# Simple QR/Barcode Reader vs Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

The clearest difference is ads: Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader at none against Simple QR/Barcode Reader's shown. Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 7 months). Simple QR/Barcode Reader's advantage is iOS requirement (14.0 vs 18.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Simple QR/Barcode Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 256 and 650 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 75% of Simple QR/Barcode Reader's written reviews are positive against 72% of Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Simple QR/Barcode Reader ships an update every 7 months, Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simple QR/Barcode Reader | Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (256 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-qrbarcode-reader/id1086004267/reviews) | **[4.6 (650 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner-qr-barcode-reader/id1387307495/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 256 | **650** |
| Positive reviews | **75.0% of reviews** | 72.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 7 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [MEDIASEEK Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/333911151) | [Ben Gilroy](https://appshunter.io/developer/1222411256) |

## What reviewers say

### Simple QR/Barcode Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-qrbarcode-reader/id1086004267)

This app quickly and accurately scans QR codes and barcodes using your smartphone's camera. It offers simple operation, saves scan history, and provides relevant actions based on scanned content. Advertisements can be removed with a purchase.

**Highlights:** Fast and accurate scanning, Scan from photos, Simple one-tap operation, Scan history and favorites, Automatic action based on content, Hide advertisements with purchase

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hide the ad | $0.99 | one-time |


### 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 Simple QR/Barcode Reader free?

Simple QR/Barcode Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Simple QR/Barcode Reader or Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader?

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader is rated higher. Simple QR/Barcode Reader averages 4.4 out of 5 from 256 ratings, while Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader averages 4.6 from 650 ratings.

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

Simple QR/Barcode Reader shows ads; Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader does not.

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

Simple QR/Barcode Reader ships an update every 7 months, and Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader every 2 weeks. Most recently, Simple QR/Barcode Reader was updated on September 24, 2026 and Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader on September 21, 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.*