# QR Code Reader vs QR Scanner

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: QR Code Reader at none against QR Scanner's 4. QR Code Reader also leads on ratings volume (160K vs 130). QR Scanner's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). On price, rating, review sentiment and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Scanner sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. 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 4.7 for QR 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 89% of QR Scanner's.

QR Code Reader ships an update every 2 months, QR Scanner fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and August 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code Reader | QR Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (160K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-quick-scan/id1080558159/reviews)** | [4.7 (130 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-scanner-scan-store-create/id6476440474/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **160K** | 130 |
| Positive reviews | 84.4% of reviews | **89.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Freemium |
| Size | 47 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | 14.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Komorebi Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/481596469) | [Thumbmagic Labs LLP](https://appshunter.io/developer/1724911593) |

## 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


### QR Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-scanner-scan-store-create/id6476440474)

Easily scan and generate custom QR codes for various purposes. This app allows you to import codes from images, manage your scan history, and securely create non-expiring codes. Enjoy an ad-free experience with Pro plans.

**Highlights:** Scan unlimited QR codes, Generate custom QR codes, Import QR codes from gallery, Track scan history, Face ID authentication, Copy, share, and download codes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| qr_scanner_weekly | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| qr_scanner_yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| QR Scanner Unlimited | $24.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Code Reader free?

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

### Is QR Scanner free?

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

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

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

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

QR Code Reader shows ads; QR Scanner does not.

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

QR Code Reader ships an update every 2 months, and QR Scanner fortnightly. Most recently, QR Code Reader was updated on September 24, 2026 and QR Scanner on August 19, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*