# Authenticator vs Barcode X

The clearest difference is update cadence: Barcode X at every 2 weeks against Authenticator's every 5 weeks. Barcode X also leads on device support (3 vs 1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days and Barcode X sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator ships an update every 5 weeks, Barcode X every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Barcode X |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-mfa-auth-and-totp/id6756618123/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **4** | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 38 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Ditlev Carlsen](https://appshunter.io/developer/1861832011) | [健 王](https://appshunter.io/developer/1287497439) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-mfa-auth-and-totp/id6756618123)

This app generates one-time passwords (OTPs) to add an extra layer of security to your online accounts. It supports time-based OTPs for various popular services and offers quick setup via QR code scanning. Designed for privacy and security, it helps protect your data from unauthorized access.

**Highlights:** Generates secure TOTP codes, Supports major platforms and services, Quick setup with QR code scanning, Offline code generation, Clean and simple interface, Privacy and security focused

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $19.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $49.99 | per year |


### Barcode X

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-x-barcode-scanner/id6810727805)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Annual | $19.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator free?

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

### Is Barcode X free?

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

### Do Authenticator or Barcode X have ads?

Neither Authenticator nor Barcode X shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Authenticator or Barcode X?

Authenticator ships an update every 5 weeks, and Barcode X every 2 weeks. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on November 5, 2026 and Barcode X on November 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.*