# Code Reader vs Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Code Reader at 64% against Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan's 20%. Code Reader also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.6 vs 4.4). Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 6 weeks). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Code Reader sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan sells 18 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Code Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 243 and 258 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of Code Reader's written reviews are positive against 20% of Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan's.

Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Code Reader | Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (243 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-reader-qr-scanner/id1225393668/reviews)** | [4.4 (258 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-and-qr-code-reader-scan/id1358241316/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 243 | **258** |
| Positive reviews | **64.0% of reviews** | 20.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 3 MB | 125 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Daniel ILLESCAS ROMERO](https://appshunter.io/developer/1225393667) | [ZipoApps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1671444635) |

## 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


### Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-and-qr-code-reader-scan/id1358241316)

Scan any QR code or barcode to access information, menus, and product details. Create custom codes to share links or promote your business. This app simplifies online content access and business promotion for all users.

**Highlights:** Effortless QR and barcode scanning, Create custom QR codes, Instant menu access, Detailed product information, Smart shopping price comparison, History tracking of scans, Export and share scans

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (18)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Best QR Barcode Reader Premium | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| QR Code Scan & Barcode Read + | $5.99 | per month |
| Unlimited Weekly | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Barcode Scanner & QR Code Pro | $9.99 | per month |
| QR Code Read & Scan: Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| QR Code & Barcode Generator | $13.99 | per month |
| QR Mate Scanner: Annual | $24.90 | per year |
| QR Code & Barcode Reader | $29.99 | per 3 months |
| 3-Month Gold Plan | $29.99 | per 3 months |
| Pro QR Code Scanner & Maker | $35.99 | per 3 months |
| Yearly Pro Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| Yearly Pro Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| QR Code Maker & QR Scanner | $54.99 | per 6 months |
| QR Scanner & Barcode Read Pro | $59.99 | per year |
| Barcode Scanner & QR Code Read | $59.99 | per 6 months |
| QR Code Scan & Barcode Reader+ | $99.99 | per year |
| QR Mate Reader: Lifetime Pack | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Peace of mind with alerts
- 👍 Helpful for creating and scanning codes
- 👍 Good game

**What reviewers complain about**

- ❌ Charged for a full year unexpectedly
- ❌ No contact details available
- ❌ Incorrect email address
- ❌ Assistant goes nowhere
- ❌ Does not scan

**Reported bugs**

- 🐛 App crashes after every scan
- 🐛 App crashes all the time
- 🐛 Cannot find help on how to work app
- 🐛 Assistant goes nowhere

**Requested features**

- 💡 Option to delete app easily
- 💡 Clearer pricing before download
- 💡 Free QR reader alternative


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Code Reader free?

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

### Is Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan free?

Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Code Reader or Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan?

Code Reader is rated higher. Code Reader averages 4.6 out of 5 from 243 ratings, while Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan averages 4.4 from 258 ratings.

### Do Code Reader or Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan have ads?

Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan shows ads; Code Reader does not.

### Which is updated more often, Code Reader or Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan?

Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, and Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan every 9 days. Most recently, Code Reader was updated on October 3, 2026 and Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan 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.*