# QR Code Reader vs Barcode

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Barcode at none against QR Code Reader's 2. QR Code Reader's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 12 months) and rating (4.7 vs 4.3). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Code Reader sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $19.99 per month. Barcode asks for nothing beyond the download.

QR Code Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Code Reader has 58 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two.

QR Code Reader ships an update every 3 weeks, Barcode every 12 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | QR Code Reader | Barcode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (58 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-aiscan/id1526086090/reviews)** | [4.3 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-qr-producer-reader/id6447743604/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **58** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 84.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 12 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 165 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 15.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Fan Technology Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1503499100) | [Matrix Software Co.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1457004046) |

## What reviewers say

### QR Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-aiscan/id1526086090)

Quickly scan QR codes and barcodes to access information, compare prices, and connect with social media. Generate custom QR codes for various platforms. Offers both free and subscription options for enhanced features.

**Highlights:** QR Code and Barcode Reader, Price Comparison Scanner, Social Media QR Code Generator, Business Contact Scanner, Scan History Export, Flashlight Support

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| VIP Monthly | $19.99 | per month |
| VIP Annually | $59.99 | per year |


### Barcode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-qr-producer-reader/id6447743604)

Quickly scan and read QR codes and barcodes from various sources. Generate your own codes for websites or phone numbers, and easily share them. Keep track of scanned items with history and favorites.

**Highlights:** Fast and accurate scanning, Supports multiple code formats, Scan history and favorites, Generate custom QR codes, Easy code sharing

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is QR Code Reader free?

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

### Is Barcode free?

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

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

QR Code Reader is rated higher. QR Code Reader averages 4.7 out of 5 from 58 ratings, while Barcode averages 4.3 from 6 ratings.

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

Both QR Code Reader and Barcode show ads.

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

QR Code Reader ships an update every 3 weeks, and Barcode every 12 months. Most recently, QR Code Reader was updated on September 25, 2026 and Barcode on October 2, 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.*