# BST Scanner vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is review sentiment: BST Scanner at 100% against Authenticator App's 43%. BST Scanner also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 18) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). Authenticator App's advantage is update cadence (every 10 days vs every 24 months) and chart position (#37 vs unranked). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator App sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. BST Scanner asks for nothing beyond the download.

BST Scanner ships an update every 24 months, Authenticator App every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BST Scanner | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.6 (49K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id1538761576/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **49K** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 42.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 24 months | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | — | **#37** |
| Size | 23 MB | 145 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Brad Taylor](https://appshunter.io/developer/1497253876) | [2Stable](https://appshunter.io/developer/1534145511) |

## What reviewers say

### BST Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bst-scanner/id1514100162)

Utilize your device's camera or laser to scan barcodes found on the BST Apps website. This tool streamlines the process of accessing product information directly from the site.

**Highlights:** Scan barcodes using camera, Scan barcodes using laser, Access product information, Integrates with BST Apps website

**In-app purchases:** none


### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id1538761576)

**Currently charting:** #37 Top Grossing · Productivity, #68 Top Free · Productivity (US App Store)

This app provides secure two-factor authentication codes for your online accounts, enhancing security with encryption and backups. It offers seamless synchronization across Apple devices and quick access via widgets, even when offline.

**Highlights:** Secure & Private Encryption, Encrypted Backup, Automatic Synchronization, Quick Access Widget, Offline Code Generation, Multi-Account Import, Native Apple Experience

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, iMessage stickers

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator App | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator App | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator Premium | $9.99 | per month |
| Authenticator App | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator App | $39.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App | $49.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App | $69.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App | $69.99 | per year |
| Authenticator App Premium | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works well
- 🔒 Secure and reliable
- 👍 Easy to use and set up
- 💡 Excellent cross-device sync and backup
- 👍 Convenient desktop app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Compatibility issues with newer devices
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🔒 Limited free version
- 👎 Confusing setup and instructions
- 🐛 Bugs and crashes

**Reported bugs**

- App not launching on M2 MacBook Air
- Widget showing incorrect codes
- Login issues after device changes

**Requested features**

- More widget customization options
- Bulk import/export of accounts
- Password manager integration
- Automatic locking and unlocking options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BST Scanner free?

BST Scanner is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Authenticator App free?

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

### Do BST Scanner or Authenticator App have ads?

Neither BST Scanner nor Authenticator App shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BST Scanner or Authenticator App?

BST Scanner ships an update every 24 months, and Authenticator App every 10 days. Most recently, BST Scanner was updated on September 18, 2026 and Authenticator App on September 26, 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.*