# QR Code Reader · Barcode Scans vs Universal Code Scanner

The clearest difference is rating: Universal Code Scanner at 5.0 against QR Code Reader · Barcode Scans's 4.2. Universal Code Scanner also leads on review sentiment (71% vs 36%) and ads (none vs shown). QR Code Reader · Barcode Scans's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs monthly) and ratings volume (82 vs 1). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

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

Universal Code Scanner holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Code Reader · Barcode Scans has 82 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 36% of QR Code Reader · Barcode Scans's written reviews are positive against 71% of Universal Code Scanner's.

QR Code Reader · Barcode Scans ships an update every 5 days, Universal Code Scanner monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code Reader · Barcode Scans | Universal Code Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (82 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-barcode-scans/id1524733339/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-code-scanner/id1597726866/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **82** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 36.3% of reviews | **71.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 27 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Space Node Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/475017562) | [Marcus Pleintinger](https://appshunter.io/developer/938374594) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Code Reader · Barcode Scans

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-barcode-scans/id1524733339)

Instantly scan QR codes and barcodes with your camera to access links, WiFi, contacts, and product information. Create custom QR codes for various purposes, including social media and business transactions. Offers advanced features like batch scanning and product data lookup.

**Highlights:** Instant QR/barcode scanning, Create custom QR codes, Batch scanning capability, Scan history with export, Product information lookup, Customizable QR code design, Support for 20+ code formats

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro version | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro version | $19.99 | per month |
| Pro version | $79.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Efficient scanning
- 💡 Useful features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Difficult to find free version
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🤖 Aggressive advertising
- 🐛 Scanning issues
- 📵 Unable to unsubscribe

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes during scanning
- Compatibility issues with older devices
- Incorrect QR code detection

**Requested features**

- Option to save scanned QR codes
- Ability to generate custom QR codes
- Copy text from scanned QR codes


### Universal Code Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-code-scanner/id1597726866)

This app quickly scans and decodes various 2D barcodes and QR codes. It offers enhanced security by checking URLs for phishing and can convert specific payment codes into usable links. The application prioritizes user privacy with no tracking or ads.

**Highlights:** Scans QR, EAN, Aztec, DataMatrix, and more, Checks URLs against phishing (Quishing), Converts EPC QR codes to bank/payto URLs, Shares decoded data via Airdrop, No user tracking or analytics, Ad-free and no in-app purchases

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small Donation | $0.99 | one-time |
| Mid Donation | $2.99 | one-time |
| Big Donation | $5.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Code Reader · Barcode Scans free?

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

### Is Universal Code Scanner free?

Universal Code Scanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, QR Code Reader · Barcode Scans or Universal Code Scanner?

Universal Code Scanner is rated higher. QR Code Reader · Barcode Scans averages 4.2 out of 5 from 82 ratings, while Universal Code Scanner averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do QR Code Reader · Barcode Scans or Universal Code Scanner have ads?

QR Code Reader · Barcode Scans shows ads; Universal Code Scanner does not.

### Which is updated more often, QR Code Reader · Barcode Scans or Universal Code Scanner?

QR Code Reader · Barcode Scans ships an update every 5 days, and Universal Code Scanner monthly. Most recently, QR Code Reader · Barcode Scans was updated on October 12, 2026 and Universal Code Scanner 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.*