Code Scan vs Universal Code Scanner
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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
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 in-app purchases: Code Scan at none against Universal Code Scanner's 3. Code Scan also leads on ratings volume (738 vs 1). Universal Code Scanner's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.6) and device support (4 vs 2). On price, review sentiment, 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. Code Scan asks for nothing beyond the download.
Universal Code Scanner holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Code Scan has 738 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 78% of Code Scan's written reviews are positive against 71% of Universal Code Scanner's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
Code Scan ships an update every 4 weeks, Universal Code Scanner every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Code Scan | Universal Code Scanner |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (738 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 77.8% of reviews — better | 71.4% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 738 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 15 MB | 3 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | KURZ Digital Solutions GmbH & Co. KG | Marcus Pleintinger |
Customer experience
Code Scan
Universal Code Scanner
Bugs and 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
Universal Code Scanner
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Code Scan
No in-app purchases
Universal Code Scanner
- Small Donation$0.99
- Mid Donation$2.99
- Big Donation$5.99
Questions
Is Code Scan free?
Is Universal Code Scanner free?
Which has better reviews, Code Scan or Universal Code Scanner?
Do Code Scan or Universal Code Scanner have ads?
Which is updated more often, Code Scan or Universal Code Scanner?
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