# Barcode Reader vs QR code Barcode Scanner

The clearest difference is update cadence: QR code Barcode Scanner at every 2 months against Barcode Reader's every 48 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, QR code Barcode Scanner every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and August 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barcode Reader | QR code Barcode Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-barcode-scanner/id1538542646/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **4** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 48 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | — | Ad-supported |
| Size | 6 MB | 34 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) | [Coocent Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/942889525) |

## 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 code Barcode Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-barcode-scanner/id1538542646)

This free utility scans and decodes QR codes and barcodes in various formats. It also allows for the creation of QR codes for websites, contacts, and more. Features include gallery scanning, flashlight support, and bulk scanning mode.

**Highlights:** Scan QR codes and barcodes, Create QR codes for various data types, Scan from gallery, Flashlight support for dark environments, History review, Bulk scan mode

**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 QR code Barcode Scanner free?

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

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

Both Barcode Reader and QR code Barcode Scanner show ads.

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

Barcode Reader ships an update every 48 months, and QR code Barcode Scanner every 2 months. Most recently, Barcode Reader was updated on September 28, 2026 and QR code Barcode Scanner on August 17, 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.*