# QR Code Reader vs SkyBlueScan

QR Code Reader and SkyBlueScan both sit at 4.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 84% of QR Code Reader's written reviews are positive against 25% of SkyBlueScan's. QR Code Reader also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ratings volume (160K vs 4K). SkyBlueScan's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 14.0). On price, rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SkyBlueScan sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. QR Code Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for QR Code Reader against 4.6 for SkyBlueScan. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Code Reader has 160K ratings behind it against 4K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 84% of QR Code Reader's written reviews are positive against 25% of SkyBlueScan's.

QR Code Reader ships an update every 2 months, SkyBlueScan every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 8, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code Reader | SkyBlueScan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (160K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-quick-scan/id1080558159/reviews)** | [4.6 (4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skybluescan-qr-code-scanner/id1504356350/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **160K** | 4K |
| Positive reviews | **84.5% of reviews** | 24.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Freemium |
| Size | 47 MB | 41 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Komorebi Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/481596469) | [Circo, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1272023623) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-quick-scan/id1080558159)

Scan QR codes and barcodes quickly with your iPhone camera. Access your scan history, scan from photos, and use a flashlight for dark environments. Share your scanned items easily.

**Highlights:** Automatic camera activation, Scan from photo library, Scan history access, Flashlight for low light, Barcode scanning support, Share scan history

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Friendly and helpful staff
- 🚀 Fast and efficient service
- 💡 Convenient features
- 🤖 Reliable and accurate scanning
- 🌟 Excellent overall experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional scanning issues
- 💰 Concerns about hidden costs
- 📋 Unclear instructions or information

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes or freezes
- Scanning not working as expected

**Requested features**

- Ability to save and organize scanned data
- Integration with other apps or services
- More customization options


### SkyBlueScan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skybluescan-qr-code-scanner/id1504356350)

Effortlessly scan various QR and barcode types, including product information and Google Authenticator codes. Access detailed data cards and a comprehensive scan history. A PRO subscription offers unlimited scans, enhanced product details, and an ad-free experience.

**Highlights:** Scan 15+ code types (QR, Barcode, Datamatrix, etc.), View product and food details, Detailed QR code data cards, Scan history log, Google Authenticator support

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription (Discount) | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Premium Subscription | $12.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly Premium Subscription | $49.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐ Excellent app
- ⭐ Best one yet
- ⭐ Good

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🚫 Automatically subscribes you
- 🚫 Difficult to unsubscribe
- 🚫 Overpriced
- 🚫 Useless app
- 🚫 Scam

**Reported bugs**

- App doesn't work properly
- Charges even after deleting the app

**Requested features**

- Add simple unsubscribe solution


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Code Reader free?

QR Code Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is SkyBlueScan free?

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

### Which has better reviews, QR Code Reader or SkyBlueScan?

QR Code Reader is rated higher. QR Code Reader averages 4.7 out of 5 from 160K ratings, while SkyBlueScan averages 4.6 from 4K ratings.

### Do QR Code Reader or SkyBlueScan have ads?

Both QR Code Reader and SkyBlueScan show ads.

### Which is updated more often, QR Code Reader or SkyBlueScan?

QR Code Reader ships an update every 2 months, and SkyBlueScan every 3 weeks. Most recently, QR Code Reader was updated on October 8, 2026 and SkyBlueScan on October 8, 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.*