# Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader vs HandyUPC

The clearest difference is update cadence: Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader at every 2 weeks against HandyUPC's every 34 months. Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader also leads on ratings volume (650 vs 2). HandyUPC's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.6) and review sentiment (100% vs 72%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and HandyUPC sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

HandyUPC holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader has 650 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 72% of Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader's written reviews are positive against 100% of HandyUPC's.

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader ships an update every 2 weeks, HandyUPC every 34 months. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader | HandyUPC |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (650 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner-qr-barcode-reader/id1387307495/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handyupc/id1489499423/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **650** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 72.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 34 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 20 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | **18.0** | 18.2 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ben Gilroy](https://appshunter.io/developer/1222411256) | [STRENGCON LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1484156741) |

## What reviewers say

### Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner-qr-barcode-reader/id1387307495)

Easily scan, read, and decode over 20 types of QR codes and barcodes. Save your scan history, generate custom codes, and view product details. Supports various scanning methods and export options.

**Highlights:** Scan 20+ QR code and barcode types, Scan from photos, Generate custom QR codes, Save, search, and filter scan history, View product details via Google/Amazon, Export history as text or CSV

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

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Code Scanner Pro | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Code Scanner Pro | $3.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $24.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime | $29.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and intuitive user interface
- 🚀 Fast and efficient scanning
- 📵 No ads or distracting pop-ups
- 💰 Free to use (historically)
- 🎯 Does one job well

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Switched to paid subscription model
- 🐛 Broken functionality on iPhone 12
- ❌ Fails to scan QR codes and barcodes
- 🔍 Missing zoom feature
- 😕 Non-intuitive operation

**Reported bugs**

- App stopped working on iPhone 12 - no barcode recognition
- Cannot scan from photos
- Fails to read unclear or damaged QR codes
- Data matrix format not supported
- Inconsistent app name across platforms (iPhone vs App Store)

**Requested features**

- Zoom functionality for better scanning
- Integrated search option within app
- Data matrix code support
- Scan history/log feature
- Ability to delay browser opening after scan


### HandyUPC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handyupc/id1489499423)

Transform your device into a powerful product information tool. Scan any barcode to instantly access detailed product information, pricing history, and market data. Offers features for shopping, inventory management, and product research.

**Highlights:** Instant barcode scanning, Detailed product information, Pricing history and market data, Scan history with search, Offline scanning capability, Export scan history to CSV

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| HandyUPC Monthly Premium | $4.99 | per month |
| HandyUPC Yearly Premium | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader free?

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

### Is HandyUPC free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader or HandyUPC?

HandyUPC is rated higher. Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader averages 4.6 out of 5 from 650 ratings, while HandyUPC averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader or HandyUPC have ads?

Neither Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader nor HandyUPC shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader or HandyUPC?

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader ships an update every 2 weeks, and HandyUPC every 34 months. Most recently, Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader was updated on September 21, 2026 and HandyUPC on September 19, 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.*