# 2D scanning vs QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan

The clearest difference is ads: QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan at none against 2D scanning's shown. QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan also leads on rating (4.5 vs 4.1) and update cadence (weekly vs every 6 weeks). 2D scanning's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). On price, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. 2D scanning sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan sells 15 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan has 7.6K 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 23% of QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan's.

2D scanning ships an update every 6 weeks, QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | 2D scanning | QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (26 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/2d-scanning/id1203565616/reviews) | **[4.5 (7.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-barcode-scan/id1615788517/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 26 | **7.6K** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **23.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 11 MB | 61 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [景元 肖](https://appshunter.io/developer/1184757516) | [Essa Studio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1773623663) |

## 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 |


### QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-barcode-scan/id1615788517)

Instantly scan QR codes, barcodes, and even product photos. This app simplifies everyday tasks like accessing menus, connecting to Wi-Fi, or checking prices. It also allows you to create your own QR codes and convert documents to PDFs.

**Highlights:** Scan QR codes and barcodes, Scan product photos for online search, Generate custom QR codes, Convert documents to PDF, Instant Wi-Fi connection, Access URLs and contacts

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

**In-app purchases (15)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| QR & Barcode Reader, Generator | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| QR Code Scanner х QR Generator | $3.99 | per month |
| Pro Access | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| The QR Reader х QR Generator | $4.99 | per month |
| Premium Scanner App | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| QR & Barcode Reader, Generator | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Full Access | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Full Access | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Quarterly Subscription | $17.99 | per 3 months |
| 3 Months Pro Subscription | $18.99 | per 3 months |
| Good Scanner | $23.99 | per year |
| Pro access to the app | $23.99 | per 3 months |
| Unlimited Pass+ | $29.99 | per year |
| Pro Forever | $3.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Access | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy and fast
- 🚀 Excellent scanning performance

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🔒 Lack of transparency on pricing
- 🐛 Unreliable functionality
- 🚫 Forced to pay to use basic features

**Reported bugs**

- Barcode scanning not working properly
- Internal errors when using the app

**Requested features**

- Ability to save scanned barcode images
- Option to cancel subscription


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 2D scanning free?

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

### Is QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan free?

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

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

QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan is rated higher. 2D scanning averages 4.1 out of 5 from 26 ratings, while QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan averages 4.5 from 7.6K ratings.

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

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

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

2D scanning ships an update every 6 weeks, and QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan weekly. Most recently, 2D scanning was updated on October 4, 2026 and QR Code Reader, Barcode Scan on October 12, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*