Comparison

Code Reader vs QR Code 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 Code Scanner

This utility app transforms your device into a powerful QR code and barcode scanner. It can also generate custom QR codes and barcodes, supporting a wide range of code types for efficient data access and sharing.

Highlights
  • Scan QR codes and barcodes
  • Create QR codes and barcodes
  • Supports various code types
  • Direct app integration
  • Haptic Touch and Control Center shortcuts
  • 100% local processing for privacy
Read full description

QR Scanner: QR Code Reader – All-in-One Utility Transform your device into an efficient QR code reader and barcode scanner with QR Scanner: QR Code Reader. This versatile app not only scans but also lets you create QR codes and barcodes effortlessly, anytime, anywhere. Key Features: - Quickly scan QR codes and barcodes using your device’s camera. - Supports all types of QR codes including links, contacts, messages, emails, locations, Wi-Fi, social accounts, and many more. - Fast scanning for food & products. - Use Haptic Touch for quick actions and integrate with the Control Center for faster access to the scanner. - Easily create your own QR codes and barcodes. - Share several images simultaneously for scanning within the app. - Directly open corresponding apps for quick and seamless access. For example, scan a YouTube link and instantly launch the YouTube app to view the video. - Supported code types include QR Code, Barcode, Aztec, Codabar, Data Matrix, PDF417, ITF, Code128, Code93, Code39, EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A, and UPC-E among others. QR Scanner: QR Code Reader is your go-to solution for all scanning needs. From organizing and accessing important data to sharing high-quality barcodes, our app ensures reliability and efficiency. Why Choose QR Scanner? - Fast and reliable scanning - 100% Local Processing for enhanced privacy - Intuitive user interface - Comprehensive support for various code types - Enhancements like Haptic Touch and Control Center shortcuts - Pay once, unlock features on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Elevate your scanning capabilities with QR Scanner: QR Code Reader. Download now and experience the ultimate convenience in QR code and barcode scanning! • Privacy Policy: https://shieldapps.notion.site/QR-Scanner-Privacy-Policy-4da59be76c8d43f29194ba63b1fdae0b • Terms of Use: https://shieldapps.notion.site/QR-Scanner-Terms-Conditions-1a04c9c74d2c45a3b551aa05316e19ce

Screenshots

Code Reader4 screens
QR Code Scanner4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: QR Code Scanner at every 2 weeks against Code Reader's every 6 weeks. Code Reader's advantage is ratings volume (243 vs 15) and review sentiment (64% vs 56%). On price, rating, ads 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 Code Scanner sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. 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 Scanner. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Code Reader has 243 ratings behind it against 15, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 64% of Code Reader's written reviews are positive against 56% of QR Code Scanner's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, QR Code Scanner every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and August 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Code Reader versus QR Code Scanner: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCode ReaderQR Code Scanner
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (243 ratings)4.7 (15 ratings) — better
Positive reviews64.0% of reviews — better55.6% of reviews
Number of ratings243 — better15
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, MaciPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac
Requires iOS15.014.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB15 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperDaniel ILLESCAS ROMERO满 李

Customer experience

Code Reader

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

QR Code Scanner

All ratings8 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive55.6%
Neutral0.0%
Negative44.4%

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 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
  • Donation 5$4.99
Show 2 more
  • Donation 10$8.99
  • Code Reader Pro Lifetime$29.99
4 purchases

QR Code Scanner

Subscriptions3
  • Upgrade to Pro - Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Upgrade to Pro - Annual3 Days trial$9.991 Year
  • Upgrade to Pro - Annual3 Days trial$14.991 Year
One-time1
  • QR Scanner Pro - Lifetime$29.99

Questions

Is Code Reader free?
Code Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is QR Code Scanner free?
QR Code Scanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Code Reader or QR Code Scanner?
QR Code Scanner is rated higher. Code Reader averages 4.6 out of 5 from 243 ratings, while QR Code Scanner averages 4.7 from 15 ratings.
Do Code Reader or QR Code Scanner have ads?
Neither Code Reader nor QR Code Scanner shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Code Reader or QR Code Scanner?
Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, and QR Code Scanner every 2 weeks. Most recently, Code Reader was updated on September 18, 2026 and QR Code Scanner on August 20, 2026.

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