# QR Code Reader vs Barcode Scanner

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code Reader | Barcode Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (160K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-quick-scan/id1080558159/reviews)** | [4.6 (130 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanner-qr-code-read/id6455989015/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **160K** | 130 |
| Positive reviews | **84.4% of reviews** | 77.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 9 months |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 47 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | [Komorebi Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/481596469) | [Komorebi Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/481596469) |

## 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


### Barcode Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanner-qr-code-read/id6455989015)

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.

**Highlights:** Scan from camera, Scan from photo albums, Scan history, Flashlight for dark, Quick launch camera

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Code Reader free?

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

### Is Barcode Scanner free?

Barcode Scanner is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, QR Code Reader or Barcode Scanner?

QR Code Reader is rated higher. QR Code Reader averages 4.7 out of 5 from 160K ratings, while Barcode Scanner averages 4.6 from 130 ratings.

### Do QR Code Reader or Barcode Scanner have ads?

Both QR Code Reader and Barcode Scanner show ads.

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

QR Code Reader ships an update every 2 months, and Barcode Scanner every 9 months. Most recently, QR Code Reader was updated on September 24, 2026 and Barcode Scanner on September 23, 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.*