# Code Reader vs QR Code Scanner

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.

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.

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.

Code Reader ships an update every 6 weeks, QR Code Scanner every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and August 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Code Reader | QR Code Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (243 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-reader-qr-scanner/id1225393668/reviews) | **[4.7 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-qr-reader/id6502285859/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **243** | 15 |
| Positive reviews | **64.0% of reviews** | 55.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 3 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Daniel ILLESCAS ROMERO](https://appshunter.io/developer/1225393667) | [满 李](https://appshunter.io/developer/1653727587) |

## 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 Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-scanner-qr-reader/id6502285859)

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Upgrade to Pro - Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Upgrade to Pro - Annual | $9.99 | per year |
| Upgrade to Pro - Annual | $14.99 | per year |
| QR Scanner Pro - Lifetime | $29.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked 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 25, 2026 and QR Code Scanner on August 20, 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.*