# QRefine vs Universal Code Scanner

The clearest difference is rating: Universal Code Scanner at 5.0 against QRefine's 4.3. Universal Code Scanner also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 8 months). QRefine's advantage is ratings volume (3 vs 1). On price and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QRefine sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Universal Code Scanner sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Universal Code Scanner holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 60% of QRefine's written reviews are positive against 71% of Universal Code Scanner's.

QRefine ships an update every 8 months, Universal Code Scanner every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QRefine | Universal Code Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qrefine-qr-code-scanner/id1210054176/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-code-scanner/id1597726866/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **3** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 60.0% of reviews | **71.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 38 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [T TECH, LIMITED LIABILITY CO.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1437034061) | [Marcus Pleintinger](https://appshunter.io/developer/938374594) |

## What reviewers say

### QRefine

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qrefine-qr-code-scanner/id1210054176)

This utility app allows users to read, generate, and manage both binary and text QR codes with high precision. It supports various QR code formats, including game-specific and enterprise-use types, and offers features for organizing, backing up, and editing code parameters.

**Highlights:** Read QR codes from camera or image, Generate custom text and binary QR codes, High-fidelity regeneration of QR codes, Manage and organize saved QR codes, Backup and restore QR code lists, Edit QR code parameters (error correction, mask pattern)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| QRefine Pro Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| QRefine Pro Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| QRefine Pro Lifetime | $19.99 | one-time |


### Universal Code Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-code-scanner/id1597726866)

This app quickly scans and decodes various 2D barcodes and QR codes. It offers enhanced security by checking URLs for phishing and can convert specific payment codes into usable links. The application prioritizes user privacy with no tracking or ads.

**Highlights:** Scans QR, EAN, Aztec, DataMatrix, and more, Checks URLs against phishing (Quishing), Converts EPC QR codes to bank/payto URLs, Shares decoded data via Airdrop, No user tracking or analytics, Ad-free and no in-app purchases

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small Donation | $0.99 | one-time |
| Mid Donation | $2.99 | one-time |
| Big Donation | $5.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QRefine free?

QRefine is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Universal Code Scanner free?

Universal Code Scanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, QRefine or Universal Code Scanner?

Universal Code Scanner is rated higher. QRefine averages 4.3 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Universal Code Scanner averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do QRefine or Universal Code Scanner have ads?

QRefine shows ads; Universal Code Scanner does not.

### Which is updated more often, QRefine or Universal Code Scanner?

QRefine ships an update every 8 months, and Universal Code Scanner every 3 weeks. Most recently, QRefine was updated on September 19, 2026 and Universal Code Scanner on September 25, 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.*