# QR Code Reader vs Barcode

The clearest difference is rating: Barcode at 4.2 against QR Code Reader's 2.6. Barcode also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 months) and ratings volume (535 vs 8). QR Code Reader's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). 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 holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 2.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Barcode has 535 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of QR Code Reader's written reviews are positive against 65% of Barcode's.

QR Code Reader ships an update every 6 months, Barcode every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code Reader | Barcode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.6 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-qr-scanner/id1107903948/reviews) | **[4.2 (535 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-qr-code-scanner/id1468426442/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **535** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **65.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 9 MB | 25 MB |
| Requires iOS | **7.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [颖 陈](https://appshunter.io/developer/467887541) | [Huy Nguyen Dang](https://appshunter.io/developer/1447842064) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-qr-scanner/id1107903948)

Easily scan QR codes and barcodes with your device's camera. This app automatically detects and decodes various data types, including URLs, contact information, and text. You can also generate your own QR codes and manage your scan history.

**Highlights:** Fast QR code and barcode scanning, Automatic detection and decoding, Generate custom QR codes, Scan from photos, Directly open web links and map locations, Unlimited scan history storage, Share codes via mail and text

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Barcode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-qr-code-scanner/id1468426442)

Easily scan and generate QR codes and barcodes. This app decodes various types of information, including text, URLs, contacts, and Wi-Fi credentials. It also allows you to create custom QR codes for sharing and saving.

**Highlights:** Scan QR codes and barcodes, Generate QR codes, Decode text, URLs, contacts, Wi-Fi, Save and share generated codes, View product information, Offline scanning support, Scan history management

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works beautifully
- 👍 Best Christian source for information
- 👍 Brilliant and easy to use
- 👍 Great scanner
- 👍 Simple to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 This is horrible and does nothing
- 🐛 Doesn't work
- 🐛 Didn't open safari
- 🐛 Poor for creating
- 🐛 Not taking me too the online websites

**Reported bugs**

- Login screen freezes
- Incompatible with older devices

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Advanced analytics dashboard


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Code Reader free?

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

### Is Barcode free?

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

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

Barcode is rated higher. QR Code Reader averages 2.6 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Barcode averages 4.2 from 535 ratings.

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

Barcode shows ads; QR Code Reader does not.

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

QR Code Reader ships an update every 6 months, and Barcode every 3 weeks. Most recently, QR Code Reader was updated on September 30, 2026 and Barcode on October 5, 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.*