# QR Code Scanner | Bar Reader vs QR Code Guru

The clearest difference is update cadence: QR Code Guru at every 3 weeks against QR Code Scanner | Bar Reader's every 4 months. QR Code Guru also leads on rating (4.5 vs 4.3) and ratings volume (291 vs 83). QR Code Scanner | Bar Reader's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Code Scanner | Bar Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and QR Code Guru sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

QR Code Guru holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 83 and 291 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of QR Code Scanner | Bar Reader's written reviews are positive against 73% of QR Code Guru's.

QR Code Scanner | Bar Reader ships an update every 4 months, QR Code Guru every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code Scanner | Bar Reader | QR Code Guru |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (83 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-bar-reader/id1218679163/reviews) | **[4.5 (291 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-guru-barcode-scanner/id1403846323/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 83 | **291** |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | **73.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 70 MB | 38 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ramesh P](https://appshunter.io/developer/956023892) | [Tam Nguyen](https://appshunter.io/developer/898637894) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Code Scanner | Bar Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-bar-reader/id1218679163)

This utility app quickly scans QR codes and barcodes, offering instant decoding and relevant actions. It also functions as a QR code generator and allows scanning from images. Easily share your scanned data and access a history of all your scans.

**Highlights:** Rapid QR and barcode scanning, QR code generation, Scan QR codes from images, Scan history, Flashlight support for low light, Cross-device sync, Easy sharing of scanned data

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $0.99 | one-time |


### QR Code Guru

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-guru-barcode-scanner/id1403846323)

Quickly scan and decode various QR codes and barcodes, including contact info, URLs, and more. Generate your own codes and save your scan history. Open web links directly within the app for convenience.

**Highlights:** Fast QR code and barcode scanning, Generate custom QR codes and barcodes, Decode various data types, Scan from photos, Open web links directly, Unlimited scan history storage

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| QR Code Scanner Weekly | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| QR Code Reader Weekly Premium | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| QR Code Scanner Monthly | $7.99 | per month |
| QR Code Reader Yearly Premium | $29.99 | per year |
| Remove Ads QRCode & Barcode | $1.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime QRCode Barcode Scan | $19.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Scanner | $39.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Code Scanner | Bar Reader free?

QR Code Scanner | Bar Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is QR Code Guru free?

QR Code Guru is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, QR Code Scanner | Bar Reader or QR Code Guru?

QR Code Guru is rated higher. QR Code Scanner | Bar Reader averages 4.3 out of 5 from 83 ratings, while QR Code Guru averages 4.5 from 291 ratings.

### Do QR Code Scanner | Bar Reader or QR Code Guru have ads?

Both QR Code Scanner | Bar Reader and QR Code Guru show ads.

### Which is updated more often, QR Code Scanner | Bar Reader or QR Code Guru?

QR Code Scanner | Bar Reader ships an update every 4 months, and QR Code Guru every 3 weeks. Most recently, QR Code Scanner | Bar Reader was updated on September 22, 2026 and QR Code Guru on October 1, 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.*