# Scan Matrix vs Code Scan

The clearest difference is rating: Code Scan at 4.6 against Scan Matrix's 4.0. Code Scan also leads on ratings volume (730 vs 1). Scan Matrix's advantage is iOS requirement (15.6 vs 18.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Code Scan holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Code Scan has 730 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Scan Matrix ships an update every 5 weeks, Code Scan every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on July 7, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Scan Matrix | Code Scan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scan-matrix/id1552318346/reviews) | **[4.6 (730 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scan-qr-barcode-scanner/id1554812545/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **730** |
| Positive reviews | — | 79.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 59 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/435808499) | [KURZ Digital Solutions GmbH & Co. KG](https://appshunter.io/developer/1416497893) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### 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 Scan Matrix free?

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

### Is Code Scan free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Scan Matrix or Code Scan?

Code Scan is rated higher. Scan Matrix averages 4.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Code Scan averages 4.6 from 730 ratings.

### Do Scan Matrix or Code Scan have ads?

Neither Scan Matrix nor Code Scan shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Scan Matrix or Code Scan?

Scan Matrix ships an update every 5 weeks, and Code Scan every 4 weeks. Most recently, Scan Matrix was updated on July 7, 2026 and Code Scan on September 23, 2026.

---

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