# Essential QR code reader vs Scannar

The clearest difference is ads: Essential QR code reader at none against Scannar's shown. Essential QR code reader also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Essential QR code reader ships an update every 12 months, Scannar every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Essential QR code reader | Scannar |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scannar-qr-and-barcode-scanner/id1530942295/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 12 months | **Every 9 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 14 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [WeServe Co.,Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1424058912) | [Vishalbhai Vaghasiya](https://appshunter.io/developer/1512628511) |

## What reviewers say

### Essential QR code reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/essential-qr-code-reader/id1424059446)

Easily scan QR codes and various other barcode types. View scanned content, copy text, open URLs, and even recreate QR codes from text. Your scan history is automatically saved for quick access.

**Highlights:** Scan QR codes and barcodes, View and copy text content, Open URLs directly, Recreate QR codes from text, Automatic scan history, Supports multiple barcode types

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Scannar

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scannar-qr-and-barcode-scanner/id1530942295)

This utility app quickly scans QR codes and barcodes, and can also generate custom QR codes for various information. It also functions as a document and ID scanner, converting scans to PDF and offering OCR text recognition. Your data is kept private and secure on your device.

**Highlights:** QR code and barcode scanning, QR code generation, Document and ID scanning, Convert scans to PDF, OCR text recognition, Offline functionality, Private data storage

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Essential QR code reader free?

Essential QR code reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Scannar free?

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

### Do Essential QR code reader or Scannar have ads?

Scannar shows ads; Essential QR code reader does not.

### Which is updated more often, Essential QR code reader or Scannar?

Essential QR code reader ships an update every 12 months, and Scannar every 9 months. Most recently, Essential QR code reader was updated on October 2, 2026 and Scannar on October 3, 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.*