# Shield VPN vs QR Code Reader

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Shield VPN at none against QR Code Reader's 3. QR Code Reader's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 50 months). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Code Reader sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Shield VPN asks for nothing beyond the download.

Shield VPN ships an update every 50 months, QR Code Reader every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shield VPN | QR Code Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.1 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shield-vpn-wifi-security/id1485515830/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **7** | — |
| Positive reviews | 25.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 50 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | — |
| Size | 15 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Chuangbohui (Shenzhen) Technology Service Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1854075516) | [Arescrowd Co., Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1441080125) |

## What reviewers say

### Shield VPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shield-vpn-wifi-security/id1485515830)

This app offers a secure and private internet connection using advanced encryption. It provides access to global servers for unlimited data traffic and fast browsing, protecting your online activity from cyber threats and public Wi-Fi risks.

**Highlights:** Advanced encryption technologies, Privacy protection, Global servers, Unlimited data traffic, Lightning connection speed, Secure public Wi-Fi connection

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### QR Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-scan-app/id1602487199)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly VIP | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly VIP | $7.99 | per month |
| Yearly Vip | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Shield VPN free?

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

### Is QR Code Reader free?

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

### Do Shield VPN or QR Code Reader have ads?

Shield VPN shows ads; QR Code Reader does not.

### Which is updated more often, Shield VPN or QR Code Reader?

Shield VPN ships an update every 50 months, and QR Code Reader every 3 weeks. Most recently, Shield VPN was updated on October 4, 2026 and QR Code Reader on September 29, 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.*