# Smart Barcodes vs Code Scan

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Code Scan at 79% against Smart Barcodes's 0%. Code Scan also leads on rating (4.6 vs 1.0) and ratings volume (730 vs 1). Smart Barcodes's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 4 weeks) and iOS requirement (10.3 vs 18.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

Code Scan holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Code Scan has 730 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 79% of Code Scan's.

Smart Barcodes ships an update weekly, Code Scan every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Smart Barcodes | Code Scan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-barcodes/id1302979989/reviews) | **[4.6 (730 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scan-qr-barcode-scanner/id1554812545/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **730** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **79.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 4 weeks |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 18 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.3** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [GetSmart Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/564563189) | [KURZ Digital Solutions GmbH & Co. KG](https://appshunter.io/developer/1416497893) |

## 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 Scan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scan-qr-barcode-scanner/id1554812545)

This app scans and generates a wide variety of 1D and 2D barcodes, including QR codes, DataMatrix, and specialized formats like VDS. It offers features like camera zoom, flash support, and a history of scanned codes. Users can also share scanned data and create new barcodes.

**Highlights:** Scans all 1D and 2D barcodes, Supports MicroQR, VDS, and ICAO Datastructures, Adjustable camera zoom and flash for low light, Scan history and sharing functionality, Generates QR, DataMatrix, and PDF417 barcodes, Dark mode and dark AppIcon support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and accurate scanning
- 👍 Easy to use and straightforward
- 💡 Supports various barcode and QR code types
- 💡 Excellent for difficult-to-scan codes
- 💡 Flashlight feature is convenient

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😡 Nag pop-up for reviews
- 🐛 Does not load websites
- 🐛 Useless for specific registration tasks
- 🐛 Copy or close options produce no result

**Reported bugs**

- Does not load websites
- Copy or close options produce no result

**Requested features**

- Ability to view previously scanned QR codes (not just data)
- Option to contribute via donation instead of ads


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Smart Barcodes free?

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

### Is Code Scan free?

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

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

Code Scan is rated higher. Smart Barcodes averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Code Scan averages 4.6 from 730 ratings.

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

Neither Smart Barcodes nor Code Scan shows ads.

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

Smart Barcodes ships an update weekly, and Code Scan every 4 weeks. Most recently, Smart Barcodes was updated on June 1, 2026 and Code Scan on September 23, 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.*