# Manual Reads vs QR Code Reader

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Manual Reads at none against QR Code Reader's 4. Manual Reads also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). QR Code Reader's advantage is ratings volume (39 vs 6). On price, rating, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. QR Code Reader sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Manual Reads asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.3 for Manual Reads against 4.3 for QR Code Reader. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: QR Code Reader has 39 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Manual Reads ships an update every 3 weeks, QR Code Reader every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Manual Reads | QR Code Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/manual-reads/id1552035778/reviews)** | [4.3 (39 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-scan-qr-app/id1552346918/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 6 | **39** |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 47 MB | 80 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Next Century Submetering Systems](https://appshunter.io/developer/994253846) | [Quang Tran](https://appshunter.io/developer/1449441569) |

## What reviewers say

### Manual Reads

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/manual-reads/id1552035778)

Manually input meter readings without needing specific hardware. This utility app simplifies data entry for submetering systems.

**Highlights:** Manual meter reading entry, No hardware installation required, Data input for submetering systems, User-friendly interface

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### QR Code Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qr-code-reader-scan-qr-app/id1552346918)

Instantly scan QR codes and barcodes to access website links, product details, and more. Generate custom QR codes for various information and utilize business-specific features for inventory management and data export. Offers unlimited scan history and iCloud sync across devices.

**Highlights:** Scan all major QR and barcode formats, Search products on Amazon, eBay, Google, Generate custom QR codes, Business scanner mode for inventory, Export scan history as CSV, Unlimited scan history, iCloud sync across devices

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| QR Code Reader Pro 1 week | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| QR Code Reader Pro 1 week | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| QR Code Reader Pro (1 Month) | $14.99 | per month |
| QR Code Reader Pro 1 Month | $29.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Manual Reads free?

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

### Is QR Code Reader free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Manual Reads or QR Code Reader?

Manual Reads is rated higher. Manual Reads averages 4.3 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while QR Code Reader averages 4.3 from 39 ratings.

### Do Manual Reads or QR Code Reader have ads?

QR Code Reader shows ads; Manual Reads does not.

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

Manual Reads ships an update every 3 weeks, and QR Code Reader every 2 weeks. Most recently, Manual Reads was updated on October 24, 2026 and QR Code Reader on October 24, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*