Comparison

Code Reader vs QR Scanner & Link Safety Check

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 Scanner & Link Safety Check

Easily scan and create QR codes and barcodes with this versatile utility app. It supports numerous code formats, offers a history of scans, and can even scan from your photo gallery. Use the flashlight for dark environments and find product information online directly from the scan.

Highlights
  • Scan all QR and barcode formats
  • Save scan history
  • Scan from gallery
  • Flashlight support for dark scans
  • Search web for scanned products
  • Copy and share scan data
Features
Read full description

Scan QR codes and barcodes quickly, privately, and with the context you need before taking action. SCAN WITH CONFIDENCE • Scan QR, UPC, EAN, ISBN, Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, Data Matrix, PDF417, Aztec, and more • Tap to focus, pinch to zoom, or use the precise zoom control • Scan codes from photos as well as the live camera • Use the flashlight in dark environments • Get clear actions for websites, Wi-Fi, contacts, events, phone numbers, email, messages, and locations • Navigate clearer high-contrast controls with larger, more accessible action buttons REVIEW LINKS BEFORE OPENING • Use the redesigned safety view to review the destination, warnings, and next action in one place • See the real destination prominently • Review common warning signs such as unencrypted links, shortened URLs, numeric addresses, encoded domains, embedded credentials, and unusual ports • With QR Reader Pro, explicitly check online reputation for known malware, phishing, and unwanted software when available • Nothing opens until you choose to continue Checks are advisory and cannot guarantee that a link is safe. Always confirm that the destination is the one you expect. PRIVATE, USEFUL HISTORY • Keep scan history on your device and optionally sync it through your private iCloud database • Search by code, note, format, or content type • Favorite important codes and add personal notes • With QR Reader Pro, organize codes into folders • Track repeat scans and export selected history as CSV • Protect history with Face ID or device authentication CREATE YOUR OWN QR CODES • Create codes for text, websites, Wi-Fi, contacts, email, phone numbers, messages, locations, and calendar events • Customize colors, module shapes, eye shapes, and center logos • Preview changes before saving or sharing QR Reader has no advertising SDK and does not track you across apps or websites. Product and book lookups contact their respective lookup services only when needed to return the information you requested. A Pro user's website address is sent to our Cloudflare link-check service and Google Web Risk only after the user taps Check Link. Apple and RevenueCat process subscriptions, and Encore helps present and improve subscription offers. Some creation, customization, folder organization, batch scanning, and privacy features require QR Reader Pro. Privacy Policy: https://www.astrumcomputing.com/home/qr-reader-privacy-policy Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Code Reader4 screens
QR Scanner & Link Safety Check4 screens

Verdict

The call

Code Reader and QR Scanner & Link Safety Check both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 78% of QR Scanner & Link Safety Check's written reviews are positive against 64% of Code Reader's. QR Scanner & Link Safety Check also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 weeks). 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 QR Scanner & Link Safety Check sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 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 4.7 for QR Scanner & Link Safety Check. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 251 and 91 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 64% of Code Reader's written reviews are positive against 78% of QR Scanner & Link Safety Check's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, QR Scanner & Link Safety Check every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Code Reader versus QR Scanner & Link Safety Check: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCode ReaderQR Scanner & Link Safety Check
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (251 ratings)4.7 (91 ratings) — better
Positive reviews64.0% of reviews77.8% of reviews — better
Number of ratings251 — better91
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB23 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperDaniel ILLESCAS ROMEROAstrum Computing

Customer experience

Code Reader

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

QR Scanner & Link Safety Check

All ratings91 ratings
Positive92.3%
Neutral3.3%
Negative4.4%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive77.8%
Neutral0.0%
Negative22.2%

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 Scanner & Link Safety Check

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

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
  • Donation 5$4.99
Show 2 more
  • Donation 10$8.99
  • Code Reader Pro Lifetime$8.99
8 purchases

QR Scanner & Link Safety Check

Subscriptions8
  • Professional version3 Days trial$0.997 Days
  • Professional Version3 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • Professional version3 Days trial2 variants$1.991 Month
Show 5 more
  • QR Code Scanner Pro Monthly3 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • Professional version3 Days trial$3.997 Days
  • Professional version3 Days trial$19.991 Year
  • Professional version7 Days trial$19.991 Year
  • Professional version7 Days trial$39.991 Year

Questions

Is Code Reader free?
Code Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is QR Scanner & Link Safety Check free?
QR Scanner & Link Safety Check is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Code Reader or QR Scanner & Link Safety Check?
QR Scanner & Link Safety Check is rated higher. Code Reader averages 4.6 out of 5 from 251 ratings, while QR Scanner & Link Safety Check averages 4.7 from 91 ratings.
Do Code Reader or QR Scanner & Link Safety Check have ads?
Neither Code Reader nor QR Scanner & Link Safety Check shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Code Reader or QR Scanner & Link Safety Check?
Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, and QR Scanner & Link Safety Check every 3 weeks. Most recently, Code Reader was updated on October 20, 2026 and QR Scanner & Link Safety Check on October 13, 2026.

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