# Code Reader vs QR Code Reader, Barcode Reader

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.

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.

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.

Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, QR Code Reader, Barcode Reader fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Code Reader | QR Code Reader, Barcode Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (243 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-reader-qr-scanner/id1225393668/reviews)** | [4.4 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-barcode-reader/id1507731520/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 243 | **1.1K** |
| Positive reviews | 64.0% of reviews | **79.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 3 MB | 91 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Daniel ILLESCAS ROMERO](https://appshunter.io/developer/1225393667) | [Protection & Security App LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1282949976) |

## 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


### QR Code Reader, Barcode Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-barcode-reader/id1507731520)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $4.99 | per month |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

- Camera focus issues
- Crashes or freezes on some devices

**Requested features**

- More customization options
- Ability to upload own images
- Improved scanning accuracy


## Frequently asked 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 25, 2026 and QR Code Reader, Barcode Reader on September 24, 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.*