Comparison

QR Code Reader vs Code Reader

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

QR Code Reader

This utility app quickly scans QR codes to open URLs, emails, phone numbers, or copy text. It features a simple interface with no extra functions and includes an LED light option for scanning in low light.

Highlights
  • Scan QR codes
  • Open URLs in browser
  • Open emails in mail app
  • Initiate phone calls
  • Copy scanned text
  • Use LED light for scanning
Features
Read full description

It is the simplest QR code reader. We have omitted any unnecessary functions. - Open URL in browser application. - Open the email in the mail application. - Open the phone number with the call application. - Copy the text. - LED light can be used.

About

Code Reader

Easily scan, generate, and share QR codes and barcodes. Quickly read various code types, including links, contacts, and product information. Generate new codes from text, emails, or Wi-Fi details, and utilize convenient extensions for seamless integration.

Highlights
  • Scan QR codes and barcodes
  • Generate QR codes and barcodes
  • Read codes from images via extension
  • Generate codes from text, email, Wi-Fi
  • Save and share scanned/generated codes
  • Automatic web page opening for product barcodes
  • Scanner preview with zoom and stabilization
Read full description

A feature-rich QR and barcode scanner: scan, generate, and share codes — fast and privately. Scan codes with text, links, contacts, emails, locations, Wi‑Fi networks, product barcodes, and more. When you scan a code, the app acts on it intelligently: links open in the browser, email addresses let you compose a message quickly, and vCards can be viewed or added to Contacts. You can read codes with the camera or generate them in the app — plus use action extensions to scan or create codes from other apps.¹ Spotted a QR code in a photo or on a website? Use the Read Code extension to scan it instantly.¹ Main features • Scan with the camera — text, links, contacts, emails, product barcodes, Wi‑Fi, and more • Read QR codes and 1‑D barcodes from images with the Read Code extension¹ • Product barcodes can open relevant web pages or Amazon (configurable in Settings) • Generate QR codes and 1‑D barcodes • Create codes from text, links, contacts, email, SMS, phone numbers, and Wi‑Fi • Join Wi‑Fi networks automatically from a scanned code • Scan and save multiple codes in one session • Generate a code from text, a link, or a contact with the Generate QR extension¹ • Smooth up to 60fps scanner preview with optical image stabilization and zoom (including optical 2× zoom on iPhones with dual cameras) • Optionally copy scanned content to the clipboard automatically • Option to prefer HTTPS and avoid insecure websites • Recents for scanned and generated codes, with search and filters • Custom QR colors — two‑finger tap on the image or use the menu when viewing a code • Share any barcode • Custom URL scheme to generate QR codes from a URL or text² • Widgets for recent codes and quick access to the scanner Code Reader Pro Upgrade to Code Reader Pro for advanced tools — no ads, and your data stays on your device. Choose monthly, yearly, or a one‑time lifetime unlock. Pro includes: • Batch scan — read many codes from photos or PDFs at once • Export & import history — back up or move your scan library (CSV/JSON) • Custom names — label scans so you can find them quickly • Starred scans — pin important codes and filter your history • Notes — add context to any saved scan • QR codes with logo — embed your brand in generated codes • High‑res & PDF export — share sharp QR images and PDFs • Link safety warnings — alerts for suspicious links (IP addresses, punycode, mixed scripts, and more) before you open them Restore purchases anytime from the Pro screen. ¹ The extension might need to be enabled manually: open the share menu, tap More at the bottom, and turn on the app extensions (Activities). ² Try it in a browser or messaging app: add generateqr:// before a URL or text to open the app and generate a QR code image. - Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ - Privacy Policy: https://illescasdaniel.github.io/qr-code-reader-app-info/

Screenshots

QR Code Reader2 screens
Code Reader4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Code Reader at 4.6 against QR Code Reader's 4.0. Code Reader also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 77 months). QR Code Reader's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Code Reader sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. QR Code Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Code Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Code Reader has 243 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

QR Code Reader ships an update every 77 months, Code Reader every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
QR Code Reader versus Code Reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterQR Code ReaderCode Reader
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (1 ratings)4.6 (243 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—64.0% of reviews
Number of ratings1243 — better
Update frequencyEvery 77 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationAd-supported — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS12.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size13 MB3 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperHayato ShimizuDaniel ILLESCAS ROMERO

Customer experience

QR Code Reader

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Code Reader

All ratings224 ratings
Positive92.0%
Neutral1.8%
Negative6.3%
Written reviews114 reviews
Positive64.0%
Neutral2.6%
Negative33.3%

Bugs and requests

QR Code Reader

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Code Reader

Reported bugs

15 issues
  • App not working after MacOS update
  • Cannot get permissions to save
  • QR codes not readable by Mac camera
  • App crashes QREncoder
  • Sequence of letters then stops
Show 10 more
  • Camera doesn't focus on QR code
  • No 'Take picture' or red button
  • Account closed for misuse (reported scam)
  • Error scanning WiFi QR codes
  • Contact access without privacy section
  • Inaccurate barcode numbers
  • Cannot scan from files/photos
  • Donation button error
  • Errors when scanning
  • Cannot open scanned content

Requested features

9 requests
  • Add date & time to QR history
  • Option to select camera
  • Ability to save QR codes
  • Support for SVG files
  • Add logos to QR codes
Show 4 more
  • Choose QR code color
  • Generate QR codes from photos
  • Dynamic QR codes
  • Widget support

In-app purchases

None

QR Code Reader

No in-app purchases

7 purchases

Code Reader

Subscriptions2
  • Code Reader Pro Monthly$1.991 Month
  • Code Reader Pro Yearly$9.991 Year
One-time5
  • Donation 1$0.99
  • Donation 2$1.99
  • Code Reader Pro Lifetime$2.99
Show 2 more
  • Donation 5$4.99
  • Donation 10$8.99

Questions

Is QR Code Reader free?
QR Code Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Code Reader free?
Code Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, QR Code Reader or Code Reader?
Code Reader is rated higher. QR Code Reader averages 4.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Code Reader averages 4.6 from 243 ratings.
Do QR Code Reader or Code Reader have ads?
QR Code Reader shows ads; Code Reader does not.
Which is updated more often, QR Code Reader or Code Reader?
QR Code Reader ships an update every 77 months, and Code Reader every 6 weeks. Most recently, QR Code Reader was updated on October 6, 2026 and Code Reader on October 7, 2026.

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