# Barcode Reader vs QR Code Scanner

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Barcode Reader at none against QR Code Scanner's 9. QR Code Scanner's advantage is update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 48 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Code Scanner sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $2.09 per month. Barcode Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

Barcode Reader ships an update every 48 months, QR Code Scanner every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 16, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barcode Reader | QR Code Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.6 (116 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-quick-scan/id1558630497/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **116** |
| Positive reviews | — | 88.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 48 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 6 MB | 119 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Aishvarya Sadasivam](https://appshunter.io/developer/1062048241) | [DigitAlchemy LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/376971628) |

## 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 Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-quick-scan/id1558630497)

Easily scan and read all types of QR and barcodes with this versatile code reader. Save scanned codes for later, share information, and access discounts. Works offline and supports numerous formats.

**Highlights:** Scan all QR and barcode types, Read Wi-Fi passwords, Search product barcodes online, Share scanned information, Save scan history, Use flashlight for dark scanning, Zoom for better scanning

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| QR Code Reader Plus - 30% OFF | $2.09 | per month |
| QR Code Reader PRO for 1 month | $2.99 | per month |
| QR Code Scanner for 1 month | $2.99 | per month |
| Barcode Scanner - 30% OFF | $13.99 | per year |
| QR Code & Barcode for 1 year | $19.99 | per year |
| QR Code Scanner for 1 year | $19.99 | per year |
| Barcode Scanner (Remove ads) | $2.99 | one-time |
| QR Code Scanner - 30% OFF | $24.49 | one-time |
| Scan QR Code, Barcode: Forever | $34.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🔍 Accurate barcode scanning
- 💡 Ability to create custom QR codes
- 🚀 Fast and responsive
- 🔒 No unnecessary permissions or data collection

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Paid app features
- 🐛 Occasional scanning issues
- 📱 Compatibility problems on some devices

**Reported bugs**

- Scanning not working on certain barcodes
- App crashes when opening large QR codes

**Requested features**

- Integration with popular e-commerce platforms
- Barcode history and analytics
- Offline scanning support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barcode Reader free?

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

### Is QR Code Scanner free?

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

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

Both Barcode Reader and QR Code Scanner show ads.

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

Barcode Reader ships an update every 48 months, and QR Code Scanner every 5 weeks. Most recently, Barcode Reader was updated on August 16, 2026 and QR Code Scanner on September 25, 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.*