# Barcode Reader vs Barcode Scanner X

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Barcode Reader at none against Barcode Scanner X's 3. Barcode Reader also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17). Barcode Scanner X's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 48 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Barcode Scanner X sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Barcode Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

Barcode Reader ships an update every 48 months, Barcode Scanner X every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 16, 2026 and August 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barcode Reader | Barcode Scanner X |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.3 (30 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanner-x-qr-reader/id1374143263/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **30** |
| Positive reviews | — | 69.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 48 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 6 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Aishvarya Sadasivam](https://appshunter.io/developer/1062048241) | [DIGITALNAUTS INC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1083829093) |

## 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 X

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanner-x-qr-reader/id1374143263)

Easily scan 1D and 2D barcodes with a fast and intuitive interface. Save scanned results to a history for later review, copying, or searching. Ideal for product checks, inventory, and shipping.

**Highlights:** Wide format support for 1D and 2D codes, Automatic scan history saving, Share history via email or clipboard, Configurable barcode type scanning, Power-saving camera pause, Search scanned results

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| Pro Yearly | $4.99 | per year |
| Pro Lifetime | $12.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barcode Reader free?

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

### Is Barcode Scanner X free?

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

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

Both Barcode Reader and Barcode Scanner X show ads.

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

Barcode Reader ships an update every 48 months, and Barcode Scanner X every 3 weeks. Most recently, Barcode Reader was updated on August 16, 2026 and Barcode Scanner X on August 20, 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.*