Comparison

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader vs IRONDOTS

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

Head to head
About

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

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
Read full description

Scan QR codes and more than 20 barcode formats from your camera or photo library. Code Scanner reads Data Matrix, GS1 DataBar, UPC, EAN, Aztec, PDF417 and more, then makes every result easy to save, find and share. BATCH SCAN WITH PRO Collect a list of unique codes, or count repeated scans as quantities. Review the batch, adjust quantities, give it a name and export it as CSV with code values, types, scan times and quantities. Use it for stocktakes, collecting asset-label codes or preparing barcode lists for spreadsheets. Unique mode records each code once; Quantities mode counts repeated scans. Pro also removes monthly scan limits and unlocks your complete saved history. SCAN ANYWHERE - Use the front or rear camera and torch - Import photos and detect multiple codes in one image - Automatically copy results or open scanned links KEEP CODES ORGANIZED - Save, search and filter your scan history - View values, code type, scan date and data size - Export history as CSV, plain text or a text file CREATE AND LOOK UP - Create and share QR codes and barcodes - Find product details with Google and Amazon - Reopen and share previous scans MADE FOR IPHONE AND IPAD - Dark Mode, Larger Text, VoiceOver, Voice Control, Reduced Motion and haptic feedback - A focused native experience without annoying ads SUPPORTED FORMATS QR, Micro QR, Aztec, Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, Data Matrix, EAN-8, EAN-13, ITF-14, PDF417, Micro PDF417, UPC, Codabar, GS1 DataBar and more. Questions or feedback? Email hello@craftapp.co. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

IRONDOTS

Securely encrypt and decrypt messages into QR codes for private communication. This app offers end-to-end encryption and offline operation, ensuring your messages are protected from unauthorized access. Communicate anonymously without registration or internet connection.

Highlights
  • Encrypt/decrypt messages to QR codes
  • End-to-end encryption
  • Offline operation
  • Anonymous usage
  • 256-bit asymmetric keys
  • Compliant with European Data Protection Act
Features
Read full description

IRONDOTS allows you to encrypt & decrypt messages into / from a QR code. THE IRONDOTS PRINCIPLE IRONDOTS protects your messages from access by hackers, companies and governments through physical separation and end-to-end encryption. The app can be used completely anonymously (without registration; without providing a phone number or email address). IRONDOTS is based on the "box" model of the open source NaCl Networking and Cryptography Library to transmit messages with a maximum length of 160 characters encrypted into a QR code. COMMUNICATE WITHOUT TRACES IRONDOTS is designed for offline operation, without an internet connection. We have simply not implemented the possibility to communicate with the Internet or other devices. Your secret certificate is stored encrypted with your password on the mobile phone/tablet. All this prevents the collection and misuse of personal information. IRONDOTS is fully compliant with the European Data Protection Act (DPA). BEST ENCRYPTION All messages are always end-to-end encrypted. You can be sure that no one except the intended recipient can read your messages. The key pair is generated and stored encrypted directly on your device. 256-bit long asymmetric keys are used, which are generated using elliptic curve cryptography (Curve25519). This asymmetric key is used to obtain a unique 256-bit symmetric key for each message sent. NO ADS, NO TRACKERS, NO COOKIES IRONDOTS is not financed by advertising and does not collect user data. SUPPORT / CONTACT Support for security researchers, whistleblowers, freedom fighters & free press: security@irondots.com

Screenshots

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader4 screens
IRONDOTS4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader at Free against IRONDOTS's $99.99. Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (654 vs 1). IRONDOTS's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and rating (5.0 vs 4.6). On ads and device support 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

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader is free to download; IRONDOTS costs $99.99 up front. Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. IRONDOTS asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

IRONDOTS 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 654 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 IRONDOTS's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader ships an update every 2 weeks, IRONDOTS every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 2 level
Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader versus IRONDOTS: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCode Scanner QR Barcode ReaderIRONDOTS
PriceFree — better$99.99
Rating4.6 (654 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews72.2% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings654 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS18.014.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size21 MB37 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperBen GilroyMICHAL NAPIORKOWSKI IT

Customer experience

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

All ratings651 ratings
Positive89.6%
Neutral4.1%
Negative6.3%
Written reviews36 reviews
Positive72.2%
Neutral5.6%
Negative22.2%

IRONDOTS

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • 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

5 requests
  • 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

IRONDOTS

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

10 purchases

Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader

Subscriptions8
  • Monthly$1.991 Month
  • Pro Weekly$1.997 Days
  • Monthly$2.991 Month
Show 5 more
  • Code Scanner Pro$3.991 Month
  • Yearly3 Days trial$9.991 Year
  • Yearly3 Days trial$14.991 Year
  • Yearly7 Days trial$14.991 Year
  • Pro Yearly3 Days trial$19.991 Year
One-time2
  • Lifetime$24.99
  • Lifetime$59.99
None

IRONDOTS

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader free?
Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is IRONDOTS free?
IRONDOTS costs $99.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader or IRONDOTS?
IRONDOTS is rated higher. Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader averages 4.6 out of 5 from 654 ratings, while IRONDOTS averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader or IRONDOTS have ads?
Neither Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader nor IRONDOTS shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader or IRONDOTS?
Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader ships an update every 2 weeks, and IRONDOTS every 4 months. Most recently, Code Scanner QR Barcode Reader was updated on November 6, 2026 and IRONDOTS on November 3, 2026.

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