# Barcode Reader vs QR Scanner

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

Both are free to download. QR Scanner sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Barcode Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

Barcode Reader ships an update every 48 months, QR Scanner monthly. The most recent releases landed on August 16, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barcode Reader | QR Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.1 (499 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-scanner-barcode-scanner/id1468838637/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **499** |
| Positive reviews | — | 55.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 48 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 6 MB | 97 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **14** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Aishvarya Sadasivam](https://appshunter.io/developer/1062048241) | [DARWIN TECHNOLOGY L.L.C](https://appshunter.io/developer/1760284569) |

## 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


### QR Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-scanner-barcode-scanner/id1468838637)

Effortlessly scan QR codes and barcodes with this fast and accurate app. It supports multiple languages, offers a history log, and includes a QR code generator. Designed for ease of use and privacy.

**Highlights:** Lightning-fast scanning, Accurate code decoding, Multi-language support, Easy-to-use interface, Scan history log, QR code generator, Privacy and security focused

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads - Weekly Sub | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Remove Ads - Monthly Sub | $7.99 | per month |
| Remove Ads | $29.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great for geo location game
- 👍 Easy to use and edit QR codes
- 👍 Wonderful app
- 👍 Excellent app
- 👍 Useful app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😞 Barcode reader does not work
- 😞 Does not read QR code
- 😞 Horrible scanner doesn't work
- 😞 Useless app
- 😞 Sick of getting put on add

**Reported bugs**

- Barcode reader not working
- QR code not being read
- App not working
- Scanner not working
- Constant ads interrupting scanning

**Requested features**

- Remove ads from the app
- Provide instructions for use
- Improve navigation
- Fix issue with not being able to open scanned codes
- Ensure correct apps are provided


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barcode Reader free?

Barcode 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.

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

Both Barcode Reader and QR Scanner show ads.

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

Barcode Reader ships an update every 48 months, and QR Scanner monthly. Most recently, Barcode Reader was updated on August 16, 2026 and QR Scanner on September 22, 2026.

---

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