Comparison

Code Reader vs QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Code Reader

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
Read full description

A feature-rich QR and barcode scanner: scan, generate, and share codes — fast and privately. Scan codes with text, links, contacts, emails, locations, Wi‑Fi networks, product barcodes, and more. When you scan a code, the app acts on it intelligently: links open in the browser, email addresses let you compose a message quickly, and vCards can be viewed or added to Contacts. You can read codes with the camera or generate them in the app — plus use action extensions to scan or create codes from other apps.¹ Spotted a QR code in a photo or on a website? Use the Read Code extension to scan it instantly.¹ Main features • Scan with the camera — text, links, contacts, emails, product barcodes, Wi‑Fi, and more • Read QR codes and 1‑D barcodes from images with the Read Code extension¹ • Product barcodes can open relevant web pages or Amazon (configurable in Settings) • Generate QR codes and 1‑D barcodes • Create codes from text, links, contacts, email, SMS, phone numbers, and Wi‑Fi • Join Wi‑Fi networks automatically from a scanned code • Scan and save multiple codes in one session • Generate a code from text, a link, or a contact with the Generate QR extension¹ • Smooth up to 60fps scanner preview with optical image stabilization and zoom (including optical 2× zoom on iPhones with dual cameras) • Optionally copy scanned content to the clipboard automatically • Option to prefer HTTPS and avoid insecure websites • Recents for scanned and generated codes, with search and filters • Custom QR colors — two‑finger tap on the image or use the menu when viewing a code • Share any barcode • Custom URL scheme to generate QR codes from a URL or text² • Widgets for recent codes and quick access to the scanner Code Reader Pro Upgrade to Code Reader Pro for advanced tools — no ads, and your data stays on your device. Choose monthly, yearly, or a one‑time lifetime unlock. Pro includes: • Batch scan — read many codes from photos or PDFs at once • Export & import history — back up or move your scan library (CSV/JSON) • Custom names — label scans so you can find them quickly • Starred scans — pin important codes and filter your history • Notes — add context to any saved scan • QR codes with logo — embed your brand in generated codes • High‑res & PDF export — share sharp QR images and PDFs • Link safety warnings — alerts for suspicious links (IP addresses, punycode, mixed scripts, and more) before you open them Restore purchases anytime from the Pro screen. ¹ The extension might need to be enabled manually: open the share menu, tap More at the bottom, and turn on the app extensions (Activities). ² Try it in a browser or messaging app: add generateqr:// before a URL or text to open the app and generate a QR code image. - Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ - Privacy Policy: https://illescasdaniel.github.io/qr-code-reader-app-info/

About

QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone

This app quickly scans QR codes and barcodes using your device's camera. It also allows you to create and share custom QR codes, offers a 2FA authenticator, and provides features like batch scanning and scan history retrieval.

Highlights
  • Automatic QR/barcode scanning
  • QR code creation and sharing
  • 2FA authenticator
  • Batch scanning
  • Scan history with iCloud backup
  • App lock for security
  • Customizable QR code colors
Features
Read full description

QR Reader is the best & fastest free QR code/barcode scanner & QR code creator for both iPhone and iPad! By using your phone's or pad's camera, QR reader will automatically scan and recognize the information of the QR code or barcode and supports all major barcode and QR code formats, even includes 2FA authenticator. With QR Reader app, you can also create & share unlimited QR codes anytime as you want. 【Key Features】 -Easy to Use QR code reader and barcode scanner can automatically detect and scan any code. You can also scan the QR code or barcode in the image gallery. If you are in a low-light environment, the flashlight supports you to scan and read QR codes and barcode. QR reader supports full iOS 15, and iPhone XR/XS/XS Max/11/11 Pro. -Create QR Code & Share QR Reader app helps you create unlimited QR codes, such as Weblink, text, vcard, phone number, email adress, SMS, WIFI, Geo Location and Calendar, etc. You can share QR code reader and scanner results via WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, WeChat, Line, E-mail, SMS, etc. -Support Batch Scan We provide a convenient and fast batch scanning function, if you have a lot of QR codes/barcodes to scan, you can use this function to improve the scanning speed. -Provide 2FA Authenticator for All Your Accounts Two Factor Authentication is a proven security guarantee against a wide range of cyber attacks. You can scan the QR code and get verification codes with our app for all your web accounts. -Scan Multiple Types Quickly and securely scan many types of QR codes and barcodes, such as Weblink, text, WiFi, contact, ISBN, and product, etc. If the result of scan is a Website link, you can click the URL to jump to the webpage. If it's a wifi QR code, this app will automatically connect to it without the password. If the result of scan is a product, you can choose to search and get some detail information. And you can also compare prices with online ones to save money. -View and Retrieve Scan History All your results of scan will be included in the scan history and sorted by category. Our app also supports iCloud backup. And these results of scan can also be exported as a CVS file. You can choose to turn on the history option, so that even if you change the phone, you can retrieve the scanned history. -APP Lock You can set a separate secure password for your own QR Code Reader app to protect your personal app security. -Customize QR Code Color Available to set different colors for your QR code. Download QR reader to scan QR codes and barcodes! ◆ SUBSCRIPTION TERMS ◆ You will receive unrestricted access to QR Reader in the duration of the subscription. • Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase • Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period • Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal • Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user's Account Settings after purchase If you have any suggestions or questions, feel free to contact us at any time: iosmobilecontact@gmail.com Read more about our terms and conditions here: Terms of Service: http://adqr.callstudio.cc/useragreement.html Privacy Policy: http://adqr.callstudio.cc/privacy.html

