Comparison

Code Reader vs Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

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

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

Easily scan, read, and decode over 20 types of QR codes and barcodes. Save your scan history, generate custom codes, and view product details. Supports various scanning methods and export options.

Highlights
  • Scan 20+ QR code and barcode types
  • Scan from photos
  • Generate custom QR codes
  • Save, search, and filter scan history
  • View product details via Google/Amazon
  • Export history as text or CSV
Features
Read full description

Scan QR codes and more than 20 barcode formats from your camera or photo library. Code Scanner reads Data Matrix, GS1 DataBar, UPC, EAN, Aztec, PDF417 and more, then makes every result easy to save, find and share. SCAN ANYWHERE - Use the front or rear camera and torch - Import photos and detect multiple codes in one image - Automatically copy results or open scanned links KEEP CODES ORGANIZED - Save, search and filter your scan history - View values, code type, scan date and data size - Export history as CSV, plain text or a text file CREATE AND LOOK UP - Create and share QR codes and barcodes - Find product details with Google and Amazon - Reopen and share previous scans MADE FOR IPHONE AND IPAD - Dark Mode, Larger Text, VoiceOver, Voice Control, Reduced Motion and haptic feedback - A focused native experience without annoying ads SUPPORTED FORMATS QR, Micro QR, Aztec, Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, Data Matrix, EAN-8, EAN-13, ITF-14, PDF417, Micro PDF417, UPC, Codabar, GS1 DataBar and more. Questions or feedback? Email hello@craftapp.co. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Code Reader4 screens
Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader at every 2 weeks against Code Reader's every 6 weeks. Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader also leads on review sentiment (72% vs 64%). Code Reader's advantage is device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads 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 Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. 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 Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 243 and 650 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 64% of Code Reader's written reviews are positive against 72% of Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Code Reader versus Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCode ReaderCode Scanner QR Barcode Reader
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (243 ratings) — better4.6 (650 ratings)
Positive reviews64.0% of reviews72.2% of reviews — better
Number of ratings243650 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB20 MB
Age rating17+9+
DeveloperDaniel ILLESCAS ROMEROBen Gilroy

Customer experience

Code Reader

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

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

All ratings650 ratings
Positive89.7%
Neutral4.0%
Negative6.3%
Written reviews36 reviews
Positive72.2%
Neutral5.6%
Negative22.2%

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

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

From 650 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Simple and intuitive user interface
  • 🚀 Fast and efficient scanning
  • 📵 No ads or distracting pop-ups
  • 💰 Free to use (historically)
  • 🎯 Does one job well

Room to improve

  • 💸 Switched to paid subscription model
  • 🐛 Broken functionality on iPhone 12
  • ❌ Fails to scan QR codes and barcodes
  • 🔍 Missing zoom feature
  • 😕 Non-intuitive operation

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

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • App stopped working on iPhone 12 - no barcode recognition
  • Cannot scan from photos
  • Fails to read unclear or damaged QR codes
  • Data matrix format not supported
  • Inconsistent app name across platforms (iPhone vs App Store)

Requested features

5 requests
  • Zoom functionality for better scanning
  • Integrated search option within app
  • Data matrix code support
  • Scan history/log feature
  • Ability to delay browser opening after scan

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
13 purchases

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

Subscriptions10
  • Monthly$1.991 Month
  • Code Scanner Pro$1.997 Days
  • Monthly$2.991 Month
Show 7 more
  • Code Scanner Pro$3.991 Month
  • Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Yearly3 Days trial$9.991 Year
  • Yearly3 Days trial$14.991 Year
  • Yearly7 Days trial$14.991 Year
  • Yearly3 Days trial$19.991 Year
  • Yearly3 Days trial$29.991 Year
One-time3
  • Lifetime$24.99
  • Lifetime$29.99
  • Lifetime$59.99

Questions

Is Code Reader free?
Code Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader free?
Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Code Reader or Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader?
Code Reader is rated higher. Code Reader averages 4.6 out of 5 from 243 ratings, while Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader averages 4.6 from 650 ratings.
Do Code Reader or Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader have ads?
Neither Code Reader nor Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Code Reader or Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader?
Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, and Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader every 2 weeks. Most recently, Code Reader was updated on September 29, 2026 and Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader on September 28, 2026.

Other comparisons