# Code Scan vs Universal Code Scanner

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Code Scan | Universal Code Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (738 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-scan-qr-barcode-scanner/id1554812545/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-code-scanner/id1597726866/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **738** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | **77.8% of reviews** | 71.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 15 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [KURZ Digital Solutions GmbH & Co. KG](https://appshunter.io/developer/1416497893) | [Marcus Pleintinger](https://appshunter.io/developer/938374594) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Universal Code Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-code-scanner/id1597726866)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small Donation | $0.99 | one-time |
| Mid Donation | $2.99 | one-time |
| Big Donation | $5.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Code Scan free?

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

### Is Universal Code Scanner free?

Universal Code Scanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Code Scan or Universal Code Scanner?

Universal Code Scanner is rated higher. Code Scan averages 4.6 out of 5 from 738 ratings, while Universal Code Scanner averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Code Scan or Universal Code Scanner have ads?

Neither Code Scan nor Universal Code Scanner shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Code Scan or Universal Code Scanner?

Code Scan ships an update every 4 weeks, and Universal Code Scanner every 3 weeks. Most recently, Code Scan was updated on October 2, 2026 and Universal Code Scanner on September 25, 2026.

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