# QR Code Reader vs QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone

The clearest difference is rating: QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone at 4.6 against QR Code Reader's 3.0. QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone also leads on ratings volume (50K vs 3) and update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 3 months). QR Code Reader's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 13.0). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Code Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone has 50K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

QR Code Reader ships an update every 3 months, QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code Reader | QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-barcode-maker/id1280263470/reviews) | **[4.6 (50K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-barcode-scanner-for-iphone/id1322234579/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **50K** |
| Positive reviews | — | 19.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#128** |
| Size | 31 MB | 82 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ca Li Sa](https://appshunter.io/developer/1230458305) | [Smart Tool Studio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1080080426) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-barcode-maker/id1280263470)

Quickly scan and read various QR and barcode types, including text, URLs, and product information. Create custom barcodes and QR codes with ease. Supports scanning from existing images and offers smart information extraction for one-tap actions.

**Highlights:** Scan QR & Barcodes, Create Custom Codes, Scan from Gallery, Flashlight for Dark Scanning, Smart Information Extraction, One-Tap Actions, History Log

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Version | $1.99 | one-time |


### QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-barcode-scanner-for-iphone/id1322234579)

**Currently charting:** #128 Top Grossing · Utilities (US App Store)

This app quickly scans QR codes and barcodes using your device's camera. It also allows you to create and share custom QR codes, offers a 2FA authenticator, and provides features like batch scanning and scan history retrieval.

**Highlights:** Automatic QR/barcode scanning, QR code creation and sharing, 2FA authenticator, Batch scanning, Scan history with iCloud backup, App lock for security, Customizable QR code colors

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

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| QR Limited Offer - One Week | $2.49 | per 7 days |
| QR Code Premium - One Week | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| One Week No Trial New - QR | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| One Week | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| One Week Premium | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| QR Code Premium - Three Months | $8.99 | per 3 months |
| One Year | $29.99 | per year |
| QR Code Premium - One Year | $39.99 | per year |
| One Year No Trial New - QR | $39.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $39.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime-QR Scanner Purchase | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and easy to use
- 👍 Handy for scanning QR codes
- 💡 Helpful for finding product information

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and issues with scanning
- 💰 Misleading subscription model and unauthorized charges
- 🔍 Lack of transparency around pricing and features

**Reported bugs**

- Camera not working properly
- Subscription issues and inability to cancel
- Compatibility problems with older devices

**Requested features**

- Option to disable ads
- Improved subscription management and cancellation process
- Better customer support and communication


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Code Reader free?

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

### Is QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone free?

QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, QR Code Reader or QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone?

QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone is rated higher. QR Code Reader averages 3.0 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone averages 4.6 from 50K ratings.

### Do QR Code Reader or QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone have ads?

QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone shows ads; QR Code Reader does not.

### Which is updated more often, QR Code Reader or QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone?

QR Code Reader ships an update every 3 months, and QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone every 4 weeks. Most recently, QR Code Reader was updated on October 11, 2026 and QR, Barcode Scanner for iPhone on October 26, 2026.

---

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