Comparison

Code Reader vs QR Scanner

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

This utility app quickly scans QR codes and barcodes, offering flashlight support for dim conditions and Wi-Fi QR code scanning. It saves your scan history and provides a simple, user-friendly interface for efficient code reading.

Highlights
  • QR code scanning
  • Barcode scanning
  • Flashlight support
  • Wi-Fi QR code scanning
  • Scan history saved
  • Simple and easy to use
Read full description

Features • QR code Scanner. • Barcode Scanner. • Flashlight supported for low-light environments. • Wifi QR code supported. • Scan history saved. • Simple & easy to use IN-APP SUBSCRIPTION • Purchase a yearly subscription to “Batch Scanning, Fast Scan and No Ads” for USD $39.99.  • Subscribe yearly. You will be charged in your local currency at the prevailing exchange rate as defined by iTunes. • Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. • No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during active subscription period. • Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. • Once subscribes, your account will be charged for USD $39.99 for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of current period. • Subscriptions are managed by your iTunes account and auto-renewal can be turned off by in Account Settings after purchase. • Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription. • After any free trial period ends, an auto-renewing paid subscription will continue thereafter. By completing your subscription, you agree to our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy. Privacy Policy: http://update.corntree.net/policy/ios_apps/PrivacyPolicy.txt Terms of Service: http://update.corntree.net/policy/ios_apps/TermsofUse.txt

Screenshots

Code Reader4 screens
QR Scanner4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Code Reader at none against QR Scanner's shown. Code Reader also leads on rating (4.6 vs 4.3) and device support (4 vs 2). QR Scanner's advantage is update cadence (every 8 days vs every 6 weeks). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and in-app purchases 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 sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 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 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 243 and 320 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of Code Reader's written reviews are positive against 60% of QR Scanner's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, QR Scanner every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Code Reader versus QR Scanner: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCode ReaderQR Scanner
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (243 ratings) — better4.3 (320 ratings)
Positive reviews64.0% of reviews — better60.0% of reviews
Number of ratings243320 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 8 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB33 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperDaniel ILLESCAS ROMEROCorntree tech Co.Ltd

Customer experience

Code Reader

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

QR Scanner

All ratings320 ratings
Positive84.1%
Neutral5.0%
Negative10.9%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive60.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative40.0%

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

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
2 purchases

QR Scanner

Subscriptions2
  • Premium - One Month$9.991 Month
  • Premium - One Year$39.991 Year

Questions

Is Code Reader free?
Code Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is QR Scanner free?
QR Scanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Code Reader or QR Scanner?
Code Reader is rated higher. Code Reader averages 4.6 out of 5 from 243 ratings, while QR Scanner averages 4.3 from 320 ratings.
Do Code Reader or QR Scanner have ads?
QR Scanner shows ads; Code Reader does not.
Which is updated more often, Code Reader or QR Scanner?
Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, and QR Scanner every 8 days. Most recently, Code Reader was updated on October 7, 2026 and QR Scanner on October 10, 2026.

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