# Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader vs CodeNow

The clearest difference is ads: CodeNow at none against Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader's shown. CodeNow also leads on update cadence (every 10 days vs every 2 months) and rating (4.7 vs 4.5). Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader's advantage is ratings volume (2.1K vs 3). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and CodeNow sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

CodeNow holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader has 2.1K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader ships an update every 2 months, CodeNow every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader | CodeNow |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (2.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanner-qr-code-reader/id1471098123/reviews) | **[4.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codenow-qr-and-barcode-scanner/id6621245752/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **2.1K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 73.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 24 MB | 107 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Yunlu Technology Shanghai Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1464497255) | [Magenta Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1613710846) |

## What reviewers say

### Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanner-qr-code-reader/id1471098123)

Quickly scan all QR and barcode formats with this versatile utility. Compare prices, track history, and generate custom QR codes for various information and social media links. It also supports scanning from photos and includes helpful features like flashlight and sharing options.

**Highlights:** Scan QR Code & Barcode, Search and Compare Prices, Save Scan History, Generate QR Codes, Scan From Photo Library, Share Scans

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Consecutive monthly membership | $4.99 | per month |
| Consecutive Yearly Membership | $15.99 | per year |
| Remove Ads | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 💡 Useful for scanning barcodes and QR codes
- 👍 Helpful for price comparison

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't work as expected
- 🔒 Requires subscription to access full functionality
- 🔒 Misleading about free trial and pricing

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on certain devices
- Incorrect price information

**Requested features**

- Language support for non-English users
- Option to cancel subscription


### CodeNow

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codenow-qr-and-barcode-scanner/id6621245752)

Instantly scan QR codes and barcodes to access product details, compare prices, and check nutrition facts. Create and customize your own QR codes for various purposes, with options to personalize their appearance.

**Highlights:** Fast QR & barcode scanning, Product details & price comparison, Nutrition & ingredient analysis, Custom QR code generation, QR code personalization, Scan from media library

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 7 Days Trial | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| 7 Days Trial | $12.99 | per 7 days |
| 7 Days Trial | $14.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 Year | $19.99 | per year |
| 1 Year | $39.99 | per year |
| 1 Year | $59.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader free?

Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is CodeNow free?

CodeNow is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

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

CodeNow is rated higher. Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader averages 4.5 out of 5 from 2.1K ratings, while CodeNow averages 4.7 from 3 ratings.

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

Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader shows ads; CodeNow does not.

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

Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader ships an update every 2 months, and CodeNow every 10 days. Most recently, Barcode Scanner QR Code Reader was updated on October 19, 2026 and CodeNow on October 10, 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.*