Comparison

eScanner vs Code Reader

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

eScanner

Instantly scan QR codes and barcodes to access website URLs, product information, or text. This utility also allows you to create your own QR codes and access a history of your scans.

Highlights
  • Scan QR codes and barcodes
  • Automatically open website URLs
  • Gather product information
  • Create custom QR codes
  • Access scan history
  • Read codes from camera roll
  • Flashlight for low light
Features
Read full description

eScanner is the all-in-one QR code and barcode app for iPhone and iPad. Scan instantly, generate codes for WiFi, contacts, events, and more — then export your history as CSV or PDF. SCAN - QR codes, EAN-13, EAN-8, Code 128, Code 39, PDF417, Aztec, Data Matrix - Import from your photo library — no camera required - Flashlight support for dark environments - Batch mode: scan multiple codes without stopping - Pinch-to-zoom and macro camera support CREATE - QR codes from any URL, text, WiFi, vCard, location, calendar event, crypto - Code 128 barcodes - Save to Photos or share via AirDrop, Messages, and Mail HISTORY - Every scan and generated code saved automatically - Export as CSV spreadsheet or PDF report - Search, copy, share, or open links with one tap PREMIUM - Remove ads - Unlock full access to all features Simple, fast, and reliable — the only QR and barcode tool you'll ever need.

About

Code Reader

Easily scan, generate, and share QR codes and barcodes. Quickly read various code types, including links, contacts, and product information. Generate new codes from text, emails, or Wi-Fi details, and utilize convenient extensions for seamless integration.

Highlights
  • Scan QR codes and barcodes
  • Generate QR codes and barcodes
  • Read codes from images via extension
  • Generate codes from text, email, Wi-Fi
  • Save and share scanned/generated codes
  • Automatic web page opening for product barcodes
  • Scanner preview with zoom and stabilization
Read full description

A feature-rich QR and barcode scanner: scan, generate, and share codes — fast and privately. Scan codes with text, links, contacts, emails, locations, Wi‑Fi networks, product barcodes, and more. When you scan a code, the app acts on it intelligently: links open in the browser, email addresses let you compose a message quickly, and vCards can be viewed or added to Contacts. You can read codes with the camera or generate them in the app — plus use action extensions to scan or create codes from other apps.¹ Spotted a QR code in a photo or on a website? Use the Read Code extension to scan it instantly.¹ Main features • Scan with the camera — text, links, contacts, emails, product barcodes, Wi‑Fi, and more • Read QR codes and 1‑D barcodes from images with the Read Code extension¹ • Product barcodes can open relevant web pages or Amazon (configurable in Settings) • Generate QR codes and 1‑D barcodes • Create codes from text, links, contacts, email, SMS, phone numbers, and Wi‑Fi • Join Wi‑Fi networks automatically from a scanned code • Scan and save multiple codes in one session • Generate a code from text, a link, or a contact with the Generate QR extension¹ • Smooth up to 60fps scanner preview with optical image stabilization and zoom (including optical 2× zoom on iPhones with dual cameras) • Optionally copy scanned content to the clipboard automatically • Option to prefer HTTPS and avoid insecure websites • Recents for scanned and generated codes, with search and filters • Custom QR colors — two‑finger tap on the image or use the menu when viewing a code • Share any barcode • Custom URL scheme to generate QR codes from a URL or text² • Widgets for recent codes and quick access to the scanner Code Reader Pro Upgrade to Code Reader Pro for advanced tools — no ads, and your data stays on your device. Choose monthly, yearly, or a one‑time lifetime unlock. Pro includes: • Batch scan — read many codes from photos or PDFs at once • Export & import history — back up or move your scan library (CSV/JSON) • Custom names — label scans so you can find them quickly • Starred scans — pin important codes and filter your history • Notes — add context to any saved scan • QR codes with logo — embed your brand in generated codes • High‑res & PDF export — share sharp QR images and PDFs • Link safety warnings — alerts for suspicious links (IP addresses, punycode, mixed scripts, and more) before you open them Restore purchases anytime from the Pro screen. ¹ The extension might need to be enabled manually: open the share menu, tap More at the bottom, and turn on the app extensions (Activities). ² Try it in a browser or messaging app: add generateqr:// before a URL or text to open the app and generate a QR code image. - Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ - Privacy Policy: https://illescasdaniel.github.io/qr-code-reader-app-info/

Screenshots

eScanner4 screens
Code Reader4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Code Reader at none against eScanner's shown. Code Reader also leads on update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 5 months) and ratings volume (251 vs 20). eScanner's advantage is review sentiment (75% vs 64%). On price, rating, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. eScanner sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Code Reader sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for eScanner against 4.6 for Code Reader. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Code Reader has 251 ratings behind it against 20, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 75% of eScanner's written reviews are positive against 64% of Code Reader's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

eScanner ships an update every 5 months, Code Reader every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
eScanner versus Code Reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParametereScannerCode Reader
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (20 ratings) — better4.6 (251 ratings)
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews — better64.0% of reviews
Number of ratings20251 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS15.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size91 MB3 MB
Age rating17+17+
DeveloperEyermin Colon SanchezDaniel ILLESCAS ROMERO

Customer experience

eScanner

All ratings20 ratings
Positive90.0%
Neutral5.0%
Negative5.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive75.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative25.0%

Code Reader

All ratings224 ratings
Positive92.0%
Neutral1.8%
Negative6.3%
Written reviews114 reviews
Positive64.0%
Neutral2.6%
Negative33.3%

Bugs and requests

eScanner

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Code Reader

Reported bugs

15 issues
  • App not working after MacOS update
  • Cannot get permissions to save
  • QR codes not readable by Mac camera
  • App crashes QREncoder
  • Sequence of letters then stops
Show 10 more
  • Camera doesn't focus on QR code
  • No 'Take picture' or red button
  • Account closed for misuse (reported scam)
  • Error scanning WiFi QR codes
  • Contact access without privacy section
  • Inaccurate barcode numbers
  • Cannot scan from files/photos
  • Donation button error
  • Errors when scanning
  • Cannot open scanned content

Requested features

9 requests
  • Add date & time to QR history
  • Option to select camera
  • Ability to save QR codes
  • Support for SVG files
  • Add logos to QR codes
Show 4 more
  • Choose QR code color
  • Generate QR codes from photos
  • Dynamic QR codes
  • Widget support

In-app purchases

1 purchases

eScanner

One-time1
  • eScanner Version Full$1.99
7 purchases

Code Reader

Subscriptions2
  • Code Reader Pro Monthly$1.991 Month
  • Code Reader Pro Yearly$9.991 Year
One-time5
  • Donation 1$0.99
  • Donation 2$1.99
  • Donation 5$4.99
Show 2 more
  • Donation 10$8.99
  • Code Reader Pro Lifetime$8.99

Questions

Is eScanner free?
eScanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Code Reader free?
Code Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, eScanner or Code Reader?
eScanner is rated higher. eScanner averages 4.8 out of 5 from 20 ratings, while Code Reader averages 4.6 from 251 ratings.
Do eScanner or Code Reader have ads?
eScanner shows ads; Code Reader does not.
Which is updated more often, eScanner or Code Reader?
eScanner ships an update every 5 months, and Code Reader every 6 weeks. Most recently, eScanner was updated on October 24, 2026 and Code Reader on October 20, 2026.

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