# Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan vs Lighting Scanner

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Lighting Scanner at 100% against Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan's 20%. Lighting Scanner also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.4) and update cadence (every 5 days vs every 9 days). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan sells 18 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days and Lighting Scanner sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Lighting Scanner holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 258 and 442 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 20% of Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan's written reviews are positive against 100% of Lighting Scanner's.

Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan ships an update every 9 days, Lighting Scanner every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on August 10, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan | Lighting Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (258 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-and-qr-code-reader-scan/id1358241316/reviews) | **[4.8 (442 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lighting-scanner-scan-qr-code/id6476649650/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 258 | **442** |
| Positive reviews | 20.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 125 MB | 64 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ZipoApps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1671444635) | [APPSFLYDARGON LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1725447360) |

## What reviewers say

### Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-and-qr-code-reader-scan/id1358241316)

Scan any QR code or barcode to access information, menus, and product details. Create custom codes to share links or promote your business. This app simplifies online content access and business promotion for all users.

**Highlights:** Effortless QR and barcode scanning, Create custom QR codes, Instant menu access, Detailed product information, Smart shopping price comparison, History tracking of scans, Export and share scans

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (18)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Best QR Barcode Reader Premium | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| QR Code Scan & Barcode Read + | $5.99 | per month |
| Unlimited Weekly | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Barcode Scanner & QR Code Pro | $9.99 | per month |
| QR Code Read & Scan: Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| QR Code & Barcode Generator | $13.99 | per month |
| QR Mate Scanner: Annual | $24.90 | per year |
| QR Code & Barcode Reader | $29.99 | per 3 months |
| 3-Month Gold Plan | $29.99 | per 3 months |
| Pro QR Code Scanner & Maker | $35.99 | per 3 months |
| Yearly Pro Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| Yearly Pro Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| QR Code Maker & QR Scanner | $54.99 | per 6 months |
| QR Scanner & Barcode Read Pro | $59.99 | per year |
| Barcode Scanner & QR Code Read | $59.99 | per 6 months |
| QR Code Scan & Barcode Reader+ | $99.99 | per year |
| QR Mate Reader: Lifetime Pack | $59.99 | one-time |


### Lighting Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lighting-scanner-scan-qr-code/id6476649650)

This app allows you to quickly scan QR codes and barcodes to access information, coupons, and links. It also functions as a generator, enabling you to create custom QR codes for various purposes, including social media, Wi-Fi, and contact details.

**Highlights:** QR code and barcode scanning, QR code generation, Customizable QR code colors and designs, Scan from camera or media library, Share scanned codes and generated codes, Save scan history

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium Membership | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly Premium Membership | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan free?

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

### Is Lighting Scanner free?

Lighting Scanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan or Lighting Scanner?

Lighting Scanner is rated higher. Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan averages 4.4 out of 5 from 258 ratings, while Lighting Scanner averages 4.8 from 442 ratings.

### Do Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan or Lighting Scanner have ads?

Both Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan and Lighting Scanner show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan or Lighting Scanner?

Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan ships an update every 9 days, and Lighting Scanner every 5 days. Most recently, Barcode & QR Code Reader Scan was updated on August 10, 2026 and Lighting Scanner on September 18, 2026.

---

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