Comparison

Code Reader vs QR Code

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

Easily scan and create various QR codes and barcodes using your device's camera or gallery. Save, manage, and share your codes instantly. Supports batch scanning and low-light conditions.

Highlights
  • Scan all QR code and barcode types
  • Create custom QR codes for text, URLs, contacts, and more
  • Scan from camera, gallery, or media library
  • Batch scanning support
  • Flashlight for low-light scanning
  • Save, manage, and share codes
  • Export/import scans via CSV
Features
Read full description

Scan, Create and Share Unlimited QR Code Instantly - Download now for FREE! QR Code : Reader & Scanner, is not only limited to scanning but you can also use it to create QR Codes/Barcodes. To scan any QR code or barcode, simple open the application and align the code. QR Code reader will automatically recognize it. ◉ QR Code : Reader & Scanner Key Features: [Main Functions] - Effortlessly scan all types of QR Codes & Barcodes. - Scan QR codes and barcodes using your camera, gallery or media library. - Simple and easy to use. - Flashlight supported for low light environment. - Support scanning even in the dark. - Support Batch Scanning. - Search your Saved Scans. - Save Codes to your Gallery. - Support all common format including QR Code, Barcode, Datamatrix, Code128, Code39, Codabar, EAN-8, EAN-13 and much more. - Export/Import your scans by CSV. [CREATE YOUR OWN CODE] - Create your own QR Codes & Barcodes with ease for Text, URL, Contact, ISBN, Calendar, Product, Email, Location, Wi-Fi and many other formats. [SAVE, MANAGE & SHARE YOUR CODES] - No need to worry about losing important codes or manually saving them - each scan is securely stored for you to revisit anytime. - Share codes via social networks including WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, WeChat, Line, E-mail, SMS and so on. ◉ Pro Features: [NO ADS] - Experience the app seamlessly without any distractions from advertisements. "QR Code : Reader & Scanner” can scan and read all QR / barcode (all 1D & 2D code types) including Text, URL, Contact, ISBN, Calendar, Product, Email, Location, Wi-Fi and many other formats. After scanning user is provided with only the relevant options for individual QR or Barcode type and can take appropriate action. Scan product barcodes with QR and Barcode Scanner in shops and compare with online prices to save money. A must-have QR Code Scanner, QR Code Reader or QR Code Generator app for every iOS Device - Download Now! If you have any questions/suggestions regarding our QR Code and Barcode Scanner app, please write to us at: connect.iosapps@gmail.com, we'll get back to you in 24 hours! We're excited to see how you'll be using QR Code : Reader & Scanner! Privacy policy: https://sites.google.com/view/qrcodereaderprivacypolicies/ Terms of Use: https://sites.google.com/view/qrcodereadertermsofuse/

Screenshots

Code Reader4 screens
QR Code4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Code Reader at 4.6 against QR Code's 4.2. Code Reader also leads on update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 6 months) and ratings volume (243 vs 6). 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 sells 3 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

Code Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Code Reader has 243 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, QR Code every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and June 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Code Reader versus QR Code: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCode ReaderQR Code
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (243 ratings) — better4.2 (6 ratings)
Positive reviews64.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings243 — better6
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeks — betterEvery 6 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.014.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB10 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperDaniel ILLESCAS ROMEROHitesh Gupta

Customer experience

Code Reader

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

QR Code

All ratings6 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative16.7%

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

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
  • Code Reader Pro Lifetime$2.99
Show 2 more
  • Donation 5$4.99
  • Donation 10$8.99
3 purchases

QR Code

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Subscription3 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • Yearly Subscription3 Days trial$11.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Purchase$29.99

Questions

Is Code Reader free?
Code Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is QR Code free?
QR Code is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Code Reader or QR Code?
Code Reader is rated higher. Code Reader averages 4.6 out of 5 from 243 ratings, while QR Code averages 4.2 from 6 ratings.
Do Code Reader or QR Code have ads?
Neither Code Reader nor QR Code shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Code Reader or QR Code?
Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, and QR Code every 6 months. Most recently, Code Reader was updated on September 29, 2026 and QR Code on June 4, 2026.

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