# QR Scanner vs Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: QR Scanner at none against Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader's 3. QR Scanner also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (82% vs 73%). Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 12 months) and ratings volume (2.1K vs 245). On price, rating, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. QR Scanner asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.4 for QR Scanner against 4.5 for Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader has 2.1K ratings behind it against 245, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 82% of QR Scanner's written reviews are positive against 73% of Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader's.

QR Scanner ships an update every 12 months, Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Scanner | Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (245 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-scanner-no-ads/id1203527644/reviews) | **[4.5 (2.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanner-qr-code-reader/id1471098123/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 245 | **2.1K** |
| Positive reviews | **82.3% of reviews** | 73.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 12 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 18 MB | 34 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 10.3 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Allen Tom](https://appshunter.io/developer/1060197647) | [Yunlu Technology Shanghai Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1464497255) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-scanner-no-ads/id1203527644)

This utility app quickly scans QR codes without any advertisements or in-app purchases. It opens website URLs in a browser, initiates email composition for email addresses, and displays other decoded text. All scanned codes are saved in a history tab for easy access.

**Highlights:** Ad-free QR code scanning, Opens website URLs, Initiates email composition, Displays decoded text, Scanned history tab, No in-app purchases

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🔒 No ads
- 💡 Useful for various purposes (scanning QR codes, barcodes, etc.)

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or issues with certain websites/QR codes
- ⚠️ Forced to leave a review before using the app

**Reported bugs**

- Compatibility issues with newer OS versions or device types
- Scanning not working consistently

**Requested features**

- Batch scanning feature
- Option to open links in different browsers
- Clear all scanned history button


### Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanner-qr-code-reader/id1471098123)

Quickly scan all QR and barcode formats with this versatile utility. Compare prices, track history, and generate custom QR codes for various information and social media links. It also supports scanning from photos and includes helpful features like flashlight and sharing options.

**Highlights:** Scan QR Code & Barcode, Search and Compare Prices, Save Scan History, Generate QR Codes, Scan From Photo Library, Share Scans

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Consecutive monthly membership | $4.99 | per month |
| Consecutive Yearly Membership | $15.99 | per year |
| Remove Ads | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 💡 Useful for scanning barcodes and QR codes
- 👍 Helpful for price comparison

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't work as expected
- 🔒 Requires subscription to access full functionality
- 🔒 Misleading about free trial and pricing

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on certain devices
- Incorrect price information

**Requested features**

- Language support for non-English users
- Option to cancel subscription


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Scanner free?

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

### Is Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader free?

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

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

Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader is rated higher. QR Scanner averages 4.4 out of 5 from 245 ratings, while Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader averages 4.5 from 2.1K ratings.

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

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

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

QR Scanner ships an update every 12 months, and Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader every 3 weeks. Most recently, QR Scanner was updated on October 13, 2026 and Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader on October 12, 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.*