# SkyBlueScan vs Barcode Scanner

SkyBlueScan and Barcode Scanner both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 78% of Barcode Scanner's written reviews are positive against 25% of SkyBlueScan's. Barcode Scanner also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3). SkyBlueScan's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 9 months) and ratings volume (4K vs 130). On price, rating, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SkyBlueScan sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Barcode Scanner asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for SkyBlueScan against 4.6 for Barcode Scanner. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SkyBlueScan has 4K ratings behind it against 130, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 25% of SkyBlueScan's written reviews are positive against 78% of Barcode Scanner's.

SkyBlueScan ships an update every 3 weeks, Barcode Scanner every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SkyBlueScan | Barcode Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skybluescan-qr-code-scanner/id1504356350/reviews) | [4.6 (130 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanner-qr-code-read/id6455989015/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **4K** | 130 |
| Positive reviews | 24.8% of reviews | **77.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 9 months |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 41 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | +4 |
| Developer | [Circo, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1272023623) | [Komorebi Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/481596469) |

## What reviewers say

### SkyBlueScan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skybluescan-qr-code-scanner/id1504356350)

Effortlessly scan various QR and barcode types, including product information and Google Authenticator codes. Access detailed data cards and a comprehensive scan history. A PRO subscription offers unlimited scans, enhanced product details, and an ad-free experience.

**Highlights:** Scan 15+ code types (QR, Barcode, Datamatrix, etc.), View product and food details, Detailed QR code data cards, Scan history log, Google Authenticator support

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription (Discount) | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Premium Subscription | $12.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly Premium Subscription | $49.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐ Excellent app
- ⭐ Best one yet
- ⭐ Good

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🚫 Automatically subscribes you
- 🚫 Difficult to unsubscribe
- 🚫 Overpriced
- 🚫 Useless app
- 🚫 Scam

**Reported bugs**

- App doesn't work properly
- Charges even after deleting the app

**Requested features**

- Add simple unsubscribe solution


### Barcode Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-scanner-qr-code-read/id6455989015)

This free scanner app quickly reads barcodes and QR codes directly from your camera or photo albums. It offers a history of your scans and includes a flashlight feature for low-light conditions. Ensure camera access is granted for optimal performance.

**Highlights:** Scan from camera, Scan from photo albums, Scan history, Flashlight for dark, Quick launch camera

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SkyBlueScan free?

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

### Is Barcode Scanner free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SkyBlueScan or Barcode Scanner?

SkyBlueScan and Barcode Scanner are both rated 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store, from 4K and 130 ratings respectively.

### Do SkyBlueScan or Barcode Scanner have ads?

Both SkyBlueScan and Barcode Scanner show ads.

### Which is updated more often, SkyBlueScan or Barcode Scanner?

SkyBlueScan ships an update every 3 weeks, and Barcode Scanner every 9 months. Most recently, SkyBlueScan was updated on September 24, 2026 and Barcode Scanner on September 23, 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.*