# Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner vs Scan Matrix

The clearest difference is price: Scan Matrix at Free against Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner's $1.99. Scan Matrix also leads on iOS requirement (15.6 vs 18.0). Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.0) and ratings volume (32 vs 1). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scan Matrix is free to download; Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner costs $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner has 32 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner ships an update fortnightly, Scan Matrix every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner | Scan Matrix |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.6 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pretty-gs1-barcode-scanner/id1545547560/reviews)** | [4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scan-matrix/id1552318346/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **32** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 83.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 5 MB | 59 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Toni Dominik Hoffmann](https://appshunter.io/developer/1545228558) | [Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/435808499) |

## What reviewers say

### Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pretty-gs1-barcode-scanner/id1545547560)

This utility app decodes GS1 barcodes, displaying details like GTIN, expiration dates, and lot numbers. It allows users to save scan history, share barcode data, and generate barcode images. Supports a wide range of barcode types and GS1 application identifiers.

**Highlights:** Scan all common barcodes, View GS1 barcode details, Save scan history, Share barcodes, Generate barcode images, Import barcodes from gallery, Dark Mode support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Scan Matrix

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scan-matrix/id1552318346)

This utility app scans various barcode types and connects to GS1 resolvers for barcode information. It features history management, manual input, and an updated user interface for enhanced usability.

**Highlights:** Supports multiple barcode types (GS1-128, DataMatrix, QR Code, etc.), Connects to GS1 and my.code.de resolvers, Scan history management, Pin favorite barcodes, Manual barcode input (GTIN/batch numbers), Updated user interface

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner free?

Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Scan Matrix free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner or Scan Matrix?

Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner is rated higher. Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner averages 4.6 out of 5 from 32 ratings, while Scan Matrix averages 4.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner or Scan Matrix have ads?

Neither Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner nor Scan Matrix shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner or Scan Matrix?

Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner ships an update fortnightly, and Scan Matrix every 5 weeks. Most recently, Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner was updated on October 17, 2026 and Scan Matrix on October 8, 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.*