# Smart Barcodes vs Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader at 72% against Smart Barcodes's 0%. Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader also leads on rating (4.6 vs 1.0) and ratings volume (650 vs 1). Smart Barcodes's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 13) and iOS requirement (10.3 vs 18.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Smart Barcodes asks for nothing beyond the download.

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader has 650 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of Smart Barcodes's written reviews are positive against 72% of Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader's.

Smart Barcodes ships an update weekly, Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Smart Barcodes | Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-barcodes/id1302979989/reviews) | **[4.6 (650 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner-qr-barcode-reader/id1387307495/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **650** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **72.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 18 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.3** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [GetSmart Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/564563189) | [Ben Gilroy](https://appshunter.io/developer/1222411256) |

## What reviewers say

### Smart Barcodes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-barcodes/id1302979989)

This utility app scans various 1D and 2D barcodes, displaying the encoded information. It intelligently recognizes URLs, phone numbers, addresses, and tracking numbers, offering direct actions like opening links or initiating calls. Scanned data is saved for later reference and can be named for easy organization.

**Highlights:** Reads 1D and 2D barcodes, Displays encoded text, Detects URLs, phone numbers, addresses, tracking numbers, Direct actions for detected data (call, map, track), Saves scanned information, Allows naming saved scans

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner-qr-barcode-reader/id1387307495)

Easily scan, read, and decode over 20 types of QR codes and barcodes. Save your scan history, generate custom codes, and view product details. Supports various scanning methods and export options.

**Highlights:** Scan 20+ QR code and barcode types, Scan from photos, Generate custom QR codes, Save, search, and filter scan history, View product details via Google/Amazon, Export history as text or CSV

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

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Code Scanner Pro | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Code Scanner Pro | $3.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $24.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime | $29.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and intuitive user interface
- 🚀 Fast and efficient scanning
- 📵 No ads or distracting pop-ups
- 💰 Free to use (historically)
- 🎯 Does one job well

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Switched to paid subscription model
- 🐛 Broken functionality on iPhone 12
- ❌ Fails to scan QR codes and barcodes
- 🔍 Missing zoom feature
- 😕 Non-intuitive operation

**Reported bugs**

- App stopped working on iPhone 12 - no barcode recognition
- Cannot scan from photos
- Fails to read unclear or damaged QR codes
- Data matrix format not supported
- Inconsistent app name across platforms (iPhone vs App Store)

**Requested features**

- Zoom functionality for better scanning
- Integrated search option within app
- Data matrix code support
- Scan history/log feature
- Ability to delay browser opening after scan


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Smart Barcodes free?

Smart Barcodes is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Smart Barcodes or Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader?

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader is rated higher. Smart Barcodes averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader averages 4.6 from 650 ratings.

### Do Smart Barcodes or Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader have ads?

Neither Smart Barcodes nor Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Smart Barcodes or Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader?

Smart Barcodes ships an update weekly, and Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader every 2 weeks. Most recently, Smart Barcodes was updated on June 1, 2026 and Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader on September 21, 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.*