QR Code Reader vs Barcode Scanner
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
QR Code Reader
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.
- Automatic camera activation
- Scan from photo library
- Scan history access
- Flashlight for low light
- Barcode scanning support
- Share scan history
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QR Code Reader for iPhone is a free and handy QR code scanner and reader app. [Features] - The camera starts automatically when you launch the app. - Scan images directly from your photo library. - Quickly access your scan history. - Includes a light button for scanning in the dark. - Also supports barcode scanning. - Share your scan history list. * You can scan a large number of barcodes or QR codes and send them all at once. [Notes] Be sure to allow the QR Code Reader app to access your camera when you launch it. If the screen appears dark on startup, go to [Settings] → [Privacy & Security] → [Camera], and turn on [QR Code Reader].
Barcode Scanner
This free scanner app quickly reads barcodes and QR codes directly from your camera or photo albums. It offers a history of your scans and includes a flashlight feature for low-light conditions. Ensure camera access is granted for optimal performance.
- Scan from camera
- Scan from photo albums
- Scan history
- Flashlight for dark
- Quick launch camera
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Barcode/QR Code Reader is a free, useful scanner and reader app. [Features] - The camera starts as soon as you launch the app - Scan images from your photo albums - Quickly access a history of scans you have made - Comes with a light button to help you out in the dark [Notes] Be sure to allow the BarCode/QRCode Reader app to access your camera when you launch the app. If the screen goes dark when you launch the app, go to [Settings], tap [Privacy & Security], select [Camera], and turn on this app.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ratings volume: QR Code Reader at 160K against Barcode Scanner's 130. QR Code Reader also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 9 months) and monetization model (ad-supported vs free with in-app purchases). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for QR Code Reader against 4.6 for Barcode Scanner. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Code Reader has 160K ratings behind it against 130, 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 78% of Barcode Scanner's.
QR Code Reader ships an update every 2 months, Barcode Scanner every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | QR Code Reader | Barcode Scanner |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (160K ratings) — better | 4.6 (130 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 84.4% of reviews — better | 77.8% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 160K — better | 130 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 9 months |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Ad-supported — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | 14.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 47 MB | 12 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | Komorebi Inc. | Komorebi Inc. |
Customer experience
QR Code Reader
Barcode Scanner
Bugs and requests
QR Code Reader
Reported bugs
2 issues- App crashes or freezes
- Scanning not working as expected
Requested features
3 requests- Ability to save and organize scanned data
- Integration with other apps or services
- More customization options
Barcode Scanner
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
QR Code Reader
No in-app purchases
Barcode Scanner
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is QR Code Reader free?
Is Barcode Scanner free?
Which has better reviews, QR Code Reader or Barcode Scanner?
Do QR Code Reader or Barcode Scanner have ads?
Which is updated more often, QR Code Reader or Barcode Scanner?
Other comparisons
