# Barcode Reader vs Barcode Scanner

The clearest difference is update cadence: Barcode Reader at every 48 months against Barcode Scanner's every 117 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Barcode Reader ships an update every 48 months, Barcode Scanner every 117 months. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barcode Reader | Barcode Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | — | 60.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 48 months** | Every 117 months |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 6 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Aishvarya Sadasivam](https://appshunter.io/developer/1062048241) | [Ramalingam Sivaramakrishnan](https://appshunter.io/developer/892706271) |

## What reviewers say

### Barcode Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-reader-scan/id1081653184)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Barcode Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanner-qr-code-scan/id1081726304)

Instantly read any barcode or QR code by pointing your camera. Quickly capture and manage information, from product details to URLs. Essential for organizing items, managing inventory, or finding product information.

**Highlights:** Lightning-fast barcode and QR code scanning, Save and export scan history to CSV, Bulk scanning mode for multiple codes, Scan codes from photos, Share scan results easily

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barcode Reader free?

Barcode 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.

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

Both Barcode Reader and Barcode Scanner show ads.

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

Barcode Reader ships an update every 48 months, and Barcode Scanner every 117 months. Most recently, Barcode Reader was updated on September 28, 2026 and Barcode Scanner on October 4, 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.*