# Barcode scan vs QR Reader

The clearest difference is update cadence: QR Reader at every 6 weeks against Barcode scan's every 114 months. QR Reader also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). 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 scan ships an update every 114 months, QR Reader every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on March 4, 2026 and September 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barcode scan | QR Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-reader-scan-and-create-pro/id1092575275/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 114 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | — | Ad-supported |
| Size | 5 MB | 50 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ramalingam Sivaramakrishnan](https://appshunter.io/developer/892706271) | [iDroid App](https://appshunter.io/developer/1033189582) |

## What reviewers say

### Barcode scan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scan/id1082071377)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### QR Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-reader-scan-and-create-pro/id1092575275)

This utility app offers rapid QR code and barcode scanning, along with a generator for various formats including WiFi, contacts, and social media links. It provides features like batch scanning, zoom control, and a secure, private user experience with a dark theme.

**Highlights:** Ultra-fast QR and barcode scanning, QR code and barcode generation, Scan from gallery/photos, Batch scanning mode, Precision zoom control, Social media QR templates, Secure and private data storage

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barcode scan free?

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

### Is QR Reader free?

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

### Do Barcode scan or QR Reader have ads?

Both Barcode scan and QR Reader show ads.

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

Barcode scan ships an update every 114 months, and QR Reader every 6 weeks. Most recently, Barcode scan was updated on March 4, 2026 and QR Reader on September 7, 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.*