# QR vs Authenticator App ¹

The clearest difference is monetization model: QR at free with in-app purchases against Authenticator App ¹'s subscription. QR also leads on rating (4.6 vs 4.2) and review sentiment (69% vs 56%). Authenticator App ¹'s advantage is update cadence (daily vs fortnightly). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days and Authenticator App ¹ sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

QR holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.1K and 287 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of QR's written reviews are positive against 56% of Authenticator App ¹'s.

QR ships an update fortnightly, Authenticator App ¹ daily. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR | Authenticator App ¹ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-and-barcode-scanner-qrgo/id1644873937/reviews)** | [4.2 (287 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id6446274872/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.1K** | 287 |
| Positive reviews | **68.8% of reviews** | 56.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Daily** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 94 MB | 140 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.4** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Stepa Mobile FZE LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1644873939) | [GITU Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1676651389) |

## What reviewers say

### QR

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-and-barcode-scanner-qrgo/id1644873937)

Easily scan and generate various QR and barcode types. Access detailed product and QR code information, maintain a scan history, and create codes for social media. Offers batch scanning and CSV export capabilities.

**Highlights:** Scan 15+ QR & barcode types, Detailed product/food info, QR code data cards, Scan history, Create QR codes, Batch scan, CSV export

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Code Reader Plus | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Code Reader Plus | $19.99 | per month |
| Code Reader Plus | $39.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Efficient and pleasant experience
- 🚀 Convenient and cool to use
- 💡 Excellent and very helpful framework

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Misleading free trial, need tutorial
- 🔋 Completely useless

**Reported bugs**

- Login screen freezes
- Incompatible with older devices

**Requested features**

- Need tutorial
- Please cancel this purchase


### Authenticator App ¹

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app/id6446274872)

This app provides secure login and identity protection through two-factor authentication (2FA) and password management. It generates one-time passwords for various platforms and offers features like a private browser and VPN.

**Highlights:** Generate TOTP 2FA codes, Face ID, Touch ID, or password protection, Secure iCloud sync, Built-in password manager, Strong password generator, Integrated private browser, Apple Watch support, Built-in VPN client

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Plan | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly (VPN) | $4.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Monthly Plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly (VPN) | $14.99 | per year |
| Monthly Plan | $14.99 | per month |
| Yearly Plan | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $29.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| Lifetime License | $59.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR free?

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

### Is Authenticator App ¹ free?

Authenticator App ¹ is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, QR or Authenticator App ¹?

QR is rated higher. QR averages 4.6 out of 5 from 1.1K ratings, while Authenticator App ¹ averages 4.2 from 287 ratings.

### Do QR or Authenticator App ¹ have ads?

Both QR and Authenticator App ¹ show ads.

### Which is updated more often, QR or Authenticator App ¹?

QR ships an update fortnightly, and Authenticator App ¹ daily. Most recently, QR was updated on October 9, 2026 and Authenticator App ¹ on October 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.*