# Essential QR code reader vs Auto Mute Tab For Safari

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Essential QR code reader at 100% against Auto Mute Tab For Safari's 25%. Essential QR code reader also leads on price (Free vs $0.99) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 16.0). Auto Mute Tab For Safari's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 12 months). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Essential QR code reader is free to download; Auto Mute Tab For Safari costs $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Essential QR code reader ships an update every 12 months, Auto Mute Tab For Safari every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Essential QR code reader | Auto Mute Tab For Safari |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $0.99 |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 25.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 12 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Size | 14 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [WeServe Co.,Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1424058912) | [Alejandro Estol](https://appshunter.io/developer/1888856077) |

## 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


### Auto Mute Tab For Safari

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/auto-mute-tab-for-safari/id6761746627)

Automatically silences background browser tabs when you switch away, restoring audio instantly when you return. Enjoy a quieter, more focused browsing experience without unexpected sounds from forgotten tabs. It works seamlessly in the background with customizable options.

**Highlights:** Automatic tab muting, Instant audio restoration, Picture-in-Picture video support, Customizable keyboard shortcut, Website whitelisting, Cross-window muting, Privacy-focused local operation

**Features:** Safari Extension, Vision Pro support

**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 Auto Mute Tab For Safari free?

Auto Mute Tab For Safari costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Essential QR code reader or Auto Mute Tab For Safari have ads?

Neither Essential QR code reader nor Auto Mute Tab For Safari shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Essential QR code reader or Auto Mute Tab For Safari?

Essential QR code reader ships an update every 12 months, and Auto Mute Tab For Safari every 3 weeks. Most recently, Essential QR code reader was updated on October 2, 2026 and Auto Mute Tab For Safari on October 11, 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.*