Comparison

Code Reader vs QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner

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 Code Scanner, Code Scanner

This app allows you to scan QR codes and barcodes using your device's camera. It also offers features to create your own QR codes and barcodes with customizable colors and formats, and manage your scan history.

Highlights
  • QR & Barcode Scanning
  • Live Text Scanning from Images
  • Scan Multiple Codes Simultaneously
  • QR & Barcode Creator
  • Customizable Code Colors
  • Scan History & Library Management
Features
Read full description

Universal Code Scanner ( Scan QR Codes ) Scanner: QR & Barcode Full Screen Scanner Turning on the Flash light during scanning is available Live Text is available to read the QR & Barcodes on the images of the camera roll A history of scanned QR & Barcodes is available as a list Scan multiple QR & barcodes at the same time In settings tab, choose between Fast, Balanced & Accurate Scan In the settings, Enable High Frame Rate Tracking for better tracking of rapid motion In the Settings, Enable Guidance to get recommendations from the app to enhance the app's performance In the Settings, Enable Highlight to see a frame around the scanning area Free Creator QR & Barcode Creator, PNG Format Choose between URL, Text, Contact for creating the code Choose between QR or Barcode for creating the code Share & Save generated Qr & Barcode Auto save in library A library of generated Barcodes in the list Edit the Library by Deleting or reorganizing the created Qr or Barcode Zoom in or zoom out on generated Qr or Barcodes Choose the background color & code color for generating desired QR or Barcode ( Professional color palette with suggested or custom colors is available ) .iMessage scanner Free Subscription Pricing and Terms: Your subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. Your credit card will be charged through your iTunes account. You can turn off auto-renew at any time from your iTunes Account Settings but refunds will not be provided for any unused portion of the term. Alternatively, there is a "Manage Subscription" menu option in the App Settings menu. Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. Any unused portion of a free trial period will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription. . Terms of use: https://qrcodebarcode.com/terms . Privacy : http://qrcodebarcode.com/#privacy

Screenshots

Code Reader4 screens
QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner at 97% against Code Reader's 64%. Code Reader's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.3) and update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 4 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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 Code Scanner, Code Scanner sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Code Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Code Reader has 243 ratings behind it against 39, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 64% of Code Reader's written reviews are positive against 97% of QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Code Reader versus QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCode ReaderQR Code Scanner, Code Scanner
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (243 ratings) — better4.3 (39 ratings)
Positive reviews64.0% of reviews96.9% of reviews — better
Number of ratings243 — better39
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeks — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS15.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB4 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperDaniel ILLESCAS ROMEROMaryam Derakhshesh

Customer experience

Code Reader

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

QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner

All ratings39 ratings
Positive82.1%
Neutral2.6%
Negative15.4%
Written reviews383 reviews
Positive96.9%
Neutral0.5%
Negative2.6%

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 Code Scanner, Code Scanner

From 39 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Fast and efficient scanning
  • 👍 Easy to use and intuitive
  • 🔒 Reliable and accurate
  • 💡 Versatile for various QR/barcode needs
  • 👍 No annoying ads

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional issues with scanning certain codes
  • 🔋 Drains battery faster than expected

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 Code Scanner, Code Scanner

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Crashes when trying to scan QR codes on certain devices
  • Fails to read some barcodes

Requested features

2 requests
  • Add option to customize QR code colors and patterns
  • Implement ability to save and manage scanned codes

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
4 purchases

QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner

Subscriptions3
  • Monthly1 Month trial$9.991 Month
  • Quarterly3 Months trial$12.993 Months
  • Yearly3 Days trial$24.991 Year
One-time1
  • QR Code , Barcode Scanner$19.99

Questions

Is Code Reader free?
Code Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner free?
QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Code Reader or QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner?
Code Reader is rated higher. Code Reader averages 4.6 out of 5 from 243 ratings, while QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner averages 4.3 from 39 ratings.
Do Code Reader or QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner have ads?
Neither Code Reader nor QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Code Reader or QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner?
Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, and QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner every 4 months. Most recently, Code Reader was updated on October 3, 2026 and QR Code Scanner, Code Scanner on September 28, 2026.

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