# QR Code Reader vs Barcode

The clearest difference is update cadence: Barcode at every 3 weeks against QR Code Reader's every 77 months. Barcode also leads on ratings volume (535 vs 1). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Barcode holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Barcode has 535 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

QR Code Reader ships an update every 77 months, Barcode every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code Reader | Barcode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-pro/id1209760220/reviews) | **[4.2 (535 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-qr-code-scanner/id1468426442/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **535** |
| Positive reviews | — | 65.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 77 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | Ad-supported |
| Size | 13 MB | 25 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hayato Shimizu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1207195348) | [Huy Nguyen Dang](https://appshunter.io/developer/1447842064) |

## 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


### Barcode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-qr-code-scanner/id1468426442)

Easily scan and generate QR codes and barcodes. This app decodes various types of information, including text, URLs, contacts, and Wi-Fi credentials. It also allows you to create custom QR codes for sharing and saving.

**Highlights:** Scan QR codes and barcodes, Generate QR codes, Decode text, URLs, contacts, Wi-Fi, Save and share generated codes, View product information, Offline scanning support, Scan history management

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works beautifully
- 👍 Best Christian source for information
- 👍 Brilliant and easy to use
- 👍 Great scanner
- 👍 Simple to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 This is horrible and does nothing
- 🐛 Doesn't work
- 🐛 Didn't open safari
- 🐛 Poor for creating
- 🐛 Not taking me too the online websites

**Reported bugs**

- Login screen freezes
- Incompatible with older devices

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Advanced analytics dashboard


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Code Reader free?

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

### Is Barcode free?

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

### Which has better reviews, QR Code Reader or Barcode?

Barcode is rated higher. QR Code Reader averages 4.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Barcode averages 4.2 from 535 ratings.

### Do QR Code Reader or Barcode have ads?

Both QR Code Reader and Barcode show ads.

### Which is updated more often, QR Code Reader or Barcode?

QR Code Reader ships an update every 77 months, and Barcode every 3 weeks. Most recently, QR Code Reader was updated on October 6, 2026 and Barcode on October 9, 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.*