# Authenticator vs QRReader

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator at 4.5 against QRReader's 3.6. Authenticator also leads on ratings volume (135 vs 5). QRReader's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 5 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator sells 17 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days and QRReader sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator has 135 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Authenticator ships an update every 5 months, QRReader fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | QRReader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-mobile-2fa-mfa/id6450538201/reviews)** | [3.6 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qrreader-barcode-and-qr-scanner/id6451081395/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **135** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 127 MB | 37 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ZipoApps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1671444635) | [上海聚鹏科技有限公司](https://appshunter.io/developer/1164858988) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-mobile-2fa-mfa/id6450538201)

Enhance your online security with this app that generates time-based one-time passwords for two-factor authentication. It securely stores all your accounts in one place and works offline, offering peace of mind against cyber threats.

**Highlights:** Generates secure TOTP codes, Stores all accounts in one app, Works offline, Secure cloud backup and sync, Biometric and PIN protection, Auto-fill and copy to clipboard

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

**In-app purchases (17)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited access | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| 2FA Authenticator App: Secure | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| 2FA Authenticator App: Secure | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited access | $9.99 | per year |
| Authenticate ID: Authorization | $19.99 | per month |
| Unlimited access | $19.99 | per month |
| Unlimited access | $29.99 | per month |
| Unlimited access | $39.99 | per year |
| Unlimited access | $49.99 | per year |


### QRReader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qrreader-barcode-and-qr-scanner/id6451081395)

Easily scan QR codes and barcodes to quickly access information. Create and share your own QR codes, and archive your scan history. An optional premium upgrade unlocks all features and future updates.

**Highlights:** QR Code Scanner, Barcode Scanner, Create QR Codes, Share QR Codes, Auto Scan, CSV Export, Scan History Archive

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium Membership | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Premium Membership | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly Premium Membership | $19.99 | per year |
| Lifetime premium membership | $39.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator free?

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

### Is QRReader free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Authenticator or QRReader?

Authenticator is rated higher. Authenticator averages 4.5 out of 5 from 135 ratings, while QRReader averages 3.6 from 5 ratings.

### Do Authenticator or QRReader have ads?

Both Authenticator and QRReader show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Authenticator or QRReader?

Authenticator ships an update every 5 months, and QRReader fortnightly. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on October 13, 2026 and QRReader on October 7, 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.*