# Barcode Reader vs PDF Scan

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Barcode Reader at none against PDF Scan's 1. PDF Scan's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 5 months vs every 116 months). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PDF Scan sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Barcode Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

Barcode Reader ships an update every 116 months, PDF Scan every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on August 25, 2026 and August 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barcode Reader | PDF Scan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 116 months | **Every 5 months** |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | — |
| Size | 7 MB | 35 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) | [YUJI Corp.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1721499403) |

## What reviewers say

### Barcode Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-reader-quickscan/id1081660255)

This utility app offers rapid scanning for both QR codes and standard barcodes using your device's camera or photos. It features automated scanning, bulk scanning capabilities, and the ability to save and export scan history for efficient data management and sharing.

**Highlights:** Quick Scan Technology, Bulk Mode Scanning, Automated Scanning, Scan from Camera or Photos, Scan History, CSV Data Export, Instant Sharing

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### PDF Scan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-scan-quick-and-share/id6759897351)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barcode Reader free?

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

### Is PDF Scan free?

PDF Scan is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Barcode Reader or PDF Scan have ads?

Barcode Reader shows ads; PDF Scan does not.

### Which is updated more often, Barcode Reader or PDF Scan?

Barcode Reader ships an update every 116 months, and PDF Scan every 5 months. Most recently, Barcode Reader was updated on August 25, 2026 and PDF Scan on August 9, 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.*