# Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader vs Scan Matrix

The clearest difference is rating: Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader at 4.6 against Scan Matrix's 4.0. Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader also leads on ratings volume (650 vs 1) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 5 weeks). Scan Matrix's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 13) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 18.0). On price, ads and device support 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. Scan Matrix asks for nothing beyond the download.

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader has 650 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader ships an update every 2 weeks, Scan Matrix every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader | Scan Matrix |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (650 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner-qr-barcode-reader/id1387307495/reviews)** | [4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scan-matrix/id1552318346/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **650** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 72.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 20 MB | 59 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ben Gilroy](https://appshunter.io/developer/1222411256) | [Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/435808499) |

## 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


### Scan Matrix

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scan-matrix/id1552318346)

This utility app scans various barcode types and connects to GS1 resolvers for barcode information. It features history management, manual input, and an updated user interface for enhanced usability.

**Highlights:** Supports multiple barcode types (GS1-128, DataMatrix, QR Code, etc.), Connects to GS1 and my.code.de resolvers, Scan history management, Pin favorite barcodes, Manual barcode input (GTIN/batch numbers), Updated user interface

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## 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 Scan Matrix free?

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

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

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader is rated higher. Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader averages 4.6 out of 5 from 650 ratings, while Scan Matrix averages 4.0 from 1 ratings.

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

Neither Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader nor Scan Matrix shows ads.

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

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader ships an update every 2 weeks, and Scan Matrix every 5 weeks. Most recently, Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader was updated on October 2, 2026 and Scan Matrix on October 8, 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.*