# Smart Barcodes vs Scan Matrix

The clearest difference is rating: Scan Matrix at 4.0 against Smart Barcodes's 1.0. Smart Barcodes's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 5 weeks) and iOS requirement (10.3 vs 15.6). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Scan Matrix holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 1.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.

Smart Barcodes ships an update weekly, Scan Matrix every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Smart Barcodes | Scan Matrix |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-barcodes/id1302979989/reviews) | **[4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scan-matrix/id1552318346/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 18 MB | 59 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.3** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [GetSmart Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/564563189) | [Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/435808499) |

## 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


### Scan Matrix

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scan-matrix/id1552318346)

This utility app scans various barcode types and connects to GS1 resolvers for barcode information. It features history management, manual input, and an updated user interface for enhanced usability.

**Highlights:** Supports multiple barcode types (GS1-128, DataMatrix, QR Code, etc.), Connects to GS1 and my.code.de resolvers, Scan history management, Pin favorite barcodes, Manual barcode input (GTIN/batch numbers), Updated user interface

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Smart Barcodes free?

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

### Is Scan Matrix free?

Scan Matrix is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Smart Barcodes or Scan Matrix?

Scan Matrix is rated higher. Smart Barcodes averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Scan Matrix averages 4.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Smart Barcodes or Scan Matrix have ads?

Neither Smart Barcodes nor Scan Matrix shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Smart Barcodes or Scan Matrix?

Smart Barcodes ships an update weekly, and Scan Matrix every 5 weeks. Most recently, Smart Barcodes was updated on October 2, 2026 and Scan Matrix on October 8, 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.*