# ElsterSecure vs Steuern

The clearest difference is monetization model: ElsterSecure at free against Steuern's free with in-app purchases. ElsterSecure also leads on ratings volume (89 vs 1). Steuern's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and update cadence (monthly vs every 4 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Steuern holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ElsterSecure has 89 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 84% of ElsterSecure's written reviews are positive against 100% of Steuern's.

ElsterSecure ships an update every 4 months, Steuern monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ElsterSecure | Steuern |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (89 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elstersecure/id1579060331/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steuern-lohnsteuer-kompakt/id1586330607/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **89** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 84.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 49 MB | 42 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bayerisches Landesamt fuer Steuern](https://appshunter.io/developer/1018163928) | [forium GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1509424123) |

## What reviewers say

### ElsterSecure

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elstersecure/id1579060331)

This app simplifies logging into your tax account by using your smartphone for authentication. Once set up, you won't need certificate files or usernames for access. It's designed for secure and convenient tax-related logins.

**Highlights:** Smartphone-based authentication, Eliminates need for certificate files, Simplifies tax account logins, QR code scanning for setup, Secure user account management

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Steuern

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steuern-lohnsteuer-kompakt/id1586330607)

Easily file your German tax return on your smartphone, tablet, or web browser. Get personalized tax-saving tips and secure data storage in Germany. Receive your refund quickly with optional digital transmission to the tax office.

**Highlights:** Easy tax return completion, Data retrieval from tax office, Tax saving tips, Data entry check, Secure data storage in Germany, Personal customer support

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ElsterSecure free?

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

### Is Steuern free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ElsterSecure or Steuern?

Steuern is rated higher. ElsterSecure averages 4.7 out of 5 from 89 ratings, while Steuern averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do ElsterSecure or Steuern have ads?

Neither ElsterSecure nor Steuern shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ElsterSecure or Steuern?

ElsterSecure ships an update every 4 months, and Steuern monthly. Most recently, ElsterSecure was updated on September 30, 2026 and Steuern on September 10, 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.*