# Barcode Scanner vs SmartScan

The clearest difference is ads: SmartScan at none against Barcode Scanner's shown. Barcode Scanner's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). On price, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Barcode Scanner sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and SmartScan sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Barcode Scanner ships an update every 6 weeks, SmartScan every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barcode Scanner | SmartScan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (64 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanner-qr-reader/id1375818756/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **64** | — |
| Positive reviews | 81.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 56 MB | 96 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [TMEDILAB SOFTWARE JOINT STOCK COMPANY](https://appshunter.io/developer/1888549944) | [Golden Rooster](https://appshunter.io/developer/6798145765) |

## What reviewers say

### Barcode Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanner-qr-reader/id1375818756)

This app functions as a versatile scanner and generator for QR codes and various barcode types. It allows users to quickly scan codes from their camera or photos, create new codes for different data formats, and manage their scan history.

**Highlights:** Scan QR codes and barcodes from camera or photos, Generate QR codes for URLs, text, contacts, and more, Supports front camera and flash for low-light scanning, Automatic scan history and favorites management, Encrypts various information formats into QR codes, Offline functionality and multilingual support

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $4.99 | one-time |


### SmartScan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartscan-qr-and-barcode-reader/id6798145763)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SmartScan: QR & Barcode Reader | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| SmartScan: QR & Barcode Reader | $9.99 | per month |
| SmartScan: QR & Barcode Reader | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barcode Scanner free?

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

### Is SmartScan free?

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

### Do Barcode Scanner or SmartScan have ads?

Barcode Scanner shows ads; SmartScan does not.

### Which is updated more often, Barcode Scanner or SmartScan?

Barcode Scanner ships an update every 6 weeks, and SmartScan every 3 weeks. Most recently, Barcode Scanner was updated on September 29, 2026 and SmartScan 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.*