Scan Matrix vs Universal Code Scanner
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.
Universal Code Scanner
This app quickly scans and decodes various 2D barcodes and QR codes. It offers enhanced security by checking URLs for phishing and can convert specific payment codes into usable links. The application prioritizes user privacy with no tracking or ads.
- Scans QR, EAN, Aztec, DataMatrix, and more
- Checks URLs against phishing (Quishing)
- Converts EPC QR codes to bank/payto URLs
- Shares decoded data via Airdrop
- No user tracking or analytics
- Ad-free and no in-app purchases
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Universal Scanner is a privacy focused, simple and lightweight application for verifying the content of a wide range of 2d codes. The main features are: - Displays code type and raw content - Option to check scanned URLs against phishing (Quishing) - Converts EPC QR codes (SEPA transfers) to 'bank://' or 'payto://' URL (useful if your banking app does not support EPC codes) - Share raw data or converted data with Airdrop - No user tracking - No analytics - No ads - No in-app purchases (voluntary donations only) - No automatic opening of links (could be enabled in settings) - Scan history optional and disabled by default - Small download size Supported code types: QR, EAN8, UPCE, Aztec, EAN13, ITF14, Code39, Code93, PDF417, Code128, DataMatrix, Code39Mod43, Interleaved2of5, Codabar, MicroQR, MicroPDF417, GS1DataBar, GS1DataBarLimited, GS1DataBarExtended
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Universal Code Scanner at 5.0 against Scan Matrix's 4.0. Universal Code Scanner also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). Scan Matrix's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads 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. Universal Code Scanner sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Scan Matrix asks for nothing beyond the download.
Universal Code Scanner holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.
Scan Matrix ships an update every 5 weeks, Universal Code Scanner every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on July 7, 2026 and August 26, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Scan Matrix | Universal Code Scanner |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.0 (1 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 71.4% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 59 MB | 3 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc | Marcus Pleintinger |
Customer experience
Scan Matrix
Universal Code Scanner
In-app purchases
Scan Matrix
No in-app purchases
Universal Code Scanner
- Small Donation$0.99
- Mid Donation$2.99
- Big Donation$5.99
Questions
Is Scan Matrix free?
Is Universal Code Scanner free?
Which has better reviews, Scan Matrix or Universal Code Scanner?
Do Scan Matrix or Universal Code Scanner have ads?
Which is updated more often, Scan Matrix or Universal Code Scanner?
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