# QR Code Reader vs Code Reader

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code Reader | Code Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-pro/id1209760220/reviews) | **[4.6 (243 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-reader-qr-scanner/id1225393668/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **243** |
| Positive reviews | — | 64.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 77 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 13 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Hayato Shimizu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1207195348) | [Daniel ILLESCAS ROMERO](https://appshunter.io/developer/1225393667) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-pro/id1209760220)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-reader-qr-scanner/id1225393668)

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Code Reader Pro Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Code Reader Pro Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| Donation 1 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Donation 2 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Code Reader Pro Lifetime | $2.99 | one-time |
| Donation 5 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Donation 10 | $8.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Works fast
- 🆓 Free to use
- 💡 Auto-copies to clipboard
- ✅ Scans QR codes effectively

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't work for some users
- 🚫 Camera focus issues on Mac
- ❌ Unable to save codes
- 🤷 No instructions provided
- ⚠️ Scams reported

**Reported bugs**

- 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

**Requested features**

- Add date & time to QR history
- Option to select camera
- Ability to save QR codes
- Support for SVG files
- Add logos to QR codes


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