# iReader vs QR Code Reader

The clearest difference is rating: QR Code Reader at 5.0 against iReader's 3.2. QR Code Reader also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 3 weeks) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). iReader's advantage is ratings volume (122 vs 7). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. iReader sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days and QR Code Reader sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

QR Code Reader holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: iReader has 122 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two.

iReader ships an update every 3 weeks, QR Code Reader every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | iReader | QR Code Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.2 (122 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ireader-qr-code-reader/id1524588980/reviews) | **[5.0 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-smart-scan/id6764343157/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **122** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | 44.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 21 MB | 31 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sitou Advertising](https://appshunter.io/developer/1602413571) | [Appselect Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1709322114) |

## What reviewers say

### iReader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ireader-qr-code-reader/id1524588980)

Easily scan various types of QR codes and barcodes with this utility app. It also allows for the creation of custom QR codes, batch scanning, and sharing your scan history with friends. Enjoy a personalized scanning experience with custom color options.

**Highlights:** Scan QR codes and barcodes, Create QR codes, Batch scanning, Scan history, Custom QR color, Share scans

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| iReader Week Subscription | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| One Year Subscription | $57.99 | per year |


### QR Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-smart-scan/id6764343157)

Easily scan QR codes and barcodes using your device's camera. Generate custom QR codes for links, Wi-Fi, and more, with options to personalize their appearance. Offers batch scanning and safe browsing features.

**Highlights:** QR code and barcode scanning, Custom QR code generation, QR code customization, Auto and batch scan modes, Safe browsing for links, Scan history, Export scan results to CSV

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Week | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Week Plus | $8.99 | per 7 days |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iReader free?

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

### Is QR Code Reader free?

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

### Which has better reviews, iReader or QR Code Reader?

QR Code Reader is rated higher. iReader averages 3.2 out of 5 from 122 ratings, while QR Code Reader averages 5.0 from 7 ratings.

### Do iReader or QR Code Reader have ads?

Both iReader and QR Code Reader show ads.

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

iReader ships an update every 3 weeks, and QR Code Reader every 5 days. Most recently, iReader was updated on October 4, 2026 and QR Code Reader on September 21, 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.*