# 2D scanning vs Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader at 72% against 2D scanning's 0%. Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader also leads on rating (4.6 vs 4.1) and ads (none vs shown). 2D scanning's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.0). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. 2D scanning sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader has 650 ratings behind it against 26, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of 2D scanning's written reviews are positive against 72% of Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader's.

2D scanning ships an update every 6 weeks, Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | 2D scanning | Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (26 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/2d-scanning/id1203565616/reviews) | **[4.6 (650 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner-qr-barcode-reader/id1387307495/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 26 | **650** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **72.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 11 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [景元 肖](https://appshunter.io/developer/1184757516) | [Ben Gilroy](https://appshunter.io/developer/1222411256) |

## What reviewers say

### 2D scanning

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/2d-scanning/id1203565616)

This utility app allows for quick scanning and generation of QR codes, barcodes, and text. It supports customization of QR codes with colors, logos, and backgrounds, and can automatically save scanned business cards to your address book.

**Highlights:** QR code scanning and generation, Barcode scanning, Text recognition from images, Customizable QR code appearance, Automatic business card saving, WiFi QR code connection, Scan history storage

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 去除广告 | $0.99 | one-time |


### Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner-qr-barcode-reader/id1387307495)

Easily scan, read, and decode over 20 types of QR codes and barcodes. Save your scan history, generate custom codes, and view product details. Supports various scanning methods and export options.

**Highlights:** Scan 20+ QR code and barcode types, Scan from photos, Generate custom QR codes, Save, search, and filter scan history, View product details via Google/Amazon, Export history as text or CSV

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

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Code Scanner Pro | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Code Scanner Pro | $3.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $24.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime | $29.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and intuitive user interface
- 🚀 Fast and efficient scanning
- 📵 No ads or distracting pop-ups
- 💰 Free to use (historically)
- 🎯 Does one job well

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Switched to paid subscription model
- 🐛 Broken functionality on iPhone 12
- ❌ Fails to scan QR codes and barcodes
- 🔍 Missing zoom feature
- 😕 Non-intuitive operation

**Reported bugs**

- App stopped working on iPhone 12 - no barcode recognition
- Cannot scan from photos
- Fails to read unclear or damaged QR codes
- Data matrix format not supported
- Inconsistent app name across platforms (iPhone vs App Store)

**Requested features**

- Zoom functionality for better scanning
- Integrated search option within app
- Data matrix code support
- Scan history/log feature
- Ability to delay browser opening after scan


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 2D scanning free?

2D scanning is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader free?

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

### Which has better reviews, 2D scanning or Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader?

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader is rated higher. 2D scanning averages 4.1 out of 5 from 26 ratings, while Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader averages 4.6 from 650 ratings.

### Do 2D scanning or Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader have ads?

2D scanning shows ads; Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader does not.

### Which is updated more often, 2D scanning or Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader?

2D scanning ships an update every 6 weeks, and Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader every 2 weeks. Most recently, 2D scanning was updated on October 4, 2026 and Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader on October 2, 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.*