# Codes Authenticator vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is monetization model: Codes Authenticator at free with in-app purchases against Authenticator App's subscription. Codes Authenticator also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 5 weeks). Authenticator App's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.2) and ratings volume (84 vs 18). On price, review sentiment, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Codes Authenticator sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and Authenticator App sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator App holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 18 and 84 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Codes Authenticator ships an update every 2 weeks, Authenticator App every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 14, 2026 and September 12, 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) | **[4.6 (84 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-safeid/id6447739540/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 18 | **84** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 3 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ameba Labs, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1102091860) | [Kain Suite Pte. Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1761133001) |

## 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-safeid/id6447739540)

Enhance your online security with multi-factor authentication and identity protection. This app secures your accounts against hackers, scans networks for vulnerabilities, and monitors for data breaches. It also offers safe browsing with VPN capabilities to protect your privacy.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication (OTP generation), QR code and manual account setup, Wi-Fi and system security scanner, Email breach monitoring, Secure browsing with VPN, Cross-device synchronization

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Subscription | $12.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $29.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $39.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Purchase | $39.99 | one-time |


## 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 4.6 from 84 ratings.

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

Authenticator App shows ads; Codes Authenticator does not.

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

Codes Authenticator ships an update every 2 weeks, and Authenticator App every 5 weeks. Most recently, Codes Authenticator was updated on September 14, 2026 and Authenticator App on September 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.*