Comparison

Code Reader vs QR Code Reader, 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

QR Code Reader, Barcode Reader

Easily scan QR codes and barcodes to access product information, documents, and more. Create custom QR codes for various platforms and data types, with options for personalization.

Highlights
  • Scan product QR codes for detailed information
  • Scan and rename documents
  • Create standard QR codes (contacts, locations, notes, messages)
  • Create special QR codes (social media, PayPal, App Store)
  • Customize QR codes with colors and logos
  • Scan barcodes
Features
Read full description

A must-have app in your iPhone or iPad! now!! The Ideal app for scanning QR Codes and Barcodes! These app includes amazing Features : - Scan QR of Products & Detailed Food Information. - Scan Documents. - Rename Scanned Documents. - Create your own QR: choose between Standard or Special QR Codes. - Standard Codes for: Contacts, Locations, Notes and Messages. - Special Codes for: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube, Skype, Paypal and App Store. - Customize your QR Codes with Colors, Gifs and Social Media logos. Terms of use: https://popularappsandgames.wordpress.com/terms-of-use/ Privacy and policy: https://popularappsandgames.wordpress.com/privacy-policy/

Screenshots

Code Reader4 screens
QR Code Reader, Barcode Reader4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Code Reader at 4.6 against QR Code Reader, Barcode Reader's 4.4. QR Code Reader, Barcode Reader's advantage is review sentiment (79% vs 64%) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 6 weeks). 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 Reader, Barcode Reader sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 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 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 243 and 1.1K respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 64% of Code Reader's written reviews are positive against 79% of QR Code Reader, Barcode Reader'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 Reader, Barcode Reader fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Code Reader versus QR Code Reader, Barcode Reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCode ReaderQR Code Reader, Barcode Reader
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (243 ratings) — better4.4 (1.1K ratings)
Positive reviews64.0% of reviews79.4% of reviews — better
Number of ratings2431.1K — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB91 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperDaniel ILLESCAS ROMEROProtection & Security App LLC

Customer experience

Code Reader

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

QR Code Reader, Barcode Reader

All ratings1,111 ratings
Positive83.4%
Neutral6.1%
Negative10.4%
Written reviews136 reviews
Positive79.4%
Neutral9.6%
Negative11.0%

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 Reader, Barcode Reader

From 1.1K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Easy to use
  • 🚀 Fast and efficient
  • 💡 Customizable QR codes
  • 🎨 Fun and creative
  • ⚙️ Reliable and works well

Room to improve

  • 🔒 Requires subscription for full functionality
  • 🐛 Occasional issues with scanning
  • 💰 Expensive subscription model

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 Reader, Barcode Reader

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Camera focus issues
  • Crashes or freezes on some devices

Requested features

3 requests
  • More customization options
  • Ability to upload own images
  • Improved scanning accuracy

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$29.99
1 purchases

QR Code Reader, Barcode Reader

Subscriptions1
  • Monthly Subscription3 Days trial$4.991 Month

Questions

Is Code Reader free?
Code Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is QR Code Reader, Barcode Reader free?
QR Code Reader, Barcode Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Code Reader or QR Code Reader, Barcode Reader?
Code Reader is rated higher. Code Reader averages 4.6 out of 5 from 243 ratings, while QR Code Reader, Barcode Reader averages 4.4 from 1.1K ratings.
Do Code Reader or QR Code Reader, Barcode Reader have ads?
Neither Code Reader nor QR Code Reader, Barcode Reader shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Code Reader or QR Code Reader, Barcode Reader?
Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, and QR Code Reader, Barcode Reader fortnightly. Most recently, Code Reader was updated on September 18, 2026 and QR Code Reader, Barcode Reader on September 24, 2026.

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