# QRReader vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is rating: Authenticator App at 4.6 against QRReader's 3.6. Authenticator App also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs fortnightly) and ratings volume (15 vs 5). QRReader's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QRReader sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days and Authenticator App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator App holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 15 respectively.

QRReader ships an update fortnightly, Authenticator App every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QRReader | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.6 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qrreader-barcode-and-qr-scanner/id6451081395/reviews) | **[4.6 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-duoshield/id6467132147/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **15** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 37 MB | 25 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [上海聚鹏科技有限公司](https://appshunter.io/developer/1164858988) | [Stas Miroshko](https://appshunter.io/developer/1705754274) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-duoshield/id6467132147)

Secure your online accounts with this comprehensive two-factor authentication tool. It offers features like account organization, customizable icons, secure backups, and Face ID protection. Unlock advanced features like QR code scanning and manual 2FA entry with premium subscriptions.

**Highlights:** Account creation and storage, Customizable account folders, Personalized account icons, Secure data export, Light/dark theme UI settings, Face ID app lock, Cross-device sync and backup

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Duo Step Mobile Authentication | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| 2FA-MFA OTP-TOTP Authenticator | $39.99 | per year |
| Annual purchase premium access | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QRReader free?

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

### Is Authenticator App free?

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

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

Authenticator App is rated higher. QRReader averages 3.6 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while Authenticator App averages 4.6 from 15 ratings.

### Do QRReader or Authenticator App have ads?

Both QRReader and Authenticator App show ads.

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

QRReader ships an update fortnightly, and Authenticator App every 4 days. Most recently, QRReader was updated on October 7, 2026 and Authenticator App on September 29, 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.*