# Code Reader vs Barcode generator and scanner

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Barcode generator and scanner at 100% against Code Reader's 64%. Barcode generator and scanner also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 7) and rating (5.0 vs 4.6). Code Reader's advantage is ratings volume (243 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Code Reader sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Barcode generator and scanner asks for nothing beyond the download.

Barcode generator and scanner holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Code Reader has 243 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of Code Reader's written reviews are positive against 100% of Barcode generator and scanner's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and August 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Code Reader | Barcode generator and scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (243 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-reader-qr-scanner/id1225393668/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-generator-and-scanner/id1658516092/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **243** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 64.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 3 MB | 84 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Daniel ILLESCAS ROMERO](https://appshunter.io/developer/1225393667) | [Geert Geerits](https://appshunter.io/developer/1658515644) |

## 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 |
| Donation 5 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Donation 10 | $8.99 | one-time |
| Code Reader Pro Lifetime | $29.99 | 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


### Barcode generator and scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-generator-and-scanner/id1658516092)

Create, scan, and share various types of barcodes and QR codes. Customize their appearance with colors, transparency, and even add logos or images to QR codes. Supports multiple languages and includes text-to-speech functionality.

**Highlights:** Generate various barcode types, Scan barcodes and QR codes, Share generated codes, Customize barcode colors, Artistic QR code customization, Text-to-speech functionality

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Code Reader free?

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

### Is Barcode generator and scanner free?

Barcode generator and scanner is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Code Reader or Barcode generator and scanner?

Barcode generator and scanner is rated higher. Code Reader averages 4.6 out of 5 from 243 ratings, while Barcode generator and scanner averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Code Reader or Barcode generator and scanner have ads?

Neither Code Reader nor Barcode generator and scanner shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Code Reader or Barcode generator and scanner?

Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, and Barcode generator and scanner every 6 weeks. Most recently, Code Reader was updated on September 18, 2026 and Barcode generator and scanner on August 21, 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.*