# Kaleidoscope vs Authenticator

The clearest difference is ads: Kaleidoscope at none against Authenticator's shown. Kaleidoscope also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 33 months). Authenticator's advantage is ratings volume (31 vs 5). On price, rating, review sentiment and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Kaleidoscope sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days and Authenticator sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.4 for Kaleidoscope against 4.3 for Authenticator. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Authenticator has 31 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 0% and 0% positive.

Kaleidoscope ships an update daily, Authenticator every 33 months. Both last shipped on October 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Kaleidoscope | Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kaleidoscope-live-effect/id6468643565/reviews)** | [4.3 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-secure-2fa-app/id6472184300/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **31** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Daily** | Every 33 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 9 MB | 35 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tolganai Askarova](https://appshunter.io/developer/1704803338) | [Piotr Kalita](https://appshunter.io/developer/1759390978) |

## What reviewers say

### Kaleidoscope

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kaleidoscope-live-effect/id6468643565)

Transform your photos and live camera feed into stunning kaleidoscopic patterns with this app. It offers an intuitive interface to create and share unique visual art from your everyday images and surroundings.

**Highlights:** Kaleidoscopic visual effect for photos, Real-time kaleidoscope view, Snap or upload photos, Save and share creations, Intuitive user interface

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Kaleidoscope Pro Weekly Promo | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Kaleidoscope Premium Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Kaleidoscope Premium Annual | $39.99 | per year |


### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-secure-2fa-app/id6472184300)

This app provides robust two-factor authentication to secure your online accounts. It offers features like account organization, secure password storage, and cross-device synchronization for enhanced digital identity protection.

**Highlights:** Two-factor authentication (2FA), Account creation via QR code or manual entry, Account organization with folders, Secure password and recovery code storage, Cross-device synchronization and backup, Face ID app lock

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Authenticator: Secure 2FA App | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| 2FA Authenticator: MFA, TOTP | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Authenticator: Secure 2FA App | $14.99 | per month |
| Authenticator: Secure 2FA App | $15.99 | per month |
| Authenticator: Secure 2FA App | $83.99 | per year |
| Two Factor Verify - Duo Auth | $99.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Kaleidoscope free?

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

### Is Authenticator free?

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

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

Kaleidoscope is rated higher. Kaleidoscope averages 4.4 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while Authenticator averages 4.3 from 31 ratings.

### Do Kaleidoscope or Authenticator have ads?

Authenticator shows ads; Kaleidoscope does not.

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

Kaleidoscope ships an update daily, and Authenticator every 33 months. Most recently, Kaleidoscope was updated on October 6, 2026 and Authenticator on October 6, 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.*