# Codes Authenticator vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Codes Authenticator at 100% against Authenticator App's 50%. Codes Authenticator also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 4 months). Authenticator App's advantage is rating (4.5 vs 4.2) and ratings volume (136 vs 18). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Codes Authenticator sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and Authenticator App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator App holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator App has 136 ratings behind it against 18, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 100% of Codes Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 50% of Authenticator App's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Codes Authenticator ships an update every 2 weeks, Authenticator App every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 14, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Codes Authenticator | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codes-authenticator/id1502020651/reviews) | **[4.5 (136 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-and-mfa/id1621928288/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 18 | **136** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 3 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ameba Labs, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1102091860) | [BEYLER Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/1551010741) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-and-mfa/id1621928288)

Securely store and generate two-factor authentication tokens for your online accounts. This app enhances your digital security by providing Time-based One-time Passwords (TOTP) and Hash-based one-time passwords (HOTP). It offers encrypted backups and cross-device access for peace of mind.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication token generation, Time-based and Hash-based OTP support, Encrypted backup for security, Access across multiple Apple devices, Supports thousands of online accounts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium | $4.99 | per month |
| Premium | $19.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Codes Authenticator free?

Codes Authenticator 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, Codes Authenticator or Authenticator App?

Authenticator App is rated higher. Codes Authenticator averages 4.2 out of 5 from 18 ratings, while Authenticator App averages 4.5 from 136 ratings.

### Do Codes Authenticator or Authenticator App have ads?

Neither Codes Authenticator nor Authenticator App shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Codes Authenticator or Authenticator App?

Codes Authenticator ships an update every 2 weeks, and Authenticator App every 4 months. Most recently, Codes Authenticator was updated on September 14, 2026 and Authenticator App on September 30, 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.*