# Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader vs Code Scanner

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Code Scanner at none against Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader's 13. Code Scanner also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.6) and review sentiment (100% vs 72%). Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (650 vs 1). 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. Code Scanner asks for nothing beyond the download.

Code Scanner 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 1, 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 Code Scanner's.

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader ships an update every 2 weeks, Code Scanner every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader | Code Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (650 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner-qr-barcode-reader/id1387307495/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner/id1584185919/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **650** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 72.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 20 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ben Gilroy](https://appshunter.io/developer/1222411256) | [An Trinh](https://appshunter.io/developer/441499584) |

## 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


### Code Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scanner/id1584185919)

This utility app uses your device's camera or photos to scan various types of barcodes and QR codes. It supports a wide range of formats and can be accessed directly from your photo gallery via the share sheet.

**Highlights:** Scan codes from camera, Scan codes from photos, Supports QR, UPC, EAN, and more, Integrates with Photos app share sheet, Uses Apple Vision framework

**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 Code Scanner free?

Code Scanner is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

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

Code Scanner is rated higher. Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader averages 4.6 out of 5 from 650 ratings, while Code Scanner averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

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

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

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

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader ships an update every 2 weeks, and Code Scanner every 4 months. Most recently, Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader was updated on October 2, 2026 and Code Scanner on September 16, 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.*