# Codes Authenticator vs The authenticator App

The clearest difference is monetization model: Codes Authenticator at free with in-app purchases against The authenticator App's subscription. The authenticator App's advantage is ratings volume (67 vs 18). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Codes Authenticator sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and The authenticator App sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

The authenticator App holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 18 and 67 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Codes Authenticator ships an update every 2 weeks, The authenticator App every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Codes Authenticator | The authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codes-authenticator/id1502020651/reviews) | **[4.4 (67 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-authenticator-app-2fa/id1641113701/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 18 | **67** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 4 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 3 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ameba Labs, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1102091860) | [NextPixel apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1584487280) |

## 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 |


### The authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-authenticator-app-2fa/id1641113701)

Securely manage all your two-factor authentication codes in one place. Scan QR codes or manually add accounts for easy access, protected by Face ID or password.

**Highlights:** 2FA Code Generation, QR Code Scanning, Centralized Account Management, Face ID Access, Password Lock

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The authy authenticator | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| 2fa 2 factor authentication | $9.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Codes Authenticator free?

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

### Is The authenticator App free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Codes Authenticator or The authenticator App?

The authenticator App is rated higher. Codes Authenticator averages 4.2 out of 5 from 18 ratings, while The authenticator App averages 4.4 from 67 ratings.

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

Neither Codes Authenticator nor The authenticator App shows ads.

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

Codes Authenticator ships an update every 2 weeks, and The authenticator App every 4 weeks. Most recently, Codes Authenticator was updated on October 2, 2026 and The authenticator App on September 25, 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.*