Authenticator App on October 12, 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.*