# QR Code vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: QR Code at 13.0 against Authenticator App's 16.6. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Code sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days and Authenticator App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 8, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-and-generator/id6757226013/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **8** | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 days | Every 4 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 59 MB | 143 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Neko Soft](https://appshunter.io/developer/1854316633) | [GEARVN TRADING COMPANY LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1821160309) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Code

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-and-generator/id6757226013)

Quickly scan and generate QR codes for various information types like URLs, Wi-Fi, and contacts. Customize designs and save your codes for easy access and sharing. Prioritizes user privacy with no data collection.

**Highlights:** Fast QR code scanning, Create custom QR codes, Save and manage QR codes, Supports URLs, text, Wi-Fi, contacts, User-friendly interface, Privacy-focused design

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Trial | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly Sale | $12.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $24.99 | per year |


### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-otp/id6778331448)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Code free?

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

### Is Authenticator App free?

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

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

Both QR Code and Authenticator App show ads.

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

QR Code ships an update every 4 days, and Authenticator App every 4 days. Most recently, QR Code was updated on September 8, 2026 and Authenticator App on September 18, 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.*