# SmartLabel vs Code Scan

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Code Scan at 81% against SmartLabel's 11%. Code Scan also leads on rating (4.6 vs 2.2) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 months). SmartLabel's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Code Scan holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 2.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Code Scan has 742 ratings behind it against 97, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 11% of SmartLabel's written reviews are positive against 81% of Code Scan's.

SmartLabel ships an update every 3 months, Code Scan every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SmartLabel | Code Scan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.2 (97 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartlabel/id1130429932/reviews) | **[4.6 (742 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scan-qr-barcode-scanner/id1554812545/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 97 | **742** |
| Positive reviews | 11.3% of reviews | **80.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 23 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Consumer Brands Association](https://appshunter.io/developer/1631888760) | [KURZ Digital Solutions GmbH & Co. KG](https://appshunter.io/developer/1416497893) |

## What reviewers say

### SmartLabel

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartlabel/id1130429932)

Access detailed product information for food, beverages, household goods, pet care, and personal care items. Scan barcodes or search for products to find ingredient definitions, sourcing practices, certifications, and more.

**Highlights:** Scan product UPC codes, Scan SmartLabel QR codes, Search specific products, View ingredient definitions, Access sourcing practices, Discover third-party certifications, Find sustainability information

**In-app purchases:** none


### Code Scan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scan-qr-barcode-scanner/id1554812545)

This app scans and generates a wide variety of 1D and 2D barcodes, including QR codes, DataMatrix, and specialized formats like VDS. It offers features like camera zoom, flash support, and a history of scanned codes. Users can also share scanned data and create new barcodes.

**Highlights:** Scans all 1D and 2D barcodes, Supports MicroQR, VDS, and ICAO Datastructures, Adjustable camera zoom and flash for low light, Scan history and sharing functionality, Generates QR, DataMatrix, and PDF417 barcodes, Dark mode and dark AppIcon support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and accurate scanning
- 👍 Easy to use and straightforward
- 💡 Supports various barcode and QR code types
- 💡 Excellent for difficult-to-scan codes
- 💡 Flashlight feature is convenient

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😡 Nag pop-up for reviews
- 🐛 Does not load websites
- 🐛 Useless for specific registration tasks
- 🐛 Copy or close options produce no result

**Reported bugs**

- Does not load websites
- Copy or close options produce no result

**Requested features**

- Ability to view previously scanned QR codes (not just data)
- Option to contribute via donation instead of ads


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SmartLabel free?

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

### Is Code Scan free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SmartLabel or Code Scan?

Code Scan is rated higher. SmartLabel averages 2.2 out of 5 from 97 ratings, while Code Scan averages 4.6 from 742 ratings.

### Do SmartLabel or Code Scan have ads?

Neither SmartLabel nor Code Scan shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SmartLabel or Code Scan?

SmartLabel ships an update every 3 months, and Code Scan every 2 weeks. Most recently, SmartLabel was updated on October 16, 2026 and Code Scan on October 18, 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.*