# Barcode vs iReader

The clearest difference is ads: iReader at none against Barcode's shown. iReader also leads on update cadence (every 15 months vs every 116 months) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, 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 ships an update every 116 months, iReader every 15 months. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barcode | iReader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ireaderqr-and-barcode-scanner/id6445908459/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **4** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 116 months | **Every 15 months** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 8 MB | 41 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ramalingam Sivaramakrishnan](https://appshunter.io/developer/892706271) | [Audacity IT Solutions Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/934883596) |

## What reviewers say

### Barcode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-camread/id1082062217)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### iReader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ireaderqr-and-barcode-scanner/id6445908459)

Easily scan and generate QR and barcodes with this powerful free tool. Save scan history, use a flashlight in dark environments, and compare prices in real-time. Encrypt personal information and create codes for messages, Wi-Fi, and more.

**Highlights:** Scan all QR and barcode formats, Save scan history, Generate QR codes for text, links, and contacts, Use flashlight for dark environments, Offline scanning capability, Real-time price comparison, Encrypt personal information

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barcode free?

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

### Is iReader free?

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

### Do Barcode or iReader have ads?

Barcode shows ads; iReader does not.

### Which is updated more often, Barcode or iReader?

Barcode ships an update every 116 months, and iReader every 15 months. Most recently, Barcode was updated on October 12, 2026 and iReader on October 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.*