SmartProgrammer vs NCP Authenticator
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
SmartProgrammer
Easily adjust digital parameters for your decoders with an intuitive app. Offers standard and expert modes for basic or detailed settings, including sound options. Quickly update connected decoders and transfer sound data.
- Intuitive decoder parameter adjustment
- Standard and expert mode settings
- Quick decoder updates
- Sound data transfer via SUSI
- Function key remapping
- Integrated signal box
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- Einstellen von Digitalparametern Ihrer Decoder über intuitive App - Kinderleichte Bedienung ohne Programmierkenntnisse - Standardmodus: Alle grundlegenden Decodereinstellungen können einfach geändert werden - Expertenmodus: Detailliertere Einstellungen aller Decodereigenschaften und Soundmöglichkeiten - Schnelles Update der angeschlossenen PIKO SmartDecoder - Automatische Firmwareupdates über die App - Grafische Darstellung der an der Lok getätigten Einstellungen in der App und in Verbindung mit dem PIKO SmartTester - Schnelle Übertragung der Sounddaten über die SUSI-Schnittstelle - Funktionstastenbelegung kann sehr einfach geändert werden - Integriertes Stellwerk zum schalten von z.B. Weichendecodern Zusätzlich kann der PIKO SmartProgrammer auch als autonome Minizentrale eingesetzt werden um einzelne Fahrzeuge zu steuern oder kleine Programmierabläufe zu erstellen, z.B. für einen automatischen Pendelzugbetrieb in Vitrinen oder auch auf dem Schreibtisch.
NCP Authenticator
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NCP Authenticator works with 2-Step Verification for your NCP VPN Access or any other online service using the TOTP method to provide an additional layer of security when signing in. Once configured, 2-step authentication protects your account by requiring both your password and an additional passcode, thus adding an extra layer of security. NCP Authenticator will generate these passcodes for you in a convenient way, directly on your smartphone or tablet, without the need for Internet connection. NCP Authenticator does not only operate with a NCP vpn account, but also with accounts from Google, Dropbox, PayPal and all the other providers who implement authentication in this standardized way. For additional security QR codes generated by NCP’s management can enforce biometric authentication for starting NCP Authenticator. Features • Generates time-based OTP (One Time Password) codes • SHA-1, SHA-256 and SHA-512 hash algorithm supported • Add an account easily by simply scanning a QR code with your device camera, via link in your smartphones browser or by adding it manually • The time-step for time-based passcodes can be 30 or 60 seconds • Generated codes can be 6 to 8 digits wide • No Internet/network connection needed, everything happens offline • Copy any generated code to the clipboard for easy and fast access • High security thanks to optional biometric authentication before starting NCP Authenticator
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: SmartProgrammer at every 6 weeks against NCP Authenticator's every 25 months. SmartProgrammer also leads on iOS requirement (12.2 vs 15.1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
SmartProgrammer ships an update every 6 weeks, NCP Authenticator every 25 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | SmartProgrammer | NCP Authenticator |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks — better | Every 25 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.2 — better | 15.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 126 MB | 18 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | PIKO Spielwaren GmbH | N C P E GmbH Network Communications Products Engineering |
In-app purchases
SmartProgrammer
No in-app purchases
NCP Authenticator
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is SmartProgrammer free?
Is NCP Authenticator free?
Do SmartProgrammer or NCP Authenticator have ads?
Which is updated more often, SmartProgrammer or NCP Authenticator?
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