# Code Reader vs QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone

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.

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.

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.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | Code Reader | QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (243 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-reader-qr-scanner/id1225393668/reviews)** | [4.6 (50K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-barcode-scanner-for-iphone/id1322234579/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 243 | **50K** |
| Positive reviews | **64.0% of reviews** | 19.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#151** |
| Size | 3 MB | 82 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Daniel ILLESCAS ROMERO](https://appshunter.io/developer/1225393667) | [Smart Tool Studio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1080080426) |

## What reviewers say

### Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-reader-qr-scanner/id1225393668)

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Code Reader Pro Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Code Reader Pro Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| Donation 1 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Donation 2 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Code Reader Pro Lifetime | $2.99 | one-time |
| Donation 5 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Donation 10 | $8.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

- 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

**Requested features**

- Add date & time to QR history
- Option to select camera
- Ability to save QR codes
- Support for SVG files
- Add logos to QR codes


### QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-barcode-scanner-for-iphone/id1322234579)

**Currently charting:** #151 Top Grossing · Utilities (US App Store)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| QR Limited Offer - One Week | $2.49 | per 7 days |
| QR Code Premium - One Week | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| One Week No Trial New - QR | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| One Week | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| One Week Premium | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| QR Code Premium - Three Months | $8.99 | per 3 months |
| One Year | $29.99 | per year |
| QR Code Premium - One Year | $39.99 | per year |
| One Year No Trial New - QR | $39.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $39.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime-QR Scanner Purchase | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

- Option to disable ads
- Improved subscription management and cancellation process
- Better customer support and communication


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