# PDF Reader vs QR Code Reader + Barcode Scan

The clearest difference is review sentiment: QR Code Reader + Barcode Scan at 100% against PDF Reader's 0%. QR Code Reader + Barcode Scan also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.4) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 5 months). PDF Reader's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PDF Reader sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days and QR Code Reader + Barcode Scan sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

QR Code Reader + Barcode Scan holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 18 and 10 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of PDF Reader's written reviews are positive against 100% of QR Code Reader + Barcode Scan's.

PDF Reader ships an update every 5 months, QR Code Reader + Barcode Scan fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PDF Reader | QR Code Reader + Barcode Scan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-editor-and-converter/id1547414913/reviews) | **[4.9 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-plus-barcode-scan/id1548205598/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **18** | 10 |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 79 MB | 25 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Laxay Gajera](https://appshunter.io/developer/1534406445) | [Ali Ural](https://appshunter.io/developer/1257771319) |

## What reviewers say

### PDF Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdf-reader-editor-and-converter/id1547414913)

This application allows users to read, edit, annotate, and convert PDF documents. It supports cloud syncing, form filling, and password protection for files. Users can also scan documents and convert images to PDF.

**Highlights:** Read and edit PDFs, Annotate and highlight text, Convert documents to PDF, Fill and sign PDF forms, Sync with cloud storage, Scan documents to PDF, Password protect PDFs

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PDF Editor Pro - Weekly | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| PDF Editor Pro - Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| PDF Editor Pro - Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| PDF Reader - Remove Ads | $3.99 | one-time |


### QR Code Reader + Barcode Scan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-plus-barcode-scan/id1548205598)

Easily scan and generate various types of QR and barcodes with a user-friendly interface. Quickly access encoded information, create shareable codes for links and contacts, and manage your scanned history. Supports numerous barcode formats for personal and professional use.

**Highlights:** Scan and generate QR codes, Support for multiple barcode formats, Create shareable codes for links and contacts, Read URLs, connect to WiFi, add events, read vCards, Scan history and organization with folders, Detailed data cards for scanned codes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| All Access Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| All Access Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Subscription | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Three Monthly Subscription | $29.99 | per 3 months |
| All Access Yearly | $59.99 | per year |
| All Access Yearly | $69.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Premium | $39.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PDF Reader free?

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

### Is QR Code Reader + Barcode Scan free?

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

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

QR Code Reader + Barcode Scan is rated higher. PDF Reader averages 4.4 out of 5 from 18 ratings, while QR Code Reader + Barcode Scan averages 4.9 from 10 ratings.

### Do PDF Reader or QR Code Reader + Barcode Scan have ads?

QR Code Reader + Barcode Scan shows ads; PDF Reader does not.

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

PDF Reader ships an update every 5 months, and QR Code Reader + Barcode Scan fortnightly. Most recently, PDF Reader was updated on October 8, 2026 and QR Code Reader + Barcode Scan on October 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.*