Comparison

UniversalQReader vs CardKeep

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

UniversalQReader

This app reads Digital Seal SQCodes, which are digitally signed and unfalsifiable QR codes used to protect documents. It verifies data signatures, presents them in a mobile-friendly layout, and allows reconstruction and sharing of original documents in PDF format.

Highlights
  • Reads Digital Seal SQCodes
  • Verifies digital signatures
  • Presents data in mobile layout
  • Reconstructs documents to PDF
  • Shares documents as PDF
  • Supports encrypted data
Features
Read full description

Universal QReader™ is a completely free smartphone/tablet App that allows you to read a Digital Seal SQCode®, a Digital Stamp dedicated to protecting documents that are typically used and controlled (even off-line) on the go. The Digital Seal SQCode®, is a QrCode code containing digitally signed data and therefore unfalsifiable. The data structure in the SQCode® Digital Seal is designed specifically for this kind of two-dimensional code and is ready to adapt to different contexts and applications. Data can also be encrypted, when it is necessary to ensure their confidentiality; they are also always signed, with the same philosophy, the same encryption algorithms and the same secure signature equipment used in a qualified signature. This architecture allows -only when it is necessary- the application of a qualified signature in the format CAdES/PAdES: in this case, the certificate of signature must be assigned to a natural person.
 In more general cases of use, instead, unqualified certificates will be used, typically assigned to a legal entity; this approach allows to define "Digital Seal SQCode®" an Electronic Seal, oriented to what is indicated in Europe's Digital Agenda. The Universal QReader™ App checks the data signature and presents it in a layout suitable for viewing on a mobile device. From the Universal QReader™ App you can then reconstruct the original document in PDF format so you can eventually share it in this form.

About

CardKeep

Features
Read full description

Keep a handy copy of the cards you carry. CardKeep keeps your membership, loyalty, insurance, library, and other everyday card images together on your iPhone or iPad. When you need a card number or the details on the back, you can find the card without digging through your wallet. Add cards your way Scan a card with your camera or choose images from your photo library. Save the front, add an optional back, and swap the sides before saving. Find the right card Give each card a title and search your collection by name. Add notes and record expiration dates to keep useful details with each card. Share the side you need Export just the front, just the back, or both sides as images. Send a copy or save it to Files using the share menu. From your gym membership to your library card, CardKeep gives your card copies a place of their own.

Screenshots

UniversalQReader2 screens
CardKeep2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: UniversalQReader at Free against CardKeep's $2.99. UniversalQReader also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 28 months). On ads, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

UniversalQReader is free to download; CardKeep costs $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

UniversalQReader ships an update every 2 months, CardKeep every 28 months. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
UniversalQReader versus CardKeep: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterUniversalQReaderCardKeep
PriceFree — better$2.99
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 28 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS16.0 — better17.5
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB0 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGT 50 S.r.l.Jonathan Judelson

In-app purchases

None

UniversalQReader

No in-app purchases

None

CardKeep

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is UniversalQReader free?
UniversalQReader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is CardKeep free?
CardKeep costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do UniversalQReader or CardKeep have ads?
Neither UniversalQReader nor CardKeep shows ads.
Which is updated more often, UniversalQReader or CardKeep?
UniversalQReader ships an update every 2 months, and CardKeep every 28 months. Most recently, UniversalQReader was updated on October 10, 2026 and CardKeep on October 7, 2026.

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