# QR Code vs Barcode

The clearest difference is rating: Barcode at 4.2 against QR Code's 3.1. Barcode also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (535 vs 26). QR Code'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 3.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Barcode has 535 ratings behind it against 26, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of QR Code's written reviews are positive against 65% of Barcode's.

QR Code ships an update every 4 months, Barcode every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on July 4, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code | Barcode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.1 (26 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-qr-reader-and-scanner/id1180506724/reviews) | **[4.2 (535 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-qr-code-scanner/id1468426442/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 26 | **535** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **65.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 22 MB | 25 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [海文 王](https://appshunter.io/developer/380479150) | [Huy Nguyen Dang](https://appshunter.io/developer/1447842064) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Code

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-qr-reader-and-scanner/id1180506724)

This app quickly scans and decodes QR codes and barcodes, supporting various data types like URLs, contacts, and plain text. It also allows users to generate their own QR codes and manage scan history.

**Highlights:** Instant QR code and barcode scanning, Generate custom QR codes, Scan from photos, Unlimited scan history, Auto-decode various data types, Directly open web links and map locations

**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 free?

QR Code 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 or Barcode?

Barcode is rated higher. QR Code averages 3.1 out of 5 from 26 ratings, while Barcode averages 4.2 from 535 ratings.

### Do QR Code or Barcode have ads?

Barcode shows ads; QR Code does not.

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

QR Code ships an update every 4 months, and Barcode every 3 weeks. Most recently, QR Code was updated on July 4, 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.*