# Bar vs Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Bar at none against Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader's 13. Bar also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.0). Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 20 months). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Bar asks for nothing beyond the download.

Bar ships an update every 20 months, Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Bar | Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.6 (650 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner-qr-barcode-reader/id1387307495/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **650** |
| Positive reviews | 42.9% of reviews | **72.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 20 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 6 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Aishvarya Sadasivam](https://appshunter.io/developer/1062048241) | [Ben Gilroy](https://appshunter.io/developer/1222411256) |

## What reviewers say

### Bar

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bar-code-scanner/id1081663531)

Instantly scan QR codes and barcodes using your device's camera. Open links, save your scan history, and share results quickly. This utility works offline and features a simple, user-friendly design for quick access to information.

**Highlights:** Fast QR and barcode scanning, Scan QR codes from photos, Save scan history, Share and open links, Offline scanning capability, Lightweight and easy to use

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner-qr-barcode-reader/id1387307495)

Easily scan, read, and decode over 20 types of QR codes and barcodes. Save your scan history, generate custom codes, and view product details. Supports various scanning methods and export options.

**Highlights:** Scan 20+ QR code and barcode types, Scan from photos, Generate custom QR codes, Save, search, and filter scan history, View product details via Google/Amazon, Export history as text or CSV

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

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Code Scanner Pro | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Code Scanner Pro | $3.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $24.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime | $29.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and intuitive user interface
- 🚀 Fast and efficient scanning
- 📵 No ads or distracting pop-ups
- 💰 Free to use (historically)
- 🎯 Does one job well

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Switched to paid subscription model
- 🐛 Broken functionality on iPhone 12
- ❌ Fails to scan QR codes and barcodes
- 🔍 Missing zoom feature
- 😕 Non-intuitive operation

**Reported bugs**

- App stopped working on iPhone 12 - no barcode recognition
- Cannot scan from photos
- Fails to read unclear or damaged QR codes
- Data matrix format not supported
- Inconsistent app name across platforms (iPhone vs App Store)

**Requested features**

- Zoom functionality for better scanning
- Integrated search option within app
- Data matrix code support
- Scan history/log feature
- Ability to delay browser opening after scan


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Bar free?

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

### Is Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader free?

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

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

Bar shows ads; Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader does not.

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

Bar ships an update every 20 months, and Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader every 2 weeks. Most recently, Bar was updated on September 26, 2026 and Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader on September 28, 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.*