Comparison

QR GO vs Proton Authenticator

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

QR GO

Read full description

Simple, Easy & Efficient. The only QR Scanner app you will ever need. Download and try today! QR Scanner app is the fastest QR code scanner out there that helps you easily scan your QR codes, make new codes and share them with your friends. --------------------- Why choose this QR Scanner? Supports all QR code formats. Scan QR code from gallery Use a flashlight to scan in a dark environment. Saves a history of QR codes --------------------- With this app you can scan all types of QR codes on your iPhone and iPad. You can do the following with this app: Scan QR Codes in seconds Create your own QR Codes Share created codes with your contacts & friends. View and Edit your QR codes --------------------- How does the app work? 1. Download and launch the app on your iPhone or iPad 2. Hold your camera and align it with the QR Code to be scanned. 3. The QR Code will automatically be scanned and the result will appear on screen. 4. Scanned QR codes will get saved in the history tab. https://strongerapps.com/app/qr/privacy.html https://strongerapps.com/app/qr/terms.html https://strongerapps.com/app/qr/subscriptions.html

About

Proton Authenticator

Securely manage your two-factor authentication codes with an open-source, end-to-end encrypted authenticator app. It offers seamless cross-device syncing, effortless import from other apps, and robust backup options, all protected by strict Swiss privacy laws. Take control of your digital security with a trusted and private solution.

Highlights
  • End-to-end encrypted iCloud sync
  • Effortless import from other authenticators
  • Secure backup and export
  • Swiss privacy by design
  • Open source and transparent
  • Offline support
Features
Read full description

Get the authenticator trusted by millions — from Proton Mail, the world's largest encrypted email provider. Proton Authenticator is open source, end-to-end encrypted, and protected by strict Swiss privacy laws. Protect all your new accounts and strengthen security on your existing ones. Proton Authenticator keeps your 2FA codes secure, accessible, and completely private — with full control over where your data is stored. KEY FEATURES Local-First Storage:Your 2FA codes are stored entirely on your device, giving you complete control over your data. Effortless Import: Migrate from Google Authenticator, Authy, or any other app in seconds. Secure Backup & Export: Retain full control of your data with easy backup and restore options. Swiss Privacy by Design: Built under Switzerland's strongest data protection regulations. Open Source & Transparent: Auditable code. No tracking. No ads. Take control of your digital security with encryption you can trust. Free to use: No Proton account required, ad-free. Offline support: On mobile and desktop apps No other 2FA app provides this combination of security and privacy. Trusted by millions. Built by Proton. Take control of your digital security today. Terms of service: https://proton.me/legal/terms Learn more: https://proton.me

Screenshots

QR GO3 screens
Proton Authenticator4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Proton Authenticator at none against QR GO's 4. Proton Authenticator also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 21 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. QR GO sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 7 days. Proton Authenticator asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

QR GO ships an update every 21 months, Proton Authenticator weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
QR GO versus Proton Authenticator: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterQR GOProton Authenticator
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.4 (242 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—55.7% of reviews
Number of ratings—242 — better
Update frequencyEvery 21 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS16.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size18 MB119 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperStronger AppsProton AG

Bugs and requests

QR GO

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Proton Authenticator

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Sync/login loop on iPad
  • 2FA input broken on non-iPhone devices
  • Screen strobing on iPad
  • Duplicate entries after import

Requested features

5 requests
  • PIN unlock for desktop
  • Alphabetical sorting option
  • Export function (not just Proton-specific backup)
  • Native macOS app
  • Option to hide item icons

In-app purchases

4 purchases

QR GO

Subscriptions4
  • Weekly Subscription3 Days trial$7.997 Days
  • Monthly Subscription3 Days trial$14.991 Month
  • Monthly Promotion3 Days trial$14.991 Month
Show 1 more
  • Yearly Subscription3 Days trial$79.991 Year
None

Proton Authenticator

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is QR GO free?
QR GO is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Proton Authenticator free?
Proton Authenticator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do QR GO or Proton Authenticator have ads?
Neither QR GO nor Proton Authenticator shows ads.
Which is updated more often, QR GO or Proton Authenticator?
QR GO ships an update every 21 months, and Proton Authenticator weekly. Most recently, QR GO was updated on September 18, 2026 and Proton Authenticator on October 12, 2026.

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