# QR Code Reader vs QR Code Scanner

The clearest difference is rating: QR Code Scanner at 4.6 against QR Code Reader's 2.6. QR Code Scanner also leads on review sentiment (89% vs 50%) and update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 6 months). QR Code Reader's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 9) and ads (none vs shown). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Code Scanner sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $2.09 per month. QR Code Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

QR Code Scanner holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 2.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Code Scanner has 116 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 89% of QR Code Scanner's.

QR Code Reader ships an update every 6 months, QR Code Scanner every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code Reader | QR Code Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.6 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-qr-scanner/id1107903948/reviews) | **[4.6 (116 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-quick-scan/id1558630497/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **116** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **88.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 9 MB | 119 MB |
| Requires iOS | **7.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [颖 陈](https://appshunter.io/developer/467887541) | [DigitAlchemy LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/376971628) |

## 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


### QR Code Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-quick-scan/id1558630497)

Easily scan and read all types of QR and barcodes with this versatile code reader. Save scanned codes for later, share information, and access discounts. Works offline and supports numerous formats.

**Highlights:** Scan all QR and barcode types, Read Wi-Fi passwords, Search product barcodes online, Share scanned information, Save scan history, Use flashlight for dark scanning, Zoom for better scanning

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| QR Code Reader Plus - 30% OFF | $2.09 | per month |
| QR Code Reader PRO for 1 month | $2.99 | per month |
| QR Code Scanner for 1 month | $2.99 | per month |
| Barcode Scanner - 30% OFF | $13.99 | per year |
| QR Code & Barcode for 1 year | $19.99 | per year |
| QR Code Scanner for 1 year | $19.99 | per year |
| Barcode Scanner (Remove ads) | $2.99 | one-time |
| QR Code Scanner - 30% OFF | $24.49 | one-time |
| Scan QR Code, Barcode: Forever | $34.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🔍 Accurate barcode scanning
- 💡 Ability to create custom QR codes
- 🚀 Fast and responsive
- 🔒 No unnecessary permissions or data collection

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Paid app features
- 🐛 Occasional scanning issues
- 📱 Compatibility problems on some devices

**Reported bugs**

- Scanning not working on certain barcodes
- App crashes when opening large QR codes

**Requested features**

- Integration with popular e-commerce platforms
- Barcode history and analytics
- Offline scanning support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Code Reader free?

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

### Is QR Code Scanner free?

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

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

QR Code Scanner is rated higher. QR Code Reader averages 2.6 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while QR Code Scanner averages 4.6 from 116 ratings.

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

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

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

QR Code Reader ships an update every 6 months, and QR Code Scanner every 5 weeks. Most recently, QR Code Reader was updated on October 4, 2026 and QR Code Scanner on October 12, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*