# QR vs Barcode

The clearest difference is ads: QR at none against Barcode's shown. QR also leads on review sentiment (83% vs 65%) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). Barcode's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 18 months) and ratings volume (535 vs 6). On price, rating, 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 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Barcode has 535 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 83% of QR's written reviews are positive against 65% of Barcode's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

QR ships an update every 18 months, Barcode every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 17, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR | Barcode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-and-barcode-scanner/id1141758088/reviews) | **[4.2 (535 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-qr-code-scanner/id1468426442/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 6 | **535** |
| Positive reviews | **83.3% of reviews** | 65.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 18 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 23 MB | 25 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [祥祎 刘](https://appshunter.io/developer/1071522659) | [Huy Nguyen Dang](https://appshunter.io/developer/1447842064) |

## What reviewers say

### QR

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-and-barcode-scanner/id1141758088)

This utility app quickly scans all types of QR codes and standard barcodes. It allows users to view product details directly from Google, Amazon, and other online retailers. The scanner works offline and is designed for simplicity and ease of use.

**Highlights:** Scans all QR and barcode types, View product details on Google/Amazon, Rapid scanning, Offline scanning capability, Simple and easy to use

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**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 free?

QR 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 or Barcode?

Barcode is rated higher. QR averages 4.0 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while Barcode averages 4.2 from 535 ratings.

### Do QR or Barcode have ads?

Barcode shows ads; QR does not.

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

QR ships an update every 18 months, and Barcode every 3 weeks. Most recently, QR was updated on August 17, 2026 and Barcode 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.*