Comparison

Code Reader vs QR Code Reader + Barcode App

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 Reader + Barcode App

Instantly scan and decode various QR codes and barcodes, including advanced 3D types. Generate your own QR codes for links, text, and contacts. Features include automatic scanning, history, low-light support, and an integrated browser.

Highlights
  • Lightning-fast QR and barcode scanning
  • Automatic smart scanning
  • QR code generation
  • Scan history
  • Low-light support with flashlight
  • Integrated web browser
  • Scan from photo gallery
Features
Read full description

QR Scanner & Barcode Reader — the fastest, most powerful app for scanning QR codes, barcodes, UPC, EIN, and even advanced 3D QR codes. Instantly scan, decode, and generate QR codes with unmatched speed and accuracy. Whether it's for shopping, WhatsApp, contact info, text, Wi-Fi, or YouTube links — this app does it all. With automatic scanning, rich product data, and intelligent recognition, this all-in-one QR Code Reader and Generator delivers a seamless user experience. Just launch, point, and scan — no tapping required. It even works with images from your photo gallery. Top Features: - Lightning-Fast Scanning: Instant recognition of all QR and barcode types — including 3D QR, Flashcode, UPC, EIN, and more. - Smart Auto Scan: Automatically detects and scans codes as they enter the camera’s view. - Scan History: View and revisit all your previous QR and barcode scans anytime. - Low-Light Support: Built-in flashlight makes scanning easy in the dark. - Integrated Browser: Instantly open scanned links and web content inside the app. - In-App Shopping: Scan product QR codes and shop directly through the app. - QR Code Generator: Create QR codes for text, URLs, contacts, phone numbers, and more. - Photo Gallery Support: Scan QR and barcodes saved in your photos. - Secure & Private: All scans are done locally — no data ever leaves your device. - Whether you're scanning for business, personal use, or fun — experience the next generation of QR scanning and generation with our ultra-fast, reliable and privacy-focused app. Payment will be charged to the credit card connected to your iTunes Account when you confirm the initial subscription purchase. Subscriptions automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current subscription period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and the cost of the renewal will be identified. You may manage your subscription and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to your Account Settings after the purchase. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription, where applicable. Privacy Policy - http://manimaustudios.com/qrscanner/privacypolicy.html Terms of Service - http://manimaustudios.com/qrscanner/tos.html

Screenshots

Code Reader4 screens
QR Code Reader + Barcode App4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Code Reader at none against QR Code Reader + Barcode App's shown. Code Reader also leads on ratings volume (243 vs 13) and update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, rating, 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 Reader + Barcode App sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

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 QR Code Reader + Barcode App. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Code Reader has 243 ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, QR Code Reader + Barcode App every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Code Reader versus QR Code Reader + Barcode App: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCode ReaderQR Code Reader + Barcode App
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (243 ratings)4.7 (13 ratings) — better
Positive reviews64.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings243 — better13
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeks — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB23 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperDaniel ILLESCAS ROMEROManimau Studios Pte Ltd

Customer experience

Code Reader

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

QR Code Reader + Barcode App

All ratings13 ratings
Positive92.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative7.7%

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 Reader + Barcode App

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 Code Reader + Barcode App

Subscriptions2
  • QR Premium7 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • QR Premium Yearly3 Days trial$29.991 Year

Questions

Is Code Reader free?
Code Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is QR Code Reader + Barcode App free?
QR Code Reader + Barcode App is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Code Reader or QR Code Reader + Barcode App?
QR Code Reader + Barcode App is rated higher. Code Reader averages 4.6 out of 5 from 243 ratings, while QR Code Reader + Barcode App averages 4.7 from 13 ratings.
Do Code Reader or QR Code Reader + Barcode App have ads?
QR Code Reader + Barcode App shows ads; Code Reader does not.
Which is updated more often, Code Reader or QR Code Reader + Barcode App?
Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, and QR Code Reader + Barcode App every 3 months. Most recently, Code Reader was updated on September 29, 2026 and QR Code Reader + Barcode App on September 23, 2026.

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