# 2D scanning vs Code Scan

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Code Scan at 81% against 2D scanning's 0%. Code Scan also leads on rating (4.6 vs 4.1) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). 2D scanning's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.0). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. 2D scanning sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Code Scan asks for nothing beyond the download.

Code Scan holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Code Scan has 741 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 81% of Code Scan's.

2D scanning ships an update every 6 weeks, Code Scan every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | 2D scanning | Code Scan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (26 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/2d-scanning/id1203565616/reviews) | **[4.6 (741 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scan-qr-barcode-scanner/id1554812545/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 26 | **741** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **80.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 11 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [景元 肖](https://appshunter.io/developer/1184757516) | [KURZ Digital Solutions GmbH & Co. KG](https://appshunter.io/developer/1416497893) |

## 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 Scan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scan-qr-barcode-scanner/id1554812545)

This app scans and generates a wide variety of 1D and 2D barcodes, including QR codes, DataMatrix, and specialized formats like VDS. It offers features like camera zoom, flash support, and a history of scanned codes. Users can also share scanned data and create new barcodes.

**Highlights:** Scans all 1D and 2D barcodes, Supports MicroQR, VDS, and ICAO Datastructures, Adjustable camera zoom and flash for low light, Scan history and sharing functionality, Generates QR, DataMatrix, and PDF417 barcodes, Dark mode and dark AppIcon support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and accurate scanning
- 👍 Easy to use and straightforward
- 💡 Supports various barcode and QR code types
- 💡 Excellent for difficult-to-scan codes
- 💡 Flashlight feature is convenient

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😡 Nag pop-up for reviews
- 🐛 Does not load websites
- 🐛 Useless for specific registration tasks
- 🐛 Copy or close options produce no result

**Reported bugs**

- Does not load websites
- Copy or close options produce no result

**Requested features**

- Ability to view previously scanned QR codes (not just data)
- Option to contribute via donation instead of ads


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 2D scanning free?

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

### Is Code Scan free?

Code Scan is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, 2D scanning or Code Scan?

Code Scan is rated higher. 2D scanning averages 4.1 out of 5 from 26 ratings, while Code Scan averages 4.6 from 741 ratings.

### Do 2D scanning or Code Scan have ads?

2D scanning shows ads; Code Scan does not.

### Which is updated more often, 2D scanning or Code Scan?

2D scanning ships an update every 6 weeks, and Code Scan every 4 weeks. Most recently, 2D scanning was updated on October 4, 2026 and Code Scan on October 10, 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.*