Scan Matrix vs Code Scan
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Scan Matrix
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.
- 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
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This version of the app contains 1.support to connect to https://id.gs1.org resolver and https://my.code.de resolver. Enhanced User Experience: • Updated user interface for smoother navigation and usability. GS1 Resolver Support: • Seamlessly connect to the GS1 Resolver for barcode resolution. Barcode Scanning Enhancements: Supported Barcode Types: • GS1-128 • GS1 DataMatrix • GS1 QR Code • Dot Matrix • Data Matrix • QR Code • EAN-13 • EAN-8 • ITF-14 Additional Features: 1. History Management: View barcode scan history and pin favourite barcodes for quick reference. 2. Manual Barcode Input: Enter GTIN and/or batch numbers manually using the keyboard. This update ensures a robust and feature-rich barcode scanning experience tailored to user needs.
Code Scan
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.
- 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
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Scan and create every common 1D and 2D barcode - one at a time or continuously in Batch Scan. Export your history as CSV or automatically send scans to your own server. Unlike an ordinary scanner, Code Scan also verifies the cryptographic seals on official documents. WHAT IT READS • QR, MicroQR and rMQR (rectangular MicroQR) • DataMatrix, including DMRE • Aztec, PDF417, MaxiCode • EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A, UPC-E • Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, Codabar, ITF / ITF-14 • GS1 DataBar and DataBar Expanded • VDS, VDS-NC and IDB document seals Codes are decoded on your device: from the live camera, from a photo in your library, or from an image you share into the app from somewhere else. DIGITAL SEALS ON OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS This is what sets Code Scan apart: it does not just read the seal, it checks the cryptographic signature. • VDS (Visible Digital Seal, BSI TR-03137) in DataMatrix • VDS-NC (ICAO) and IDB (ICAO Datastructure for Barcode) in QR codes • Signatures verified against X.509 certificates, kept up to date automatically • Import your own X.509 certificates for closed ecosystems • MRZ data contained in a seal is parsed and shown in readable form This app supports reading and verification of (among others) VDS Profiles: - Social Insurance Card - Residence Permit Document - ICAO Visa Document - ICAO Emergency Travel Document - German Arrival Attestation Document - Address Sticker for German Identity Card - Place of Residence Sticker for German Passports VDS-NC Profiles: - ICAO PoT and PoV (ISO/IEC JTC1 SC17 WG3/TF5) CREATE YOUR OWN CODES • QR, DataMatrix, Aztec, PDF417 and Code 128 • Live preview while you type • Choose the QR error correction level (L / M / Q / H) or the PDF417 level (0-8) • Keep your codes in a library, mark favorites, share any of them as an image FASTER IN EVERYDAY USE • Camera light in four brightness steps and 1x / 2x / 4x zoom - for tiny print, dark rooms and laminated documents • Share a screenshot from any app to read the code inside it, or share a link to turn it into a code • Batch Scan: capture multiple codes without a result screen and save them straight to your history • Siri and Shortcuts: create a code or open the scanner by voice, or build both actions into your own shortcuts • Recreate a scanned code in a single tap, with the content already filled in A HISTORY THAT STAYS ORGANIZED • Grouped into Starred, Today, This Week and Before • Scanning a code again updates the existing entry instead of piling up duplicates • Export and share your scan history as a CSV file • Stored seals are re-verified in the background against the current certificates, so an expired signature stops showing as valid FOR PROFESSIONAL USE • GS1 application identifiers parsed and labelled • Open recognized links immediately, skipping the result screen • Copy and share the raw code data instead of the interpreted content • Optionally send scans automatically to your own HTTPS endpoint (off by default) • Play a confirmation sound after successful transfers • Native iPad layouts PRIVACY Decoding happens entirely on your device, and your history stays there. There is no account and no tracking. To verify seals, the app downloads the public signer certificates from our certificate service. The optional face comparison against a document portrait is the one feature that sends an image to a KURZ Digital service, and only when you start it yourself. For wishes and suggestions just contact us at info@kurzdigital.com
Screenshots
Verdict
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.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
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.
| Parameter | Scan Matrix | Code Scan |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.0 (1 ratings) | 4.6 (730 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 79.4% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 730 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | Every 4 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 59 MB | 17 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc | KURZ Digital Solutions GmbH & Co. KG |
Customer experience
Scan Matrix
Code Scan
Bugs and requests
Scan Matrix
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
Code Scan
Reported bugs
2 issues- Does not load websites
- Copy or close options produce no result
Requested features
2 requests- Ability to view previously scanned QR codes (not just data)
- Option to contribute via donation instead of ads
In-app purchases
Scan Matrix
No in-app purchases
Code Scan
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Scan Matrix free?
Is Code Scan free?
Which has better reviews, Scan Matrix or Code Scan?
Do Scan Matrix or Code Scan have ads?
Which is updated more often, Scan Matrix or Code Scan?
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