Screenshots

Code Reader4 screens
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone4 screens

Verdict

The call

Code Reader and QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 64% of Code Reader's written reviews are positive against 20% of QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone's. Code Reader also leads on ads (none vs shown). QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone's advantage is ratings volume (50K vs 243) and chart position (#151 vs unranked). On price, rating, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Code Reader sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Code Reader against 4.6 for QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone has 50K ratings behind it against 243, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 64% of Code Reader's written reviews are positive against 20% of QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone every 4 weeks. Both last shipped on September 25, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
Code Reader versus QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCode ReaderQR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (243 ratings) — better4.6 (50K ratings)
Positive reviews64.0% of reviews — better19.9% of reviews
Number of ratings24350K — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 4 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank—#151 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB82 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperDaniel ILLESCAS ROMEROSmart Tool Studio

Customer experience

Code Reader

All ratings224 ratings
Positive92.0%
Neutral1.8%
Negative6.3%
Written reviews114 reviews
Positive64.0%
Neutral2.6%
Negative33.3%

QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone

All ratings49,595 ratings
Positive90.7%
Neutral4.3%
Negative5.0%
Written reviews719 reviews
Positive19.9%
Neutral2.1%
Negative78.0%

User reviews

Code Reader

From 243 App Store ratings

What we love

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

Room to improve

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

QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone

From 50K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Fast and easy to use
  • 👍 Handy for scanning QR codes
  • 💡 Helpful for finding product information

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent crashes and issues with scanning
  • 💰 Misleading subscription model and unauthorized charges
  • 🔍 Lack of transparency around pricing and features

Bugs and requests

Code Reader

Reported bugs

15 issues
  • 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
Show 10 more
  • Camera doesn't focus on QR code
  • No 'Take picture' or red button
  • Account closed for misuse (reported scam)
  • Error scanning WiFi QR codes
  • Contact access without privacy section
  • Inaccurate barcode numbers
  • Cannot scan from files/photos
  • Donation button error
  • Errors when scanning
  • Cannot open scanned content

Requested features

9 requests
  • Add date & time to QR history
  • Option to select camera
  • Ability to save QR codes
  • Support for SVG files
  • Add logos to QR codes
Show 4 more
  • Choose QR code color
  • Generate QR codes from photos
  • Dynamic QR codes
  • Widget support

QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Camera not working properly
  • Subscription issues and inability to cancel
  • Compatibility problems with older devices

Requested features

3 requests
  • Option to disable ads
  • Improved subscription management and cancellation process
  • Better customer support and communication

In-app purchases

7 purchases

Code Reader

Subscriptions2
  • Code Reader Pro Monthly$1.991 Month
  • Code Reader Pro Yearly$9.991 Year
One-time5
  • Donation 1$0.99
  • Donation 2$1.99
  • Code Reader Pro Lifetime$2.99
Show 2 more
  • Donation 5$4.99
  • Donation 10$8.99
11 purchases

QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone

Subscriptions9
  • QR Limited Offer - One Week3 Days trial$2.497 Days
  • QR Code Premium - One Week3 Days trial$3.997 Days
  • One Week No Trial New - QR$3.997 Days
Show 6 more
  • One Week$3.997 Days
  • One Week Premium$6.997 Days
  • QR Code Premium - Three Months$8.993 Months
  • One Year$29.991 Year
  • QR Code Premium - One Year3 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • One Year No Trial New - QR$39.991 Year
One-time2
  • Lifetime$39.99
  • Lifetime-QR Scanner Purchase$59.99

Questions

Is Code Reader free?
Code Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone free?
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Code Reader or QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone?
Code Reader is rated higher. Code Reader averages 4.6 out of 5 from 243 ratings, while QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone averages 4.6 from 50K ratings.
Do Code Reader or QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone have ads?
QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone shows ads; Code Reader does not.
Which is updated more often, Code Reader or QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone?
Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, and QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone every 4 weeks. Most recently, Code Reader was updated on September 25, 2026 and QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone on September 25, 2026.

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