# Code Reader vs QR Code Reader + Barcode App

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Code Reader | QR Code Reader + Barcode App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (243 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-reader-qr-scanner/id1225393668/reviews) | **[4.7 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-plus-barcode-app/id6449294228/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **243** | 13 |
| Positive reviews | 64.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 3 MB | 23 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Daniel ILLESCAS ROMERO](https://appshunter.io/developer/1225393667) | [Manimau Studios Pte Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1589641502) |

## 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


### QR Code Reader + Barcode App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-plus-barcode-app/id6449294228)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| QR Premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| QR Premium Yearly | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*