# Code Reader vs The QR Code Reader & Generator

The clearest difference is ads: Code Reader at none against The QR Code Reader & Generator's shown. Code Reader also leads on device support (4 vs 2) and ratings volume (243 vs 67). On price, rating, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Code Reader sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and The QR Code Reader & Generator sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

The QR Code Reader & Generator holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 243 and 67 respectively.

Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, The QR Code Reader & Generator monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Code Reader | The QR Code Reader & Generator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (243 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-reader-qr-scanner/id1225393668/reviews) | **[4.8 (67 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-qr-code-reader-and-generator/id1574736783/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **243** | 67 |
| Positive reviews | 64.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 3 MB | 30 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Daniel ILLESCAS ROMERO](https://appshunter.io/developer/1225393667) | [After Dark Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1818648682) |

## 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


### The QR Code Reader & Generator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-qr-code-reader-and-generator/id1574736783)

Easily read and generate any QR code, including those for social media profiles and Wi-Fi. Customize your codes and utilize batch scanning to enhance productivity. This app offers a simple yet comprehensive solution for all your QR code needs.

**Highlights:** Read any QR code, Create any QR code link, Generate social media QR codes, Customize QR code appearance, Batch scan multiple QR codes, Enhance productivity and organization

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Version - Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro Version - Weekly | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro Version - Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Pro Version - Yearly | $44.99 | per year |
| Pro - Unlock all features | $3.99 | one-time |
| Pro - Unlock all features | $7.99 | one-time |
| Pro - Unlock all features | $12.99 | one-time |
| Pro - Unlock all features | $49.99 | one-time |
| Pro - Unlock all features | $59.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Code Reader free?

Code Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is The QR Code Reader & Generator free?

The QR Code Reader & Generator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Code Reader or The QR Code Reader & Generator?

The QR Code Reader & Generator is rated higher. Code Reader averages 4.6 out of 5 from 243 ratings, while The QR Code Reader & Generator averages 4.8 from 67 ratings.

### Do Code Reader or The QR Code Reader & Generator have ads?

The QR Code Reader & Generator shows ads; Code Reader does not.

### Which is updated more often, Code Reader or The QR Code Reader & Generator?

Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, and The QR Code Reader & Generator monthly. Most recently, Code Reader was updated on October 7, 2026 and The QR Code Reader & Generator on October 5, 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.*