# Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner vs Code Scan

The clearest difference is price: Code Scan at Free against Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner's $1.99. Code Scan also leads on ratings volume (742 vs 32). On rating, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Code Scan 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.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner against 4.6 for Code Scan. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Code Scan has 742 ratings behind it against 32, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 83% of Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner's written reviews are positive against 81% of Code Scan's.

Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner ships an update fortnightly, Code Scan every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner | Code Scan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.6 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pretty-gs1-barcode-scanner/id1545547560/reviews) | [4.6 (742 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scan-qr-barcode-scanner/id1554812545/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 32 | **742** |
| Positive reviews | **83.3% of reviews** | 80.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 5 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Toni Dominik Hoffmann](https://appshunter.io/developer/1545228558) | [KURZ Digital Solutions GmbH & Co. KG](https://appshunter.io/developer/1416497893) |

## 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


### Code Scan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scan-qr-barcode-scanner/id1554812545)

This app scans and generates a wide variety of 1D and 2D barcodes, including QR codes, DataMatrix, and specialized formats like VDS. It offers features like camera zoom, flash support, and a history of scanned codes. Users can also share scanned data and create new barcodes.

**Highlights:** Scans all 1D and 2D barcodes, Supports MicroQR, VDS, and ICAO Datastructures, Adjustable camera zoom and flash for low light, Scan history and sharing functionality, Generates QR, DataMatrix, and PDF417 barcodes, Dark mode and dark AppIcon support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and accurate scanning
- 👍 Easy to use and straightforward
- 💡 Supports various barcode and QR code types
- 💡 Excellent for difficult-to-scan codes
- 💡 Flashlight feature is convenient

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😡 Nag pop-up for reviews
- 🐛 Does not load websites
- 🐛 Useless for specific registration tasks
- 🐛 Copy or close options produce no result

**Reported bugs**

- Does not load websites
- Copy or close options produce no result

**Requested features**

- Ability to view previously scanned QR codes (not just data)
- Option to contribute via donation instead of ads


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner free?

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

### Is Code Scan free?

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

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

Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner and Code Scan are both rated 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store, from 32 and 742 ratings respectively.

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

Neither Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner nor Code Scan shows ads.

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

Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner ships an update fortnightly, and Code Scan every 2 weeks. Most recently, Pretty GS1 Barcode Scanner was updated on October 17, 2026 and Code Scan on October 18, 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.*