# QR Code Reader vs QR/Barcode Scanner for iPhone

The clearest difference is rating: QR/Barcode Scanner for iPhone at 4.8 against QR Code Reader's 3.0. QR/Barcode Scanner for iPhone also leads on ratings volume (268 vs 3) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months). QR Code Reader's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 15.5). 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 12 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 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, 4.8 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR/Barcode Scanner for iPhone has 268 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 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and October 7, 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) | **[4.8 (268 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qrbarcode-scanner-for-iphone/id1608996577/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **268** |
| Positive reviews | — | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 31 MB | 75 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 15.5 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ca Li Sa](https://appshunter.io/developer/1230458305) | [AKRURA PTE. LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1607249512) |

## 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/qrbarcode-scanner-for-iphone/id1608996577)

Instantly scan all QR and barcode formats with this fast, easy-to-use app. It automatically recognizes and decodes codes, offering relevant actions like online searches or Wi-Fi connection. Secure your accounts with built-in 2FA authentication.

**Highlights:** Instant QR and barcode scanning, Supports all QR and barcode formats, 2FA authentication for account security, Scan from gallery, Scan history saved, Price scanner, Auto zoom and flashlight support

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

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Subscription | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| 3-Day Trial: Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| QR Code Premium - One Week | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Subscription | $6.99 | per month |
| Monthly Subscription | $7.99 | per month |
| Weekly Subscription | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Subscription | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly Premium | $29.99 | per year |
| Yearly Premium | $39.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Membership | $39.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Membership | $59.99 | one-time |


## 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 4.8 from 268 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 3 weeks. Most recently, QR Code Reader was updated on September 24, 2026 and QR/Barcode Scanner for iPhone on October 7, 2026.

---

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