# QR Code Scanner | Bar Reader vs Scanner app

The clearest difference is review sentiment: QR Code Scanner | Bar Reader at 67% against Scanner app's 50%. QR Code Scanner | Bar Reader also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). Scanner app's advantage is rating (4.5 vs 4.3). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Code Scanner | Bar Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Scanner app sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Scanner app holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 83 and 172 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 67% of QR Code Scanner | Bar Reader's written reviews are positive against 50% of Scanner app's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code Scanner | Bar Reader | Scanner app |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (83 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-bar-reader/id1218679163/reviews) | **[4.5 (172 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scanner-app-qr-code-reader/id1476153910/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 83 | **172** |
| Positive reviews | **66.7% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 70 MB | 35 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) | [Roman Sorochak](https://appshunter.io/developer/1097351227) |

## 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 |


### Scanner app

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scanner-app-qr-code-reader/id1476153910)

This utility app functions as an all-in-one scanner for QR codes, barcodes, and documents. It offers rapid scanning capabilities, offline functionality, and a history log of all scanned items. The app supports various QR code types, including WiFi, email, and contact information.

**Highlights:** All-in-one QR, barcode, and document scanning, Offline scanning capability, Scan history saved, Flashlight support for dark environments, Decode WiFi, email, phone, and location QR codes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| QR Scanner monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| QR Scanner yearly | $5.99 | per year |
| QR Scanner PRO | $0.99 | 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 Scanner app free?

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

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

Scanner app is rated higher. QR Code Scanner | Bar Reader averages 4.3 out of 5 from 83 ratings, while Scanner app averages 4.5 from 172 ratings.

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

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

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

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

---

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