Comparison

Code Reader vs QRCode 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

QRCode Reader

Instantly scan QR codes and barcodes to retrieve URLs, connect to Wi-Fi, and access product information. Share scanned content, save codes for later, and customize your scanning experience with various themes and settings.

Highlights
  • Scan QR codes and barcodes
  • Retrieve URLs and Wi-Fi credentials
  • Scan product codes (UPC, ISBN)
  • Save scanned codes
  • Share scanned content
  • Customizable themes and settings
Read full description

Discover the Power of the QR & Barcode Scanner App! Unlock a world of convenience with our QR Code and Barcode Scanner. Whether you’re scanning products, connecting to Wi-Fi, or retrieving URLs, our app delivers fast and accurate results—every time. Why Choose Our QR & Barcode Scanner? + Unlimited Customization: Request features and personalize the app to your needs. + Say Goodbye to Typing: Instantly scan web addresses, phone numbers, and product codes—no manual input needed. + Share with Ease: Quickly share scanned content, including URLs and contacts, with friends and family. + Comprehensive Format Support: Scan 18+ code formats, including QR codes, barcodes, ISBN, UPC, Code128, and more. + Customizable Experience: Choose your preferred themes and colors for a fully personalized interface. + Fast Updates & Dedicated Support: Get frequent updates and support from our expert development team. Key Features: + Scan Wi-Fi, Facebook, and Contact QR Codes effortlessly. + Scan product barcodes like UPC, ISBN, and Code128. + Support for over 20 barcode formats (Aztec, PDF417, EAN-13, etc.). + Save scanned codes for easy reference with built-in local storage. + Quickly add scanned contacts, phone numbers, and addresses to your device. + Copy scanned information to the clipboard with one tap. + Seamlessly open links, send emails, make calls, or send SMS messages directly from scanned data. + Search content on Google instantly with one tap. + Customizable settings including vibration, scan history, and theme preferences. + Light, dark, and 10 unique color themes to match your style. + Multilingual support for a global user base. Additional Features: + Save scanned contacts directly into your address book. + Get navigation directions from scanned addresses. + Search products, ISBN, or any scanned code on Google for more information. + Vibration feedback, history logs, and other customization options available. Your One-Stop Solution for QR & Barcode Scanning—Try it Now!

Screenshots

Code Reader4 screens
QRCode Reader4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: QRCode Reader at none against Code Reader's 7. QRCode Reader also leads on iOS requirement (13.4 vs 15.0). Code Reader's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (243 vs 12). On price, rating, update cadence and device support 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. QRCode Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

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 QRCode Reader. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Code Reader has 243 ratings behind it against 12, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, QRCode Reader every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Code Reader versus QRCode Reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCode ReaderQRCode Reader
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (243 ratings)4.7 (12 ratings) — better
Positive reviews64.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings243 — better12
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesAd-supported — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.013.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB26 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperDaniel ILLESCAS ROMEROAppsIndie Software Development Company Limited

Customer experience

Code Reader

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

QRCode Reader

All ratings12 ratings
Positive91.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative8.3%

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

QRCode Reader

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
None

QRCode Reader

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Code Reader free?
Code Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is QRCode Reader free?
QRCode Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Code Reader or QRCode Reader?
QRCode Reader is rated higher. Code Reader averages 4.6 out of 5 from 243 ratings, while QRCode Reader averages 4.7 from 12 ratings.
Do Code Reader or QRCode Reader have ads?
QRCode Reader shows ads; Code Reader does not.
Which is updated more often, Code Reader or QRCode Reader?
Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, and QRCode Reader every 3 weeks. Most recently, Code Reader was updated on September 29, 2026 and QRCode Reader on September 16, 2026.

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